I don't make coq au vin nearly enough. Last night I went out to dinner, an unplanned outing,

H

heather_in_sf

Well-known member
to a little french bistro near my office called Cafe Bastille.

They had a prix fixe for $39, so I had French onion soup, coq au vin, and my friend had their bourgignon of beef. She had chocolate mousse and they made me a plate of strawberries and raspberries with chocolate sauce drizzle and whipped cream.

The coq au vin had 1/2 a chicken in parts in a large bowl swimming with rich sauce, the mushrooms were quartered and tasted richly of butter.The baby carrots were also quartered and crisp/tender. There were large lardons in the bottom of the bowl like happy nuggets of love. I asked for mashed potatoes as they normally serve it with fresh fettucini. I'm having the leftovers now for a work brunch.

Swoooooon...

 
This was my very first meal at a Pittsburgh french restaurant. I actually thought

I was ordering Coquille St. Jacques so...surprise! when chicken showed up instead of seafood. Even though my brain obviously stopped after seeing COQ, I was very content with the tasty mistake.

Obviously, my French...c'est chiant.

 
Your descriptions / adjectives just put me in my happy place! What a wonderful bistro find! For

$39.00; I'd be there weekly for take out and spread the wealth for the week! We used to have a wonderful spot like yours, that served a version of Joe's Cassoulet... Sadly, in 2008, they closed. BUT, I still remember to this day their cassoulet! Never tried their coq au vin.

Speaking of Joe's Cassoulet, I couldn't find the rec doing the search. It was one of my recipes that made me smile, knowing it was enjoyed, at the same time, knowing I'd never have the ability to do it!! (My Hero!!)

 
Classic French is classic for a reason...why the need to consider it passé and

"old-fashioned" is beyond me.

Which reminds me, I'll post the house Coq au Vin. It is quite good.

 
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