BARS & RESTAURANTS > Black Calvados @ Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie

Black Calvados is one the hippest restaurants in Paris. It is partly owned by former Soundgarden, current Audioslave lead singer Chris Cornell. The upstairs restaurant offers a 'new american' cuisine and a fashion/rocker/model clientele. The downstairs bar may be the coolest bar I've ever been to (and I've visited more than 1000 bars around the world!). Chrome and neon only, supercool music blasting from the speakers, you feel like you are in a Daft Punk video. There is no real entrance, just a black box outside, where you have to knock or wait for a doorman to peek out. It is a private club, so it is not easy to get in, however. [BONGORAMA TIP: Ask for Francois, the polio-stricken, gentle Paris schmoozer, be well-mannered, and he just might let you in. If Francois is not there, tell the doorman you know Nick and hope he is not there, unless you DO know him! Otherwise, send a formel request via e-mail, see link above.]

UPDATE: If you drive, they offer valet parking.