Cocotte Parsons Green
Authentic Rotisserie Chicken.
Parsons Green is a tranquil London suburb a stone’s throw from the River Thames and the picturesque Putney Bridge. Cocotte has a restaurant in Parsons Green, among other locations, and it’s a gem of interior design – and delicious chicken and more.
Cocotte is celebrated for its authentic rotisserie chicken. Yes, it’s just like you would find in France. But the restaurant offers plenty to tempt those who don’t fancy chicken, too. There is Vegan Popcorn Ch*cken for those who don’t want to miss out, but also a great choice of healthy vegetarian salads, and some locations offer burgers. But it’s the chicken which keeps guests returning!
We had planned a convivial lunch, so started with cocktails. I can recommend the traditional Margarita: the classic melange of Tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice. The salt-rimmed glass was a great touch. Amaretto Sour is a favourite and the cocktail of choice for those of us who enjoy the sharp and refreshing combination of almond Amaretto, lemon juice and foamy egg white. This is a lovely cocktail for warm summer days.
Chicken and Truffle Croquettes and Crispy Pesto Halloumi were our starters, and they were Instagram-ready creations. Yes, pretty presentations, but they were marvels of both texture and flavour. The croquettes had a crunchy exterior encasing creamy truffle-infused chicken. The Crispy Pesto Halloumi will be a winner with vegetarians and card-carrying carnivores alike. It’s colourful and delicious and won’t disappoint. Don’t miss this one!
It’s not just rotisserie chicken on the menu at Cocotte. There is a classic Chicken Schnitzel with crisp Panko breading and topped with green herb pesto and a fried egg – which is the classic presentation. This was a huge, flattened chicken breast, so be aware that you might just want a very light salad on the side. Portions are generous at Cocotte!
That Chicken!
We ordered the Half Chicken to share, and this was also a substantial array of meat on a wooden platter. The chicken was moist with well-seasoned skin. If you run a restaurant where one dish is showcased, then that one item must be outstanding, and it certainly is here. Our side dishes were rich Truffle Mac and Cheese, and for another hit of fungi, Truffle Fries. The aroma of these two was mouthwatering. Those fries should be a signature side at Cocotte!
Caramelised Crème Brûlée was my sweet dessert. It made the perfect end to a delightful lunch; but I might try the Mont Blanc on my return, for return there will surely be.
Rotisserie chicken might not sound exciting but when done well it transports the lucky diner to a bistro in the back streets of Paris, or perhaps reminds one of that convivial restaurant in Provence. Cocotte takes you there with no need of passport or phrase book.
