PARIS, Jul 8, 2006/ FW/ --- Located on the top floor of the Kenzo store location at Rue du Pont Neuf in Paris, Kong is a true convergence of East and West influences with modern twists making it the embodiment of hip and cool.

The glass elevator ride alone, which gives you a bird’s eye-view of the Kenzo store, is an experience in itself. Though glass elevators are used in many places, seeing the serene world of Kenzo, though it might be fleeting actually whets your appetite to go shopping!

But, it was a Friday night when my two French best friends and I visited Kong, so shopping was out of the question simply because the store was already closed. But, my disappointment easily turned to delight when we reached the 4th floor and greeted by the receptionist who immediately got us a waiter to show us to our seats.

The restaurant has two levels, the first level (4th floor) is actually the bar area. Though it was early in relative terms for Friday night (it was about 9:00 in the evening), the place was already full.

We did not have reservations (it was decided last minute after attending the Chambre Syndicale party to go out for dinner); so, the waiter led us to the bar so that he can get a table for us.

Service was quick. The moment we sat down, the bartender was there to ask for our order. And even before he can finish serving us our drinks, the waiter was back telling us that our table was ready! That’s what you call service no matter what side of the Atlantic you are in.

The restaurant itself was at the top floor. Built with a glass roof, it provides a great view of the Paris skyline. Booths occupy the ‘window’ area, and of course, tables on the middle. Both of them have advantages and truly, it is hard to decide which is the best table in the house because everywhere you sit, there is a good view.

The stark modernity provided by the glass roof is softened by drawings ‘anime style’ of Japanese men and women wearing their traditional costumes. The ‘anime’ and cartoon style illustrations blend well with the environment, fusing seamlessly with the contemporary atmosphere.

It’s hip, it’s cool, it’s dope, as U.S. teens today will say when they describe this place. And from the crowd, Kong is definitely attracting the avant-gardes. From fashion editors who are attending the season, to fashion designers from all over the world that showed this collection this season, to the twenty-something and thirty-something Parisians, the clientele of Kong is an eclectic mix of the world’s beautiful people.

And though the atmosphere of the place can already draw people in droves, the food makes you want to come back!