“Either the best meat or no meat at all.”
— Chef Antoine Westermann

With that simple motto, the terrific restaurant Le Coq Rico was born in 2012 in the Montmartre district of Paris.

Le Coq Rico sits on top of a hill, rue Lepic, just a few steps from the Sacré–Cœur basilica. The classic building where it sits is under exterior renovation, so the outside isn’t as impressive as you may want, but the neighborhood more than makes up for it!

You remember, I saw a police action there in May!

The restaurant is just steps away from Sacre Couer, as you begin to head back down the hill to central Paris, and on my walk I came across a wall that speaks to what makes this neighborhood so unique:

Yes, Salvador Dali is just one of the many unique works of art that pop up in this area.

But I was here for chicken, so let go inside!

I was lucky enough to snag a seat at the counter, located directly in front of the kitchen – and the chickens!

That’s right, I was in the heat of the action: watching Chickens roast while the expert staff carved up their country in front of me…perhaps a bit concerned by may picture taking, as you can see here:

HA!

Well, it was time to check out the menu, which states they only use heritage breeds – traditional poultry breeds raised by their forefathers before industrial farming.

They are proud to note:

“When an animal lives the life it deserves, it gives back in the quality of their meat.”

Before my chicken, I had to check out their EGG menu as well, which is also acclaimed!

I wanted all of them, but knowing I’d never be able to eat them all, I chose the “Deviled Eggs” with eh tuna filet, which arrives looking spectacular:

Three stuffed half eggs sitting atop cache, with slender filet of tuna wedged in between them…delicious.

I ordered the Challan Chicken, roasted on the spit right in front of me:

Sitting at the counter, I could feel the heat of from the roaster as I watched my chicken cook…then they put them into a pan for carving and serving like this:

As I said, I ordered Roast Chicken with a side of Macaroni Gratin and here is how it was served:

The chicken ws beautifully roasted, with extra juices on the plate, and a crispy skin that gave way to a bite of beautifully brined-then-roasted bird…

Speaking of crispy, the macaroni had just enough breadcrumb and cheese on top to give it a bite, but gave way to a rich, luxurious gratin that was creamy and smooth…

A lightly dressed butter lettuce salad came as well – a terrific meal that was filling, delicious and reasonable!

Bravo to the entire team!

From left to right
Sebastian Maheu, Floor Manager
Clément Vincent, Executive Chef
Chef Antoine Westermann, Chef/Owner
Antony Clemot, General Manager/Partner

Le Coq Rico is a delicious, traditional bistro serving up the highest quality chicken – and a fun area to walk to as well!

Now, about the bonus windmill: I showed you where Le Coq Rico is located, but this is what sits directly across the street from it:

I arrived early for dinner, so sat inside the windmill and had a glass of wine – then decided to keep my “forehead” selfie experiment going:

Is this the best chicken I’ve had in Paris? Well, I have eaten several time at Chez L’Ami Louis, who also has a legendary Roast Chicken dish:

Both restaurants are always packed, so instead of saying one is better, I say get in to whichever one you can – you won’t be disappointed!

Here is a look at Chez L’Ami Louis, which also has a legendary “Garlic Potato Cake” – click here to see it:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/20/chez-lami-louis-love-this-125-paris-chicken-garlic-potato-cake-rocks-too/

I also showed you the police action I encountered on my way to dinner:

It doesn’t change what an incredible view you get from Sacre Coeur:

You can see more of my 16 miles hiking Paris that day by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2019/08/24/paris-sacre-coeur-protest-my-hitch-hiking-adventure-has-riot-police-the-best-hitchcock-film-he-never-made/

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https://johnrieber.com

Leave a comment with your favorite roast chicken!

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