Imagine, if you can, crispy roast potatoes slow cooked in organic chicken roast drippings. Authentic and buttery – I still can’t seem to get the taste out of my mind. I would go as far as to say they are possibly the best roast potatoes I have ever eaten.

You may have noticed a quaint French rotisserie in Sea Point called Cocotte. If you haven’t and you love roast chicken, you need to pay attention. The eatery, which has been open for a year now, has mastered the art of the perfectly cooked roast chicken. Slow and gentle, continuously basted with love and attention, Cocotte’s chicken is halal, uncomplicated and bursting with flavour. But don’t forget to try the roast potatoes.

cocotte home by capetownetc

What is the secret to the succulent servings?

Co-owners Delphine de Beer and Catherine Lauria, who share a passion for good French food, decided it was time Cape Town got a taste of great food in it’s purest form.

Cocotte (a child’s name for ‘hen’) showcases whole free range chickens cooked in a special rotisserie machine imported from France.

“French rotisserie cooking is the traditional art of roasting chickens on a very slow rotation which intensifies the flavour, resulting in tender, delicious tasting meat. It also roasts without retaining fats and oils and without the charring effect of barbecuing, resulting in a chicken that is healthier and juicier,” explains De Beer.

cocotte meal by capetownetc

What sets the chicken apart from the rest?

Firstly, those roast potatoes! The free range chickens are sourced from Elgin, then seasoned with imported French spices and fresh, locally grown herbs – then slow roasted. The potatoes are slowly roasted in the cooking tray below where they absorb the chicken fat, which slowly drips onto them.

“Worldwide, consumer habits are evolving towards a much healthier diet where quality prevails and we are confident that our recipe which is simple and healthy will tickle the tastebuds of Cape Tow chicken lovers,” says  Lauria.

cocotte chicken by capetownetc
Co-owners Delphine de Beer and Catherine Lauria (left).

Side dishes are important to any roast, and no deliciousness is spared with the chickpea salad, French coleslaw, cucumber and feta salad, as well as a tomato option. A fresh baguette also forms part of their offerings to complete your authentic French experience.

Contact: 083 459 2321
Address:  20 Regent Street, Sea Point
Website: www.cocotte.co.za

Article written by

Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.