Bang Bang

Bang bang! Who’s there? Mads Christensen (ex-Chardon) and Carlos Peñarredonda (ex-Candelaria), who hail from Denmark and Colombia respectively, and who are setting off culinary fireworks in the Belleville neighborhood in Paris! The two chefs are a good fit for one another in their colorful spot (a lime green bar, azure blue tiling, orange neon lights), where chipotle, jalapeños and other spicy things find their way onto the barbecue and the explosively flavorful menu. Our taste buds were in for a wild ride the night we went: a decadent cheddar and pimiento verde croqueta tempered by a lovely ginger mango chutney; mouthwatering julienned green papaya salad with plenty of herbs, peanuts and crispy tofu; a spicy steak tartare with shiso, mustard seeds and toasted rice powder; chicken marinated in BBQ spices that could have used a little sauce, paired with rice sprinkled with schichimi (seven Japanese spices) that was more convincing; and to end the meal with a dessert à la carte, there was a striking banana split made with plantains, coconut crumble and buttermilk ice cream… Incredible! // Nour Ghanem

FEELING THIRSTY? Natural wines without borders, served by the bottle and the glass: a Sylvaner from Ruhlmann-Dirringer (€5 a glass), a Chianti from La Cooperativa La Ginestra (€5), a sparkling Sicilian wine from Porta del Vento (€6)… Otherwise, there are craft beers brewed in the neighborhood by Bap Bap (€5-8 for 330 ml), spicy cocktails (€9) and even Del Maguey mezcal (€5-6 for 20 ml). 
PRICE: Appetizers €7-10, mains €11-28, dessert €9.