Saturday, April 30, 2011

Paris Fabulous Finds: Going Out!

Going out.  
While most of our time was spent at café’s and wine bars, which I encourage anyone to do as much as possible.  We hit up a few funky spots that you may want to check out as well.
Favela Chic - this Brazilian bar/restaurant kicks into high gear around 11 pm or so.  It is a perfect place to let loose and get your booty shaking.  Playing samba, salsa, and more it is impossible not to shake your booty just a little bit.
La Pachange or Le Balajo for some excellent salsa dancing.  Just watch out, the Parisians LOVE, I mean LOVE to spin.  The only problem is they aren’t very controlled when they are doing it so be prepared to catch an elbow or two in your face while on the dance floor.  I think my little toes got smashed as well.
L’IVRESS MY PICK!  This little wine bar was just up the street from us in 2nd arrondismant.  Throughout our six weeks in Paris this became one of our favorite spots.  The wine choices are awesome and if you don’t know what you want the staff will be sure to help you out.  If you don’t have time to sit and enjoy the wine, no worries, they sell bottles plus some awesome food products.  Don’t miss out on this fabulous find.
Le Pin Up.  This place specializes in champagne cocktails – a Parisian fav (something that I still find questionable – mixing champagne and hard liquor).  The crowd can be a bit snooty it is worth a visit.  If you come after 11 pm the downstairs den opens up for dancing.  Just make sure you love house music.
l’Experimental Cocktail Club.  We went here for cocktails late one evening before dinner.

Observation: this place might be trying a little too hard and the crowd can be a bit pretentious on the weekend (or maybe I am a jaded New Yorker who is tired with this concept). Nonetheless, the bartenders, or excuse me the mixologists are mixing up some excellent concoctions, just be prepared to pay a little more than some other bars. 

TRAVEL TIP:  Go during the week.  During the weekend they have a goon standing at the front door to select who can come in.  It’s yet another stretch to try to make this place seem hipper than it is.
Queen or Cab whether clubbing or people watching is your thing; these two places will not disappoint you...  Queen is an interesting place full of expiates and locals.  Check the night you want to go as different nights have different themes from drag queen, gay night, to star spotting and more.  Cab is full on club and can get pumping on Sunday evenings.
Comedy – Check out How to Become Parisian in One Hour.  It is one Parisians guy perspective on how Parisians live.  He offers tips and advice to foreigners on how they too can become Parisian.  It’s about an hour long.  (If you plan to go just make sure to check that the show isn’t on tour).

No comments:

Post a Comment