Sirus Hood: A Local's Guide To Paris

This week The DJ Cookbook talked with Sirus Hood and asked for his recommendations on where to dine, nosh and dig for records in his native City of Light, Paris. Check out his selections below!

Restaurants

Big Fernand (142 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, Neuilly sur Seine)

(Neuilly): The best burgers in town! You can feel the love through everything they serve. They revisited the American Hamburger with a Parisian touch, French cheese, and called them the “Hamburgé”. I recommend than you order the sweet potato fries with your customized hamburgé.

Le Relais de Venise “L’entecôte” (271 Boulevard Pereire, Paris)

(Porte Maillot): If you love meat, this is the place to go to. The fun part is, there’s only one choice! No menu, no reservations, and always a line of 30m outside. But it’s definitely worth the wait!

Livio (6 Rue de Longchamp, 92200 Neuilly sur Seine)

(Neuilly): This is the most amazing Italian restaurant, one of the best in Paris. It is also the restaurant where my family and I would go for birthdays. I strongly recommend the burrata and the pasta cocktail. You’ll be sure to see someone famous there. The two owners, sadly, died at the Bataclan attack in 2015. RIP

Les 4 Frères (37 Boulevard de la Villette, Paris)

This restaurant reminds me of my childhood, because of its Algerian food, barbecue, mhadjeb, felfel (for those who know), amazing couscous and Selecto soda ! I love going there, you always will eat like a king.

Au Père Lapin (10 Rue du Calvaire, Suresnes)

A great romantic restaurant where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Paris from its breathtaking terrace. Great food, great people. If you can afford to go there, you’ll have a great experience.

Le Martel (3 Rue Martel, Paris)

This restaurant is a mix of traditional North African food and traditional Parisian bistro. It’s the meeting spot for various artists.

Records Shops

Techno Import (Bastille): To be honest, this is the reference in Paris. Mazen, the owner, is great and knows his stuff like the back of his hand. This record shop has everything you’d be looking for, House, Techno, Minimal… I go there every month to refresh my collection.

16 Rue des Taillandiers, 75011 Paris

Smallville Records Paris: Great place, very comfy and you feel at home. I used to go there a lot when I was working at République, which isn’t far from there.

26 Rue du Chateau d’eau, 75010 Paris

Music Please: Slim, the owner, is one of the most passionate human’s I know. If you’re looking for rare records of any genre, it’s the place to go to. He’ll also give a second life to your Technics.

5 Rue Jean et Marie Moinon, 75010 Paris

DDD Records (Bastille): This is a record shop and French label. The owner DDD used to co-manage (with Smallville) the La Source shop. Now, this new little shop keeps the same cozy and warm vibe alive; so much so it feels like you’re in your own music studio.

12 Boulevard Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris