Curate provides food for body and soul in red light district of Paris

Squeezed between X-rated cinemas and specialty shops is le Bistrot du Cure

May 21, 2000
Web posted at: 11:32 p.m. EDT (0332 GMT)

In this story: 'Our purpose ... is to save' 'It's civilized ...' RELATED STORIES, SITES

From Paris Bureau Chief Peter Humi

PARIS (CNN) -- Tucked away among the sex shops, strip clubs and cheap hotels of Pigalle, the red light district of Paris, is an establishment doing brisk business -- and it's run by the Catholic Church.

Father Dominique Rey goes to work past X-rated cinemas, specialty shops and streetwalkers. Squeezed between the more exotic shop fronts is le Bistrot du Cure, or Curate's Bistro.

The curate is, of course, Father Dominique. He has been in charge at the restaurant for five years.

"It's very important now for the church to have places like this," Father Dominique said, "to contact people who don't go to church."

The inexpensive, set menu, at 69 francs -- less than $10 -- for three courses attracts business. So too, perhaps, does the statue of the Virgin and Child in the bistro's window.

Sometimes customers include those working in the local sex trade, but mainly they are out-of-towners.

"Our purpose is not to convert, but to save," Father Dominique said. "The first time, we receive people with a large smile and explain the purpose of the restaurant."

The purpose is a missionary one, but the staff of volunteer church workers does not force-feed clients with religion.

Up a flight of narrow stairs there's a tiny chapel offering an opportunity to pray

Most diners come for the family cooking, the convivial atmosphere and Father Dominique's unique hospitality.

Each menu provides spiritual food as well as details of the chef's special. A copy of the prayer to St. Francis takes up one full page inside.

Up a narrow flight of stairs are a tiny chapel and an opportunity to pray in relative peace.

Marie Line Gouthiere, a diner, says, "I live in a suburb that's filled with hate. I'm happy to come here. It's civilized, and I love the human contact."

A bigger flock now awaits Father Dominique. He has just been appointed Bishop of Toulon, in southern France.

Who knows, he says, maybe it is time for a "Bishop's Bistro."

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