One of the best restaurants to open in NYC this year is Le Coq Rico. From French chef Antoine Westermann comes his ode to the bird. Fowl. It's the sister to his Parisian "Bistro of Beautiful Birds", and boy are those birds beautiful. Delicious, tender, juicy, and absolutely amazing.

Before you get your bird, delve into the slow cooked egg with chanterelles, fava beans, and peas fricassee, with sherry vinegar chicken jus. It's wonderful.

Seared Duck Foie Gras with honey crisp apple, cherry vinegar reduction, and almonds is spectacular.

And then there are the birds. There are many whole birds on the menu to choose from, that have been aged for over 100 days. They aren't cheap, so it's best to go with a group. Any bird you choose I'm sure will be outstanding. We go the Brune Landaise, which is baked in Alsatian earthenware with artichokes, potatoes, tomatoes, and riesling jus. A dream come true. Also, order the fries, they are exceptional and amazing too.

Oh, and while you are at it, order dessert. Soft meringue, red praline, and creme anglaise is pure magic and awesomeness.

Le Coq Rico

30 East 20th St.

New York, NY 10003

212-267-7426

www.lecoqriconyc.com