Buddha-Bar: A Parisian Paradise
The Buddha-Bar, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris on the right bank of the River Seine, is a remarkable place with monumental proportions. The bar mezzanine, enlaced by 18th century style wrought-iron balustrades, looks out over the dining area where the gigantic Buddha – the bar's namesake - sits serenely enthroned.
The Buddha-Bar is known for its magical atmosphere and is one of the hot spots of Parisian nightlife. It has also been nominated for a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best Cocktail Lounge.
As soon as you've entered this remarkable place, you'll be enthralled by the charm of its soothing, yet exotic atmosphere. The amber-coloured lighting, rich mahogany furniture, Chinese and Japanese art objects, Khmer statues, decorated wood panels, lush reds and gold, luxurious fabrics and Portuguese mosaics all come together to create an opulent and refined décor.
Dining at the Buddha-Bar is all about surprise and magic. The Buddha-Bar offers a complete menu which offers exotic delicacies with high-class cuisine. If you walk into the restaurant expecting an ordinary Chinese menu, you will be mistaken but pleasantly surprised. Everything is new, delicious, appetizing and especially created for the restaurant. It offers a Pacific Rim menu with a perfect blend of Asian sweets and French excellence. Signature dishes include the Chicken Salad Chinese style, Tuna with sesame & Shitake Vinaigrette, Filet of Beef "Teppan Yaki" style, five spices Grilled Chicken, Peking duck with Candied Fruit.
Serving mezmerizing cocktails, such as the signature drink known as the "Prickly Pleasure", it should come as no surprise that the Buddha-Bar's head bartender was recently awarded the "Best Barman in France" honor. The bartender will soon represent France in an international professional barman contest.
The Buddha-Bar is also famous for its talented DJs, whose work is summed up brilliantly in the famous Buddha Bar compilations. The Buddha-Bar soundtrack, available in the boutique, is exotic and haunting. George V Records has designed the perfect sounds to match the restaurant's ambiance. The disc-jockey, surrounded by a dark brown wood booth, will have a global vision of the room and distill the music accordingly. The musical atmosphere is an eclectic mix of world, lounge and energy perfectly in tune with guests and surroundings.
On their way out, guests can visit the Buddha-Bar boutique where they can buy the CD compilations, branded T-shirts, candles, Buddhattitude face and body care products, tea sets, jewels, scarves, French Limoges porcelain items, incense and much more.
Vote for the cocktail lounge that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through April 30 and winners will be announced on May 1.
