Le Coq Rico, the chic "bistrotisserie" in Montmartre

THE TRIPLE STARRY CHIEF ANTOINE WESTERMANN

"The bistro of beautiful birds," the base line on the facade informs us. The façade is quite impeccable as it happens, and there’s also valet parking, a bar equipped with open rotisserie, and stylish table settings. This is no ordinary bistro; we're talking top-of-the-range poultry here.

The birds are first poached in an aromatic broth for two hours, then browned slowly on a spit rotisserie and served either whole or on individual plates, drizzled with a steaming, smoky jus. The skin is crispy and golden, and the meat cooked to perfection.

This is a trend that’s gaining ground: revisiting traditional cuisine and making it ecologically responsible; authentic dishes prepared with authentic products. A recipe that demands genuine, top-quality provisions.

For example: poulet de Bresse, the restaurant's signature dish, has designated AOP status, which means the chickens are raised outdoors with 10m2 space per bird. Their diet contains no corn or milk, and the birds scratch for extra food on the grassy terrain. A good Bresse chicken costs about €40 at the butcher's.