NEWS
Urban Food Group opens area’s first French brasserie – Coquette
[Raleigh, NC, October 23, 2008] – On October 27th the Urban Food Group will open Brasserie Coquette, the Triangle’s first French brasserie (4351 The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh, NC; 919-789-0606; www.coquetteraleigh.com). Owners Kevin and Stacey Jennings, who are known for their success at Frazier’s, Porter’s City Tavern and Vivace explained, “The brasserie is arguably the most enduring of all restaurant concepts; it’s timeless in every aspect, and one that we believe every great American city deserves.” Coupled with co-owner Stacey Jennings’ French heritage it’s no surprise these seasoned restaurateurs are opening a French brasserie of their own.
Diners will discover a modern day French brasserie with an extensive menu of traditional French fare, complemented by French wines, seating for as many as 200 in the dining room and 45 in the bar, and service throughout the day and night.
Committed to recreating an authentic French brasserie experience, the Jennings tapped Rob Bland as Chef de Cuisine and The Johnson Studio for interior design. “In Bland we found someone whose entire career has been devoted to classic French cooking, with most of his training taking place at brasseries and bistros throughout France and the United States; his knowledge, execution and passion for the traditional dishes of France, and their place in history, is remarkable.” Key style elements contribute to the quintessential brasserie setting – a black and white tiled floor, Parisian street lamp style chandeliers, butcher block and Carrera marble tables, large scale bistro mirrors and accordion style folding doors which open each side of the restaurant to outdoor seating – evoking glamorous European brasseries.
Bland’s menu at Coquette is a testament to both his expertise with time-honored French dishes and his ability to modernize the classics with integrity. “These dishes are delicious and have stood the test of time for a reason; we’ll reproduce them as accurately as possible,” suggested Bland, who will also work closely Urban Food Group’s Executive Chef Jeremy Sabo to deliver the same exceptional quality and value that is the hallmark of UFG restaurants. “In fact, this restaurant concept originated as a beacon to diners at all times of the day and night, and therefore, is designed to be accessible in menu offering and price. That’s one of the reasons a French brasserie is such a good fit for us at UFG. Our Steak Frites will be $19, Hamburger $10, and Moules Frites $13,” explained Sabo.
Coquette’s dinner menu is divided into categories such as Petits Plats, Plats Principaux and Plats du Jours. Steak Tartare, Crispy Frog Legs and Fruits de Mer will be available, as well as French regional fare – Veal Blanquette and Cassoulet – and appropriately Tartes Flambées, reflecting the brasserie’s early Alsatian roots. In addition to an Apple-Frangipane Tart and other well known French pâtisserie, Pastry Chef Eric Akbari will produce European style breads in-house – Baguettes, Brioche and Pain de Campagne, for example. “We’ll also be making charcuterie, including rabbit rillettes, boudin blanc and garlic sausage; we’re not cutting any corners” explained Bland.
“Our 100-bottle all-French wine list will also contribute to this brasserie’s authenticity,” explained Beverage and Operations Director Scott Luetgenau. With more than a dozen red, white and sparkling wines available by the glass, a dozen dessert wines by the glass, and carafes featuring some of France’s most beloved vineyards, the wine program will emphasize value and encourage an adventurous spirit. Cocktails take a page from a Parisian salon, as in La Bicyclette, where French liquors, liquers and house made bitters are de rigueur; in this case, St.Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Cinzano Rosso, Citadelle Gin and Coquette’s orange bitters. Beer plays an important role in the history of the brasserie, and Coquette will be no exception; six Belgian beers will be available on draft, as well as an additional dozen by the bottle.
Coquette will be open for breakfast Monday through Friday, from 7am to 10am; for lunch from 11am to 4pm, and for dinner from 5pm to 10pm (and until midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Lunch will be served Saturdays from 9am to 4pm, and brunch on Sundays from 9am to 3pm, with dinner on Sundays from 4pm to 10pm. Dinner service will begin on October 27th; lunch service will begin on November 3rd; and breakfast/brunch service on November 10th.
About The Urban Food Group
Kevin and Stacey Jennings began The Urban Food Group in 1998 with the opening of Frazier’s in Raleigh, NC. Since, the seasoned restaurateurs have since been recognized in USA Today, Bon Appetit and Southern Living for their savvy, urban restaurant concepts, and the excellent quality and superior value delivered at each. In addition to Frazier’s, UFG’s neighborhood bistro, they also own a hip, urban tavern, Porter’s City Tavern, a chic and updated Italian trattoria, Vivace, a private dining destination, Intermezzo, and now Coquette. www.urbanfoodgroup.com