We don't get to French restaurants all that much, thanks to the fact that they tend to be priced out of the range of what we can afford. Coup des Tartes, a small French restaurant in Phoenix, would have fit that description had they not been open for lunch. Despite touting what they claim as the most romantic Phoenix dining scene, Coup des Tartes doesn't look like much from the outside, surrounded by a small parking lot in front and a small side alley that leads to another little parking lot in back which on the occasion that we were there, some vehicles made every effort to block the alley that lead to the back. Once inside, don't expect high-end decor either. We were seated at a table next to the drapery that covered the entry to the kitchen area, with views of the kitchen as the wait staff walked through. But then, we weren't there to be blown away by fine dining, we went to experience the food, a cuisine that we normally don't have the opportunity to eat.
Tammy tried the three onion tarte, which had a sweet crust with caramelized shallots, leeks, onions, fresh herbs, a bit of bacon, and Gruyere custard, and served with a side of greens. She loved it, calling it the best thing she ate while we were in Arizona. It almost seems as if she would want to go back to Phoenix solely for this one lunch, particularly the sweet crust. Since then, she has wanted to check out other French restaurants, hoping that they may have a tarte that may be similar. And while this is technically on the appetizer portion of the menu, it was enough for her to have as her meal. This is what makes this restaurant a Top Ten 2010 restaurant.
As for me, I had the Moroccan lamb sandwich, 100% natural grass fed Australian lamb coated in warm spices, chutney, Gruyere chees, and spinach, served on cibatta bread. I will say that this sandwich was good, I am not willing to say that it was the best thing I ever had. It was, however, cheaper than the three onion tarte.
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