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We were doing our "Night of a Thousand Snacks" routine, in this case ping-ponging from place to place on St-Denis, having a bite and a sip at each place. We were not familiar with Cocagne - we saw it, liked the look of it and went in. Such a treat. We each told the bartender what style of wine we were in the mood for and let him choose the glass. Spot-on selections in each case.
We looked at the menu, but weren't in the mood for a full meal at that point (clashed with the evening's theme). The bartender suggested the hors d'oeuvre of salmon tartare. We ordered three servings, which come in won ton soup spoons. They had to make ours à la minute because of my allergies. Absolutely delightful, with a bit of capers.
We had planned to hit up a nearby sushi bar, so we asked the bartender his opinion of the place. He hadn't heard of it, but suggested another Japanese resto that we might like. He offered to call them to see if they could fit us in without a reservation, it being a Friday night. Bear in mind that this is occurring while Cocagne is serving meals just metres away from where we are sitting. And there were tables available. This, my friends, is the hallmark of the good server. He listened to what we had said upon arrival - just here for drinks and snacks - and had offered us their menu. When it was clear that we weren't going to install ourselves for the night, he suggested a taste of their offerings, more wine, and a recommendation for another establishment that suited our immediate needs. Having done all that, what do you calculate the chances are that we will return on some other evening to partake of the full experience..? Or tell friends and yelpers about our great experience? Well done, lad.
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