If you’re planning to dine in the 1st arrondissment, you probably have a taste for the finer things in life. On the Rue Berger, you’ll find Le Chacha Club, which offers diners the chance to feast on a luxury Italian inspired menu.
The interior is palatial, with a 1930s vibe throughout. If you want to feel like a minor royal, this is the place to do it. It is popular with Parisian jetsetters, and has an impossibly young and attractive clientele.
"With beautiful décor and a hip young clientele, Le Chacha Club is a first class lesson in decadence."
From what I could see, the clientele were desperate to prove that they’re sexually active. There was lots of intimacy going on, and I started to wonder exactly what kind of ‘desert’ was on offer here.
I started with a confit of cheese and caramelised apple, which was full of zest and personality. It delivered a culinary punch, without being too heavy. My partner went for a classic French dish – foie gras, served with apricot jam.
For my main, I chose Riviera lamb, served on potatoes vitelotte with Fourme d'Ambert, and glazed vegetables. The nuttiness of the potatoes perfectly complemented the richness of the lamb, and its tangy wine joue. The signature Chachaburger chosen by my partner gave the tired burger and fries combination a satisfyingly unique revamp.
We left La Chacha satisfied, but relieved. The experience was enjoyable, but also bewildering. It isn’t clear what the venue wants to be – the emphasis on decadence can make it feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a very different type of ‘club.’ Yet, the food was tasty, the service was impressive, and who doesn’t want to be treated like a celebrity from time to time?
The Bill: £64 per head
