Chat Noir   

David Wilhelm's Chat Noir (pronounced "shaht-nwar") brings the combination of a sophisticated Parisian bistro, jazz lounge, pre- and post-dinner theater spot and late night acid jazz club to draw an eclectic and upper class South Coast Metro theater district crowd. Both the food and the decor are designed to evoke a casual Parisian brasserie feel, with warm red tones, sophisticated black accents, oversized leather booths, displayed wine cellars, cozy dining corners and fireplace. The tres California trendy and European-style exhibition kitchen adds verve to the otherwise mellow ambience. Parisians can still light up that apres-dinner Gauloise in their corner bistro, but California's smoking ban makes a covered patio with covered banquettes a SoCal necessity. Traditional French casual fare is served such as steak frites, mussels, crepes and French onion soup. For OC's jet set, there's also a more luxe menu of foie gras, caviar and delicate souffles. While the decor and food are more traditional, the Chat Noir's entertainment is more diverse. Wilhelm envisions his jazz lounge as a place to enjoy an apres-theatre cocktail or light supper in a spot reminiscent of Paris' le jazz hot age of the '20s. As baby boomers go home, Gen-Xers arrive in BMWs to casually hang out to a DJ playing the latest acid jazz and Verve remixes. If you love to live it up on the most special nights of the year, ask about the Chat's New Year's Eve dinner, as well as other go-all-out events.