ComputerGuy Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 Was at Cocinart on Saturday, during French Cuisine week. I tell you, that Wally can cook anything. Some years back there was a "chef" who's name I believe was Laurent, at the CasaBlanca... everyone raved so we went. I ordered the coq au vin. Not even sure if he used cognac or brandy, but he did use white wine instead of a burgundy. It was pretty sad. My coq au vin at Cocinart was not presented in the classic way, but it was cooked with red wine at least, and it was delicious. For $90, it included a ton of gravy and both a leg and a breast. A side of stir-fried red peppers and beans, and a very interesting and tasty layered pomme de terre au gratin rounded out the meal. (I could not help but order the escargot yet again, even though it's a budget-killer. It's worth it, considering how hard it is to get around here.) An interesting note: they are having Thanksgiving with a host of nice dishes, including smorked loin of pork to go along with the turkey. For $195, which is a good price these days for everything from the soup through the dessert. Kinda weird, though: it's going to be turkey soup. I will be there, having enjoyed their July 4 dinner, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tycobb1020 Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 We were there Sunday with a large group . . . service was too slow. Not the servers' fault as they needed more waiters for the Sunday crowd. When you wait over an hour after ordering to get your food, the quality of the food ultimately served becomes less important. The negative mindset is already in place by then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComputerGuy Posted November 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 I hear you. Interestingly when we arrrived Saturday at 7, they were swamped. I thought service would be really slow. And on top of it, the power went out for a good 20-30 minutes. Thank goodness for gas-fired kitchens. AND our service was timely and friendly and spot on. Don't know how they did it. Last time a restaurant lost power was in Barbados while I was there... apparently this has been going on with CFE in the whole neighbourhood for weeks, affecting many businesses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gringal Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 It's my fave. We had dinner there around 5:30 Sunday. Service was fine. The salmon in dill sauce was amazing: big chunk of salmon and those potatoes the OP described. The shrimp dijon: fresh, done perfectly in a delicious sauce. They have a small staff, so I imagine it would be slow with a large group, but........a little wine and good conversation should ease the wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComputerGuy Posted November 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 The cream of shrimp soup was also perfect, with a nicely grilled large shrimp sitting smack dab in the middle of the bowl, surrounded by homemade croutons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 I had the Coq au vin on Friday at lunch and agree, it was tasty. The potatoes were a nice surprise, too. Such great comfort food. It's one of my favorite things to eat and I was thinking about digging out a recipe and doing it myself but now there's no need. Cocinarte is definitely firing on all cylinders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kam Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 Yes! Our favorite - always good quality, great atmosphere and reasonably priced. We will be joining them with 3 of our expat friends for Thanksgiving - yeah, we're thankful, none of us cooks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timtillman1 Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 We've enjoyed every visit to Cocinart! Great food and service, lovely space and great attention to detail! One of our favorites! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComputerGuy Posted December 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 It took us a while to get in last night; Cocinart was packed, everyone represented. Their rep seems to be spreading. And yet we still got excellent service and food at a table of five. They had run out of several items from the Weekly Specials board, but still had a delicious vegetable/ravioli soup of the day. I don't know how they keep everything coming in a timely fashion and steaming hot with so many customers. Good for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gringal Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 It took us a while to get in last night; Cocinart was packed, everyone represented. Their rep seems to be spreading. And yet we still got excellent service and food at a table of five. They had run out of several items from the Weekly Specials board, but still had a delicious vegetable/ravioli soup of the day. I don't know how they keep everything coming in a timely fashion and steaming hot with so many customers. Good for them. Couldn't agree more. I'd be even happier if they had a little more seating room.......but wouldn't want to wish ill on the folks at the adjacent restaurant. They are a great addition to the local restaurant scene. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artsnob Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 I thought the restaurant next door, was a breakfast, coffee and dessert place Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artsnob Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 I forgot to say that Cocinart is our favorite place, go there regularly, had practically everything on the menu, never had anything I did not like, and the staff is great, they all remember our names, and love the comfortable funky decor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red river valley Posted January 22, 2016 Report Share Posted January 22, 2016 Need phone number for Cocinart..................TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bournemouth Posted January 22, 2016 Report Share Posted January 22, 2016 See here - Sr. Google can be helpful: http://lakechapalaguide.com/cocinart.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakeside7 Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 I have eaten there a few of times and enjoyed the meal and value...However the food never seems to be served "piping hot" and the coffee is served from a thermos is never hot hot. I must talk to the owner and not sound off here..anyone else have the same observations?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artsnob Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 I am a regular there with Chicka, and everything is perfect, I don't get coffee as I stop at Black and White on Plaza on the way home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gringal Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 I am a regular there with Chicka, and everything is perfect, I don't get coffee as I stop at Black and White on Plaza on the way home Do you get some kind of kick out of posting "and Chicka" so often? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artsnob Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Yes I do, She goes everywhere I go... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gringal Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Yes I do, She goes everywhere I go... Got it. Entitled. Grocery Store? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVGRINGO Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 The dog is innocent; it is the owners who often need training or firm correction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gringal Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 The dog is innocent; it is the owners who often need training or firm correction. Of course. It's the owner who has the sense of entitlement. Not much hope for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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