A new French steakhouse restaurant is scheduled to open in San Diego, promising to provide a captivating late-night Parisian ambience. Le Coq, the most recent project from Puffer Malarkey Collective, is the brainchild of executive chef Tara Monsod, renowned for her work at Animae. This establishment represents Puffer Malarkey’s newest and final addition to its portfolio.
The restaurant’s objective is to transport its clientele into a sultry Parisian setting, complete with ambient lighting, crimson velvet booths, polished wood, lush greenery, and an inviting 36-foot, stone-topped circular bar. Monsod has noted that the space has undergone a complete transformation from the 1930s building that once housed the esteemed Herringbone restaurant.
In contrast to its predecessor, Le Coq is designed to cater to contemporary desires for escapism. It is envisioned as a venue for indulging in romantic, flirtatious, and leisurely dining experiences. The establishment’s design is a captivating fusion of the building’s industrial history and a retro ’70s supper club intimacy, crafted by designer Megan Power from Workind Studio.
Monsod has emphasized that while the restaurant will maintain traditional Parisian service and feature chefs wearing white hats, it will not exude an uptight or formal atmosphere. Instead, the objective is to provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience for guests. In preparation for her new role in a French kitchen, Monsod travelled to Paris to spend time with local chefs and immerse herself in French culinary traditions.
The menu at Le Coq offers a fusion of classic French dishes with innovative twists, inspired by the latest trends in French cuisine. Monsod’s recent collaborations with Asian chefs in Paris have motivated her to incorporate elements of Asian cuisine into the restaurant’s offerings. For instance, the jambon salad now includes chrysanthemum leaves and Japanese sour plum. Even the traditional canard a l’orange has been reimagined with tamarind puree and kumquat.
The restaurant’s emphasis on freshness and local sourcing is evident in the ingredients for its dishes, including pork from a local ranch, yellowtail from San Diego waters, and produce from San Diego farms. The wine list will showcase French and Californian bottles, and the dessert menu will feature a variety of sweet treats made with fresh fruit procured from local growers.
Le Coq aims to foster a lively and convivial atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the vibrant dining culture of Paris. The restaurant is scheduled to open on June 20 at its location on Herschel Avenue in La Jolla, promising to be a venue where diners can engage with one another, accompanied by plenty of wine and laughter.
With such an exciting and distinctive vision, Le Coq is poised to become a top dining destination in San Diego.