Rebel
For the launch of our unisex category, Aroz Stories introduces you to Léopaul and Paul-Antoine aka Léo and Polo, co-managers of the ultra atypical wine bar : REBEL.
28 May,2021
"We have travelled a lot, both of us during the first three years that we knew each other : Copenhague, Barcelona, Slovenia, London... It broadened our view of the catering industry world and built our inspiration."
- AROZ. Could you introduce yourself in a few words ?
Polo. I'm Paul-Antoine Bertin, manager of the ÖTAP restaurant, the Grain bakery in Ixelles and the co-manager of the REBEL wine bar with Léo.
Léo. Léopaul Robert, as Polo said, I found the REBEL wine bar with him.
- AROZ. How did you meet ? And how did you come to this partnership ?
Léo. I was a student at the time and needed money. With the help of some contacts, I got a student job as soon as OTÄP opened, for Polo's first project. We got along very well and I discovered the world of wine there. I became a sommelier and 2 and a half years later we decided to open a place that suited both of us : REBEL
- AROZ. Where does your inspiration for REBEL comes from ?
P&L. We have travelled a lot, both of us, during the first three years we've known each other : Copenhague, Barcelona, Slovenia, London... It broadened our view of the catering industry and built our inspiration. Everything came quite naturally in the end. Naomi, the chef at REBEL since the beginning, plays a huge part in the place's success. She is super talented and ultra creative. Customers go crazy for her dishes.
- AROZ. What are your plans for 2021 ?
P&L. We were really unlucky with the timing of Rebel's opening. Two and half months after opening, the first lockdown came. We were lucky to survive both lockdowns. For now, we focus on reopening. But we can't stay still, so other projects will come soon!
- AROZ. What is, in your opinion, the best food pairing ?
Léo. I don't think there is only one. But the simplest and most effective is slightly saline white wine with oysters.
- AROZ. What do you think about jewelry for men ? What does jewelry represent to you ?
P&L. In our opinion, jewelry has the same role for men and for women. Everyone is free to wear what they want! When you're used to wearing jewelry, you feel naked without them. We weren't used to it, but sine we wear them, it's hard to part with them.
- AROZ. would you describe Aroz Jewelry, in three words ?
P&L. Elegant, discrete and inspiring.
- AROZ. What are your favorite pieces from Aroz Jewelry ?
Polo. My favorite pieces are the Elvis chain and bracelet, the Wilson ring and the Dean bracelet.
Léo. For me it's the Rectangular medallion. I also like the Bahia chain and Roma bracelet.
- AROZ. What is you mantra ?
P&L. There isn't really one mantra for us, it's basically war cries, and they change every two days [laughs].
