How Davé Became a Celebrity Magnet in Paris’ Dining Scene

The Parisian restaurant Davé, located on Rue Saint-Roch in the 1st Arrondissement, has long been a haven for celebrities and influential figures from various fields. Over its 36-year history, the establishment became a unique cultural landmark, where the walls adorned with Polaroid photographs of esteemed guests served as a testament to its star-studded clientele. The restaurant was more than a dining spot; it was a social hub where famous personalities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Moss, and David Lynch, felt at home.

Tai “Davé” Cheung, the founder and owner, began capturing these moments in the early 1980s. Inspired by icons like Andy Warhol, he purchased a Polaroid camera in 1982, the same year he opened Davé. The restaurant quickly attracted a diverse array of patrons, including notable figures such as photographer Helmut Newton and Vogue’s Grace Coddington. Its intimate atmosphere contributed to a sense of privacy that encouraged celebrities to return frequently.

The Atmosphere That Attracted the Stars

The ambiance at Davé was carefully curated by Cheung, who designed the seating arrangements to foster conversation and connection. The dim lighting, complemented by the glow of a tropical fish tank, created a cozy environment that made it easy for guests to relax. According to Cheung, “A party always felt like a kind of family gathering, something intimate.” This inviting atmosphere was crucial in establishing Davé as the go-to destination for those in the fashion, film, art, literature, and music industries.

The restaurant’s proximity to Jardin des Tuileries, a key location for Paris Fashion Week, further solidified its status among editors, stylists, and models. In a 1998 article for The New York Times, journalist Dana Thomas remarked on the significance of the restaurant, noting, “You can gauge who’s in and who’s out simply by what happens when he or she walks into Davé.”

As the years progressed, Cheung’s Polaroid collection grew, and he began to understand the cultural value of these images. “I wanted to preserve the beauty and joy of those moments,” he explained. The photographs became treasured artifacts, with many guests eager to see the results immediately, as the Polaroid format allowed for instant gratification.

A New Book Celebrating the Legacy of Davé

Now, a new book titled A Night at Davé, co-authored by writers Charles Morin and Boris Bergmann, highlights the restaurant’s rich history. Released by IDEA Publishing, the book features 115 pages filled with photographs, doodles, and postcards from guests who frequented the establishment. The foreword is penned by Sofia Coppola, who reminisced about her experiences at the restaurant, recalling a New Year’s Eve when her father, Francis Ford Coppola, booked the entire venue.

Cheung’s reflections while compiling the book reveal a deep appreciation for the connections he made over the years. “I didn’t feel sadness, nostalgia, or regret… I loved learning from people, diving into their worlds,” he stated. He expressed excitement about revisiting his archives and cherishing the memories captured in the Polaroids.

Despite closing its doors seven years ago, Davé’s legacy as a celebrated culinary and social hotspot endures, solidifying its place in the annals of Parisian history. As Cheung continues to celebrate the moments captured through his lens, the restaurant’s influence on the cultural landscape remains unmistakable.