Le Pigalle (not to be confused with Maison Pigalle on the other side of boulevard de Clichy) boasts big sofas for drinks and dinner or rooms for the night. This elegant hotel and restaurant fits neatly into the neighbourhood, and we’re welcomed as friends by a hoard of trainer-wearing waiters.
Vases, books, vinyls and a handful of audio headsets pinned to the wall give off the distinct feeling we might be in our own living room – except it's much classier of course. With six different rooms spread over several floors, Le Pigalle leaves no detail of the décor to chance. The smoking room has a cinematic feel to it, complete with a jukebox and shiny red lips-shaped sofa.
The plates – like the walls – scream Pigalle. Much of the menu is sourced locally, with the bread list provided by Thierry Breton on rue Belzunce and the tarts from star pâtissier Sébastien Gaudard on rue des Martyrs. Open to the public since November 2015, le Pigalle is founded upon collaborations. The motley crew includes the gourmet Camille Fourmont of La Buvette, musicologist Victor Kiswell and cocktails from mixologist Michael Mas of Le Mary Celeste. So drinks are suitably delicious – go for the 'Fonds de Culotte', a refreshing take on a kir with crème de cassis, Salers, white wine and Perrier. Ranging from €11 to €14, they’re well-priced considering how strong they are.
The tapas dinner menu is just as attractive: smoked scallops and lemon, dried duck breast with raspberry butter, lemon verbena panna cotta..we opt for the burrata, which comes lusciously creamy and dotted with preserved lemon, thyme flowers and a drizzle of fragrant olive oil (€18). And since the night is only just beginning, we top it off with a black coffee for the humble price of €1…it is Pigalle, after all.
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE