Concept to Reality: The Making of Cocody
05/06/2024
If you could open a French fine dining restaurant, how would you go about it? If you’re anything like Edwin Bosso, CEO of Myrtle Consulting Group, you’d want to go all-out with every detail, from the layout to the linens. You’d hire the best interior design firm to blend modern and antique styles elegantly and cleverly. You’d work with the top chefs who live and breathe French cuisine. And, to top it off, you’d ensure the restaurant only used the best ingredients in every dish.
Such is the reality for the Cocody team. As one of the best Houston restaurants, Cocody has become a central fixture within the River Oaks Shopping Center. The menu is as impressive as the story of how this fine dining establishment came to be. It all started with a name and an idea.
The Idea: French Cuisine With an Ivory Coast Twist
For most Houston residents, the name Cocody doesn’t mean anything outside of the River Oaks Shopping Center. However, if you were to ask Edwin Bosso what it means, it’s a slice of home. Specifically, the Ivory Coast, where Bosso was born and raised. Not only is Cocody the name of the suburb in Abidjan, but it’s also half the name of a reggae-infused song (Cocody Rock) by the band Alpha Blondy, which is from the area.
However, despite its African origins, the name would be inextricably linked to French cuisine. Bosso and his wife Edith wanted to create a fine dining experience unlike anything else in Houston. But for a restaurant to be world-class, it had to have elements from around the world. So, the Bossos told the design firm Winn Whitman Architecture to draw inspiration from every corner of the globe.




The Plan: Global Influences and Art Deco Elegance
Since the shopping center was built in the 1930s, it was originally designed with strong Art Deco esthetics. So, the Cocody team decided to incorporate Art Deco elements alongside stunning architecture and whimsical decor. Much of the central design is reminiscent of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a favorite Parisian destination for the Bossos. Lighting also plays a crucial role in accentuating the soft pink and brass hues. However, rather than showing the lights with dangling fixtures, most of them are built into the walls, creating a more natural and inviting atmosphere. The team can also program the lights to change throughout the day, ensuring a smooth transition from day to night.
The Menu: Locally Sourced From Around the World
If you’re going to serve French cuisine, you need to work with top chefs with decades of experience. The dynamic duo of Cocody Chef David Denis and Chef Lionel Debon delivers on that promise.
However, the menu is decidedly more eclectic than one might think. Just as the decor spans the globe, so does the menu. Many dishes are prepared “in the French style,” but wouldn’t necessarily be something you’d get at a cafe in Paris.
The ingredients are well traveled, as chefs Denis and Debon curate items all over. Mushrooms from France, lamb from Colorado, and red snapper from Mexico are just a few examples of how far the team is willing to go for fresh ingredients. In fact, the freezer in the kitchen is rarely touched outside of storing house-made ice cream.
The kitchen design also allows each Cocody chef to refine their techniques. As with the rest of the restaurant, the kitchen is a perfect marriage of technology and tradition. High-tech devices enable chefs to extract as much flavor as possible while leveraging their extensive experience to know which ingredients blend the best.
The Result: the Best Houston Fine Dining Experience
At every turn, the Cocody team defies and exceeds expectations. Since its inception, Cocody has turned Houston fine dining into a casual, lively experience. No pretenses or egos are on display here, just fantastic food that elevates the dining experience. From a night out on the town to an anniversary celebration, Cocody is designed to work for all occasions. Book your table today and see why Cocody consistently ranks among the best Houston restaurants.