Coup Des Tartes is a solid 4 stars with the potential of being 5 stars with a few menu updates. After reading some of the Yelper reviews I was a bit perplexed about what to expect when a friend invited me to join him at Coup Des Tartes. After h told me this is a BYO, pas de probleme ~ you can count me in!!
First off, there are not enough fine dinning BYO places in Phoenix! PLEASE HELP ME SPREAD THIS THROUGHOUT THE VALLEY!! It's a "good time" when you're able to bring your favorite wines with you to dine and not pay the restaurant's prices. Especially when it's at a place that offers quality food and service at reasonable prices.
Sure there is a "cork fee", but I look at it this way ~ I would rather pay $9 for the "cork fee" and $30 for a bottle of Chateau La Galiane Cabernet Sauvignon I can buy at Total Wine, which would cost $100 (plus) at any other fining dinning restaurant.
Their food and drink pricing is very reasonable considering the quality and taste. This is where I think CDT has an opportunity to improve. They have a limited menu and since they are a French restaurant, they should think about offering some of the more updated French dishes. A stereotypical French meal is heavy in saturated fats; heavy creams and butter which are staples in many French dishes and what CDT offers is no different. Think about offering some of the newer French style dishes that include crepes, more game meats and sea food dishes.
Appetizer~ their delicious three onion Tart and it was excellent! (sweet and savory and decadent). We also had the Mate Horn and the Mozzarella and Tomato Salad which was very good.
Entrees~ the Filet Mignon, cooked mid-rare of course with sides of mashed potatoes and haricots verts. I had their signature dish: the Lamb Shank. It was extremely meaty, "fall off the bone" tender. The couscous was very fresh and it had just the right amount of veggies and sauce to pull everything together.
Desert~ Pumpkin Tarte and fresh cup of French café. It was also very good.
Service~ exceptional. They were extremely attentive and very friendly, but not too friendly if you know what I mean... They brought us a wine decanter and an aerator without asking. The place is very quaint with somewhat of a homely feel and yet very simple in décor.
Wine~ FANTASTIQUE! Will plan to bring a second bottle next time!