JONES IS THE IDEAL SPOT FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO TRY AND LIVE THE PARISIAN FAUX BOURGEOIS LIFESTYLE, WHILE STILL KEEPING IT ROCK ’N’ ROLL. LOCATED NEAR THE VOLTAIRE SUBWAY STATION, JONES COMES COMPLETE WITH A MARBLE BAR, STRIPPED-BARE WALLS AND VINTAGE PENDANT LAMPS.
But while the light may be subdued, the sound reaches an unexpected intensity. Master chefs Florent Ciccoli and Harry Vidler are in charge of the classy yet rustic dishes served here. Try raw mullet in miso sauce with orange and fennel, butternut squash roasted to perfection and sprinkled with pecorino, or wagyu beef – all finished off with melt-in-the-mouth roasted peach accompanied by sesame ice cream and caramel. To help wash it down, Jess Hodge, Jones’ young but brilliant sommelier, presents an incredible natural-wine selection, such as a Loire red from Les Tètes or an orange wine from Domaine Riberach in the Languedoc.
Jones’ main strength lies in its close relationships with reputable local producers, as well as its terroir spirit. Bread, butter, cheeses and charcuterie are carefully sourced from Annie Bertin of Terroirs d’Avenir and La Ruchotte. The food may be prepared and presented raw, pickled, smoked or barbecued, but the integrity of the base ingredient still shines through, perfectly reflecting the epicurean spirit of the 11th arrondissement. Frequented by producers from experimental French music labels such as Gravats or Collapsing Market, you can also expect plenty of youthful east Paris attitude.