Cocorico . . . is no more, Hyde Park

Cocorico (formerly Cocorico Rotisserie), a corner of casual but civilized French dining in Hyde Park, appears to have closed for good this week. I dined there in both of its incarnations and thought it distinctive (more so on the first go-around, when it served meats and side dishes cafeteria-style), but due to its poor location (in the north end of a shopping mall, remote from the foot traffic) and similarity in style to its sibling restaurant, Bonjour Bakery (in the same mall), it just faded into the woodwork.

Probably my fault as I never visited. Good to see you posting Paul.

MAN.

i just found out about this.. a YEAR late. i was hoping the jolly Frenchman would be a good source of a authentic baguette... you know 70cm long, no more than 2" wide, etc... been having a severe craving after getting back from Paris w/ 3 cans of fois gras/pates

he was SO nice to us on the 2 occassions I've dined there. and the croque madam/monsieur was better than some of the stuff i actually had in France..

TonyC wrote:MAN.

i just found out about this.. a YEAR late. i was hoping the jolly Frenchman would be a good source of a authentic baguette... you know 70cm long, no more than 2" wide, etc... been having a severe craving after getting back from Paris w/ 3 cans of fois gras/pates

Tony,

I stopped at Fox and Obel for duck breast Sunday, also picked up a couple of Ficelle, which should fit your bill. I've had F and O's French bread many times in the past, mainly Baguettes and demi-baguettes, and find them to be in the top couple of bread bakers in Chicago.

My slight preference, for this type of bread, is Medici on 57th St. With Red Hen third, though a more distant third then when they fist opened. Best bread I've had in Chicago, including my own home made, is MAG's. Her secret, you ask? Talent, a 10-year-old starter and a little bit of love in each loaf. Thor and TPA are lucky fellows indeed.


Enjoy,
Gary

G Wiv wrote: I've had F and O's French bread many times in the past, mainly Baguettes and demi-baguettes, and find them to be in the top couple of bread bakers in Chicago.

My slight preference, for this type of bread, is Medici on 57th St. With Red Hen third, though a more distant third then when they fist opened. Best bread I've had in Chicago, including my own home made, is MAG's.

I really agree with Gary on all the points, especially MAG's bread being among the best I've had, period. Red Hen's baguettes don't really compare to F&O, but they're decent and I work a half block from the store on Milwaukee, so it's much more convenient. Still, every time I tear off a chunk I wish it was F&O.

-ed