Paris Adventures | KONG

Two similar things that bring me great joy in this world are movie/TV show quotes and seeing things in real life that I saw in such mediums.  I’m really bad at a lot of things but where I do shine (in a talent that does nothing to better my life), is in my ability to recall – most of the time in a verbatim capacity- lines and scenes. With the precision and skill of a heart surgeon saving a life, I can tell you the exact inflection a character used when they uttered their script, what was said following it and inform you of nuances such as if “next” or “then” was used. What can I say? It’s a stupid, useless talent that I’ve always been pretty darn good at.

So let’s get into why I’m telling you this mindless drivel. That’s because when we were in Paris, I used all these special skills and desires to guide two kicking and screaming men into the restaurant where the opening scene of the “Sex and the City” series finale was filmed which was surprisingly only about a 15-minute walk from our flat. Perhaps it was the anticipation of watching the LAST EPISODE EVER or just the daydreaming about what life in Paris was like as I watched Carrie turn into a lady who lunches with her manfriend’s ex-wife [first part of scene HERE], but I definitely instantly took note of its aesthetics. Ghost chairs adorned with done-up model faces. Traditional walls replaced with one transparent, decadent cave of glass. And a thriving spot where many sat and enjoyed wine and cigarettes (though, the latter is never of interest to me) amongst the hubbub. What was this place?

Well I can now tell you it is called KONG and it was just as gorgeous and dreamy as it looked on your flat screen. And in the spirit of full discretion, the boys had no issue stopping here either. After all, Paris is about roaming and stopping at cafes and we had done 1,000 of them by this point. Why not switch it up and do the mandatory satiating at a less traditional Parisian location?

^iPhone snaps compliments of the waiter

^"They're hideous. Hideous."

As we settled into the KONG vibe, I was able to figure out a bit more about its personality not evident from its silver screen debut. It’s an Asian-Fusion restaurant which has more than one floor. The traditional bar is downstairs and this room is the upscale restaurant. The waitresses are insanely gorgeous. We had snacked on bread and cheese prior to our arrival but we figured it was vital to nosh on something alongside our wine.

^Fresh foie gras terrine & toasts ordered by Jay & his bro. When I asked what ‘foie gras’ was, they stated “honestly, you probably don’t want to know”. Okay then.

^Edamame for my order

^Bread and a light jelly

^Don't whine, just wine

^Happy eaters

One of the coolest things about being there was seeing that the SATC production company did virtually nothing to change the interior for the show. I know it had always been important to them to depict NYC spots as they are and clearly they made no exception across the pond. 

^Only pic of all 3 of us here (and it's from my phone, dangit!)

The view outside was the right one (see the LV that’s behind Carrie in the video?), the chairs adorn the same “hideous” face and the paint color is as vibrant green as it was in the opening credits. This wasn’t a contrived Paris spot, this was Paris in all her glory.

I could have spent much more time there but we had things to do and places to see. But I’m supremely glad I went. After a week of so many traditional attractions, this contemporary one was a little close to my heart as a movie/show stalker.

^Blooper reel.

And in all honesty, had this place never been on television, I still would recommend it. Just a fabulous vibe in the city of lights, no matter what Aleksandr Petrovsky’s ex says about it now.

^I'll be back someday to see you again, KONG.

KONG is located at 1 Rue du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris, France.

 

Have you ever sought out somewhere you've seen on screen?

| other Paris posts can be found here |