Café Le Coq ~ Quincy, CA 530-283-0114

By Jan Cox

On a beautifully sunny day, a friend and I wound our way through the mountains from Westwood to Quincy enjoying the rushing spring rivers, newly emerging bright green leaves, and finally, some warm weather! After interviewing Roxanne Valladao of Plumas Arts, (see “Meet the Artist” article in the Arts and Entertainment section of this issue) we moved on to what promised to be a fantastic lunch.

Nestled in a lush and blooming garden and just down Main Street from Quincy Health Foods and Dunn’s Coffee and Fine Teas lay Café Le Coq. We had already heard wonderful things about this restaurant and were excited to arrive and check it out for ourselves. We were immediately seated at a table for two that offered a superb view of the garden and were warmly greeted by Café Le Coq’s owner and host, Chef Patrick Le Coq and his wife, Donata.

Chef Le Coq comes from Normandy, France where he was raised on a farm and went on to attend the finest culinary school in France. In the 1980’s he came to the United States to study and work under Rene Robin. For twelve years, he was the owner and operator of Dixon’s Restaurant and Brewery in South Lake Tahoe. Now, in Quincy with his wife Donata, and daughter Simone, he says, “C’est La Maison—It’s Home”.

The joy of eating here lies in the exquisite food preparation by this talented chef. Using only the freshest meats and vegetables, he weaves his magic, creating French Country cuisine that not only satisfies the palate but goes together in such a way that one is left filled but not stuffed! Our meal consisted of a pate appetizer on French bread, a delicious curry of tomato soup, a sensational chicken entrée that was so tender it fell off the bone, and the final touch, the lightest sponge cake I have ever tasted that brought this meal to a delicious finale.

Café Le Coq serves lunch Monday through Wednesday from 11:30-1:30. For $9.95 the lunch presentation includes hand-made gourmet foods in a perfectly balanced meal with several choices of entrées such as chicken, beef, lamb, duck, pork and sausage. Dinners are served Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm-8pm. These are 5 course presentations including appetizer, soup, salad, entrée and dessert. The menu includes Filet Mignon, prawns, fresh seafood, New York steak, pork ribs and boneless roasted duck. A beer and wine list is available with specialty reserves from fine wineries around the world.

They also offer a most unique gift for special occasions. You may order a basket or backpack filled with a picnic that is sure to please. Choose from a delicious lunch for $9.95 a person or a wonderful dinner basket for $25 a person. They have a great selection of baskets and backpacks ranging from $50 to $100. Sounds like a perfect Father’s Day Picnic or maybe that special wedding or shower gift.

It must be noted that Café Le Coq is also available seven days a week for parties of 10 or more so don’t hesitate to call for other days of the week for your group. They also have catering, gift certificates, and even a cooking class available. Call Café Le Coq at 189 Main St. Quincy, CA for reservations or information at 530-283-0114. You may also find them on-line at cafelecoq.biz.