For 36 years, Davé was more than just a restaurant—it was a phenomenon. Nestled on Rue Saint-Roch in Paris, this cozy Chinese eatery became a favorite haunt for celebrities, transforming into a vibrant tableau of creativity and glamour. The walls adorned with Polaroids of famous visitors were not mere decoration, but an intimate gallery of shared memories.
Celebrities, Cuisine, and Charisma
The allure of Davé lay not only in its tantalizing Chinese delicacies but also in its unique ability to attract a dazzling clientele. From Madonna to Kate Moss, and from Tom Ford to Kim Kardashian, the restaurant was a magnet for any big name in film, fashion, and art. Its owner, Tai “Davé” Cheung, had a knack for making these luminaries feel at home, creating an environment where they could let their guard down and relish the company as much as the cuisine.
The Magic of Polaroids
The heart and soul of Davé were encapsulated in its extensive collection of Polaroid photographs. Inspired by Andy Warhol, Davé began capturing snap moments of his distinguished guests as a spontaneous way to preserve the joyful memories. These snapshots, often of guests in unguarded moments, quickly transformed into cherished mementos. Guests saw their images manifest instantly, each becoming a part of the illustrious tapestry that Davé curated over the years. According to CNN, these Polaroids encapsulated a world where privacy met celebrity in an unexpectedly charming balance.
A Peek Behind the Curtain
In the intimate and warm atmosphere, much like a family gathering, Davé created a discreet sanctuary for the rich and famous. Elegant seating arrangements and dim lighting encouraged A-listers to return time and again, enjoying the surreal normalcy and solace that came with being surrounded by fellow creatives. Sofia Coppola insightfully notes in the foreword of the new book “A Night at Davé,” the restaurant felt like “a kind of family gathering, something intimate,” adding personal touches to an exceptional dining experience.
A Legacy Continued
Though the restaurant closed in 2016, the essence of Davé lives on through a new book celebrating its unforgettable legacy. As the pages unfold, filled with pictures, doodles, and heartfelt notes from guests, the spirit of togetherness and artistry that defined Davé is vividly immortalized. For the man behind the magic, compiling the book, “A Night at Davé” was not an exercise in nostalgia. Rather, it was a joyful exploration into a treasure trove of memories and connections forged over decades in the heart of Paris.
In the eyes of its patrons, Davé was not just a dinner spot; it was a slice of history, an emblem of creativity, and an indelible part of the Parisian cultural tapestry. Today, we reminisce not only on the photographs left behind but also the celebrated moments that, when pieced together, tell a tale of glamour, artistry, and genuine connection across borders and professions.