The readers of Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide have voted Le Coq au Vin Best French in our Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants.
Cafe de France, one of Park Avenue’s oldest restaurants, was second and Chez Vincent third.
“Everything about Le Coq au Vin is superb,” wrote Sun Reyes.
Le Coq occupies an A-frame building — said to have once been the model home for a vacation home building — on South Orange Avenue. It was opened in 1976 by Louis and Magdalena Perrotte. In November of 2008, the Perrottes took Reimund and Sally Pitz on as partners. Louis said at the time that it was with an eye toward retirement. Indeed, less than half a year later, the Perrottes stepped aside and the Pitzes took over. Le Coq au Vin’s website still characterizes the relationship between the two couples as a partnership.
Cafe de France is no poulet de printemps, either. The little bistro opened in July of 1982 and has been owned by German and Dominique Gutierrez since 1986.
Vincent Gagliano is the man behind Chez Vincent, the Hannibal Square restaurant he opened in 1997 with his wife, Teri. Prior to opening the restaurant, which now includes the popular bar and lounge Hannibal’s next door, Gagliano was the chef at Cafe de France.
That all three Foodster finalists have been around so many years is a testament to their quality.
Congratulations to all, and thanks to all who voted. Watch for another Foodster category to be announced soon.
