Complementary bar snacks? In this economy? It’s true: During recent visits to Petite Boheme—a new, French-inspired cocktail bar from Esther’s Kitchen founder James Trees and managing partner Keith Bracewell—our every round was accompanied by a dish of salt-and-vinegar almonds (or cashews), cubes of fresh watermelon or some nice, briny olives. It’s just one of the many ways that this little bohemian bar, hidden behind Trees’ soon-to-open French restaurant Bar Boheme, resets Vegas hospitality to what it should be. No: to what it always should have been.
The cocktails, mostly priced at $16, are expertly made and bodacious in flavor. Try the Metro de Paris, a rum-based beverage with Amontillado sherry wine and a bit of Nocino, a bittersweet walnut liqueur. Or the wonderful Madame Souza, an anise-forward gin drink with Herbsaint and Fontbonne. Or the J’accuse, a great cold weather tipple of bonded apple brandy, amaro and absinthe; its Reels-friendly preparation involves the bartender setting the glass aflame and pouring the cold drink into it.
We’re still working our way through the drink menu, and happy to be so. Coming to Petite Boheme is a real pleasure. Its tucked-away location, Banksy and Basquiat-inspired murals and chain fence that’s beginning fill with relationship padlocks makes one feel like they’ve stumbled onto something rare. That’s because you have, and hopefully, it’ll inspire others to do better.
PETITE BOHEME 1407 S. Main Street, petiteboheme-lv.com. Daily, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
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