First, some background. A coquotte is a special cast iron pot, known for heating evenly and helping food retain its flavor. Christian Constant is a Michelin starred chef (with three restaurants all next to each other). We had walked past his Coquottes restaurant several times already, and it didn't seem pretentious or overly priced, especially compared to his top-of-the-line restaurant next door. I had seen kids eating here as well, so it seemed like a winner to me.
Bryce enjoying the ambiance in Les Coquottes de Christian Constant
Bryce has been the tricky one to feed in Spain, but here in France it seems we can always get him something with bread and cheese, or something with vegetables (since he is a mostly-vegetarian). He ordered a minestrone soup, and a coquotte with "young vegetables". Laurel had an awesome mushroom bisque-like soup. And I ordered bass with clams, cooked in coquotte. (Actually, I think I may have initially ordered a "coquette", but after a funny look from the waiter I quickly corrected myself.)
The kids all enjoyed their meals, as did I. Laurel even sampled some of Bryce's vegetable dish. Bryce's minestrone soup actually had shrimp in it. The coquotte cooking style definitely worked for us.
Bass en Coquotte with clams
"Young Vegetable" Coquotte
Insane mushroom soup with smoked duck
Desserts were awesome too. (How can you go to Paris and not order dessert?) I ordered the namesake "Chocolate tart of Christian Constant" which was superb - it had a velvety texture, and was rich without being overbearing. The whipped cream on the side was a nice touch. Bryce got an amazing chocolate mousse (which we voted best dessert). And Laurel scored with a waffle with caramel and salt.
The "Tarte de Christian Constant"
Earlier in our trip, dessert time would almost become a free-for-all when we attempted to share, but now it seems our family has become more civilized. Before dessert arrived, we agreed on the following mechanism: take one bite, and then pass the dessert to your right. Both kids were on their best manners with this system, and everyone got to enjoy all three desserts.
In the restaurant, I noticed Christian Constant walking around (recognized by the photo on his book displayed in the restaurant). I chatted him up a bit in my still rusty French, and got him to pose for a photo with Laurel and Bryce. I'm sure he notice their impeccable table manners as well. It's their first celebrity chef photo!
Laurel, Christian Constant, and Bryce
Update: Both Bryce and I forgot our hats, which you can see on the wall behind us. I hope they are still there for us!
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