If you do just 3 things this month
If you only get around to checking out a few things this month, here’s why these 3 should be high up on your list.
There’s a new donna in town
Ok, so not sure where the donna comes in, because it’s helmed by a cast of men, none of whom are Italian. Nevertheless, it’s worth sitting yourself on a high stool to dig into Masahide “Masa” Ikuta’s fresh cooking. Marc Le Berre (wine aficionado and owner of a couple of bars) and his associates have tapped the Japanese chef for this new laid-back spot. Sit at the circular bar below a skirt of veils hanging from the ceiling, and watch Masa nonchalantly throw ingredients in pots and pans, that come out as silky pasta doused in tangy lobster bisque and topped with a fleshy unshelled claw ready for you to dig into, or superb veal and tuna served ceviche style with raspberries and lashings of stracciatella. Wash down whatever you order with a glass or two of Marc’s natural wines. There’s also a sleek upstairs nook for a good dozen friends that feels like you’ve swapped your living room for a moodily lit Berlin loft. Keep your eyes peeled for Marc and Masa’s posh new restaurant opening this year. donna-paris.com
Hanging onto the holidays
If you’re having trouble letting go of vacay vibes, then get yourself to the new floating photography museum Quai de la Photo by the team at Fluctuart. Until 24th November, photography legend Martin Parr’s snaps of over-touristed beaches will keep your yearnings at bay. quaidelaphoto.fr Adrenaline junkies who don’t particularly enjoy lazing about on a beach, this is for you. Am I wrong in thinking that we all have a weird fascination with sharks? If you’re on team Jaws, then this three-day festival (15-17 September) all about our toothy friends is right up your street with films, conferences and experts who’ve come together to geek out. parissharkweek.com
La Créole nights are back
Here’s one date you’ve got to put in your diary if you’re one to party into the (very, very) early hours. La Créole nights are back on Friday 8th September at La Machine (the nightclub in the belly of the Moulin Rouge), with an absolute scorcher of a line-up. I’m most looking forward to seeing GREG, a young resident Rinse radio DJ from Mauritius (love that he’s from the same teeny tiny far flung exotic island as my father - had to mention obviously) setting dance floors on fire everywhere, including at Boiler Room events and a Virgil Abloh (RIP) party. And tickets are amazing value at under 18 euros. Dicefm.com