COQODAQ: Korean Fried Chicken + Champagne

How to Complete

4 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. ⛰️ 1

   Book the Champagne Room

   adventure Free

   COQODAQ (17 W 20th St, Flatiron District) houses a dedicated champagne room with 2,000+ bottles where serious champagne drinkers sit surrounded by wine walls. Book on Resy 2-3 weeks ahead and request "the champagne room" or "a table near the champagne wall" in your notes — this is where Victoria James designed the menu specifically for bubbles.

   🔄 BACKUP: Main dining room works fine - you can still access the full list.

   🍷 Log Memory
2. ⛰️ 2

   Order All Three Chickens

   adventure $$$

   Three types of fried chicken await: Original (classic KFC-style), Garlic Soy (Korean-influenced), and Hot (gochujang spice), each interacting differently with champagne bubbles. Order the sampler or one of each — Victoria James calculated every texture, salt level, and fat content for champagne pairing. The menu isn't random; it's architectural.

   🔄 BACKUP: If you must choose one, go Original - it's the purest expression of the pairing.

   🍷 Log Memory
3. 🍷 3

   Ask the Sommelier for the Unexpected

   wine $$$

   With 2,000+ champagnes, the list overwhelms, but sommeliers trained by Victoria James herself know the unexpected combinations. Ask: "What's something unexpected that works with the hot chicken?" and they'll suggest grower champagnes, aged bottles, or champagne rosé that most diners never consider. Their training runs deep.

   🔄 BACKUP: Krug Grande Cuvée is always right (James: "Krug with potato chips is their official pairing").

   🍷 Log Memory
4. 🍷 4

   Understand WHY It Works

   wine Free

   Victoria James explains the science: "Soaring acidity cuts through richness. Carbonation breaks up fats on your palate. Sharp, delicate bubbles soak up oils." After your first bite of chicken followed by champagne, pause and notice how your palate resets completely — this is what sommeliers chase, and it's science, not gimmick.

   🔄 BACKUP: Read Wine Enthusiast's 2024 article on the pairing before your visit.

   🍷 Log Memory