The Standard

Two notable and newish spots in London and Paris via the trans-atlantic cultural cable

Nostalgic Drinking: The Scotch of St. James, London

Located on a discreet yard off a tiny street in Mayfair hides the legendary rock and roll haunt The Scotch of St. James. The club, which put much of the swing in the swinging 60s – Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, Eric Burdon, Ronnie Wood, and The Moody Blues were all about – has seen many incarnations over the decades, each somewhat less thrilling than the next. That is until this year when it reopened as a posh new watering hole and music venue where the likes of HRH Princess Beatrice and lesser titled hipsters wearing howler hats and red trousers sip 14 pound cocktails while dancing on a colorfully lit dance floor.

1. 13 Masons Yard
2. Westminster
3. London SW1

Roast Chicken Heaven: Le Coq Rico, Paris

Perched on Montmartre across from Moulin de la Galette sits Le Coq Rico, a new French bistro, and testament to la cuisine française contemporaine. White oak walls and shiny black surfaces create a sleek but warm, almost beachy atmosphere. The bar area provides first row viewing of the prep line and open flame spit. The menu is devoted to les belles voilailles, offering up chickens, hens, guinea fowls, ducks, pigeons and the occasional fish. You can choose where your spit roasted chicken comes from: Bresse, Touraine, or Challan. The fried egg and chicken terrine are utter perfection.