4 PAT
| Address | 4 rue Saint Merri; 75004 Paris by rue du Temple |
|---|---|
| Neighbourhood | 4th Arrondissement – Le Marais | See on map |
| Metro | Hôtel de Ville [M1, M11], Rambuteau [M11] |
| Telephone | +33 1 42 77 25 45 |
| Website | http://www.restaurant-4pat.com/ |
| Price | EUR 20-30. Brunch EUR 15. |
| Hours | Mon-Sun 12-02 (closed between 16-18 in summer) |
Paris has a reputation for sophistication and chic, especially for dining. But if you prefer twinkling ceiling lights and the sound of disco stars to the Michelin variety, then head down to 4 Pat which puts the gay in gay restaurant – supersized! It’s loud and it’s very proud!
The decor is all white walls washed over with a pink purple light and fairy lights flickering overhead. The effect is a Santa’s disco grotto for all seasons with a clientele that isn’t shrinking violet but screaming pink, and that includes the lady friends of the gay boys.
Staff swish between the tables and add their dose of camp to a menu – a selection of bruschettas, salads and hearty pasta dishes – which is awash with double entendre. The very name of the place sets the tone – 4 Pat is French for All Fours – so tuck into a Chou-clito, the house special dessert, which translates as a ‘clitoris pastry’, stuffed with banana plus lashings of innuendo. Sure, good taste isn’t always evident but the food actually passes muster.
Sophisti-fags will run a mile from this ribald hostelry but on the right night, with the right crowd, this is a good natured high camp lift-off for a night on the tiles. For the more hardened party crowd you can even brunch at the weekend.
