April 29, 2018 New York USA Americas

Le Coucou at 11 Howard Hotel; French Class and Perfection
Non-smokers friendly
Fine Dining

Phone Number: +1 212-271-4252

Address: 138 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013, USA ( 07:00AM - 10:00PM)

Website: http://www.lecoucou.com

Price Range: 40-70 $

RATING:94/100

Welcoming: 4/5

Food Temperature: 9/10

Ambiance / Music: 10/10

Menu Choice: 5/5

Food Taste: 28/30

Architecture / Interior: 10/10

Food presentation: 9/10

Service: 10/10

Value for money: 9/10

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I didn’t know what to expect, a French name for a restaurant is it a brasserie or a bistro, I opened the door, looked up and... I stopped in awe! A magnificent decor made with class and style, French finesse in a minimalistic decor inspired by the French revolution with touches of subtle modernism. No Music, calm and simplicity, a refined style oozing positivity. I rarely felt so amazed and was so excited to try the food.

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Pass the arcade, walk inside and start appreciating the little details. Perfectly set and ironed white tablecloth, a complete set of silverware, a fresh rose to decorate the heart of the table, a cup of sugar cubes... a wooden floor, old-style chairs and the big impressive chandeliers which decorate the space. Keep going, reach the other room where a wide open kitchen enchants the place with its sizzling sounds.

A French feel, a French menu and the French savoir-faire continues. On the menu you can find a selection of unconventional plates, like the chicken, the beef or the salmon with eggs any-style. Bagels and croissants are also available. A gentleman, a professional waiter approached me for the order; “how are you sir” he asks with a refined English accent. Using the finest of words, he proposed a black coffee, poured water and suggested the French press. Another lady followed for the food order.

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French press served in a big jug, a young lady serves it at the table and leaves the rest by your side to refill. I was happy, enjoying the moment, relaxing while feeling the excitement. A new plate, a new set of cutlery, a new table set up -depending on the order-... the perfection in every detail makes this place unique. While excitement was building up, I enjoyed coffee, a fine coffee different from the watery American ones.

A thick slice of French bread, a bed of ripe avocados and two poached eggs on top served with a side of salad. Authentic French bread with a tender heart and a thick crunchy border comes with a mix of avocado prepared with spices and a hint of lemon. The eggs, on top, are so light that their eggs yolk flows like a river in a valley. Why not have a piece of beef for breakfast so I ordered it with two sunny side up eggs; a chunk of meat hand-cut by the butcher comes with herb butter on top next to two eggs. Seasoned and peppered, the mix is tasty without being complicated. 

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Water was added and the waiter approached my table: “even though you won’t need it”... depositing a Peugeot pepper mill on the table and a side of sea-salt.

All I asked for is bread, simply bread! The waiter added it on his tablet, requested it from the kitchen and then bread arrived. A basket of warm and crunchy bread with a side of butter and a jar of “Bonne Maman” jam. Even bread, simply bread has a ritual; exquisite French baguette a-la-Francaise. Dip it in egg yolk or swipe the leftovers off your plate... I couldn’t stop eating! Then came the last bite, a spread of butter, a sprinkle of salt and “crunch”; a yummy moment.

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One more thing was yet to come, the croissant or pain au chocolat, pure butter filled with lines of chocolate. It’s good enough.

Minutes passed, a plate landed in front of me; What is this?... a casserole in which a giant pancake is cooked with a decoration of crème fraîche and blueberries. Pancakes, yes pancakes, cooked in a pan and not staked like everyone does it. A thick moist pancake like a cookie dough covered with a layer of caramelized brown sugar adding an enjoyable crunch, warm blueberries exploding their acidity in the mouth and a thick crème fraîche for a refined end note of pleasure. Not your usual pancake, not like any I’ve had before, innovative and refined at the same time, an eye candy plate I would never forget.

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I enjoyed my experience so much that I couldn’t stop writing, hoping to have shared my excitement, the way I felt it that morning.

Suitable For: Fine Dining

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