The new days of disco
Ajourney through time. That’s the effect offered by Piccola Mia (4, place de la République, 11th), the new flagship address in République. This new establishment honors Italian cuisine with a selection of transalpine dishes twisted for the occasion by chef Denny Imbroisi and pizzas reinvented by Julien Serri (vice-champion of France 2018 in pizza). The originality of the place lies as much in its menu as in its interior layout across three spaces, designed by architect Michaël Malapert. Piccola Mia, which could be translated as “My Baby”, is more than just an Italian restaurant; it’s also a place to gather and party against a backdrop of disco music. Just a few steps down, and you’re trans- ported to the 1970s. Disco balls, psychedelic carpeting, and a timely playlist (Tina Charles, Donna Summer, Cerrone…) make up the merry mix of a dancing cocktail bar, whose menu was conceived by mixologist and low-alcohol preacher Matthias Giroud (co-founder of L’Alchimiste). Lately, several establishments have brought disco back into fashion. Giorgio (21-23, rue de Charonne, 11th), which opened in the summer of 2021, was one of the first restaurants to join this new glittery wave. Abundant pink, a pizza oven customized like a giant disco ball, and a retro soundtrack are the winning ingredients of this second location from the Dalmata Group (after Dalmata Pizza, 2nd district), named in homage to the iconic Giorgio Moroder, pope of Italo disco. A sub- genre of disco, this musical current was particularly cherished by our neighbors across the Alps during the 70s and 80s. Tony Esposito, Gazebo, and the sultry Sabrina with her catchy Boys, Boys, Boys once made Italy the quintessential European disco country.
These artists can also be enjoyed again at Podium – Bistrot Disco (2, rue Linois, 15th). The latest from the Bistrots Pas Parisiens, with decor designed by the famous British designer Tom Dixon, Podium takes over the former space of Eclectic, a restaurant that already celebrated the 70s. While the vintage charm was present, it was necessary to give the place a festive air. Passionate about this era, which reminds him of his child- hood, Stéphane Rotenberg, the main shareholder of Bistrots Pas Parisiens, scoured the Saint-Ouen Flea Market for trinkets and accessories unknown to the under-40s. Alongside the indispensable disco balls without which the party wouldn’t be as wild, guests discover real vintage items like old ssues of Paris Match. The energy pick sup from the second service, around 10pm, to the sound of DJ sets and live artist performances, while taste buds tingle with delight thanks to the menu imagined by three-starred chef Glenn Viel. French gastronomy clas- sics (onion soup, steak tartare, rice pudding…) are featured at a quite reasonable price (60 euros for a starter, main, and dessert menu).
Studio 54 continues to captivate imaginations
It’s hard to talk about disco without mentioning Studio 54, the legendary New York nightclub that saw many glory days from its opening in 1977 until the early next decade. A hotspot for partying where it Giorgio was chic to be seen and dance till dawn. More than forty years later, Studio 54 continues to captivate imaginations. At Bonnie (10, rue Agrippa-d’Aubigné, 4th), the most famous nightclub of the seventies serves as a reference for the decoration of the club space (brown leather sofas, furniture with rounded lines, chrome steel tables…) that is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. The atmosphere is assured with an electro-disco playlist that invites night owls to sway, before or after enjoying one of the unique signature cocktails (special mention to the Bonnie 75, made with Nouaison Gin, goji, and grapefruit, Billecart Rosé Champagne). Just across the Seine, on the Left Bank, the art of mixology is also celebrated at Grouvie, a cocktail bar located on the top floor of Brasserie des Prés (6, cour du Commerce Saint- André, 6th). Crafted by Jennifer Le Nechet, world champion mixologist in 2016, the evocatively named drinks (Blondie, Dolly Parton, Billie Jean…) are enjoyed in a room resembling a nightclub. Disco still has many bright days ahead!
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