Peachy Picks Madison Bistro
Burgundy, your loss is New York's gain and Peachy Deegan could not be more pleased to say it!
In 1998 Executive Chef and Owner Claude Godard came to New York from that region of France and opened Madison Bistro...and we can assure you this is one big hit! From the cuisine to the genuine care executed by Claude, Madison Bistro will not disappoint.
Madison Bistro was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
And bien sur, (of course!) it has advanced to Peachy's Picks.
If you have been there, you will understand why. If you have not, you'd better make your reservation for tonight because it is simply fantastic, darling! Even the walls are beautifully adorned with work by Claude's wife.
Peachy Deegan herself began with the refreshingly light crab and avocado napoleon with lemongrass and cilantro, which was every bit as delicious as it was beautifully presented; see above. You know she is the crab critic and orders it as often as possible, and this was a lovely summer treat. Also, it was quite creative...as she does order crab all the time she is always happy to see that there is a new way to eat crab at a new place.
Thought the foie gras that we also tried to start with was indeed exquisite, this mussel salad absolutely took the cake. Seafood is wonderful twelve months out of the year, but in the heat of July you cannot beat a starter like this and Claude was brilliant to suggest it. Also we might add, with Bastille Day coming up you might want to make your reservations soon!!!
The seafood extravaganza continued for Peachy with the hit roasted jumbo shrimps with provencale crumble and seared polenta. Unique flavor, superb texture, and overall quality combined for a knockout of a dish that will satisfy even the most discriminating seafood connoisseur.
And if Peachy needed any more convincing, the panel also tried the salmon as a main course. It's full name is: Grilled Salmon Cutlets, vegetables "a la grecque" and dill dressing. Peachy is of the opinion that dill is a far underused component across the board and cannot remember a time when she had it with salmon....and she is so glad she did here because it was indeed succulent! Brent was a fabulous server all night and made lovely suggestions:
If you are an avid reader you know the last time Peachy had Grand Marnier Souffle was at La Grenouille, and she has to tell you that it was every bit equally fabulous here at Madison Bistro...we don't know if they know each other or not?! And you know who LOVED the chocolate molten cake which melted in our mouths:
But don't listen to only Peachy. The esteemed panel adds:
Through the dining panel Peachy has introduced me to restaurants I might not have otherwise known about, and Madison Bistro is truly an excellent discovery! The Prix Fixe dinner is only $36 and provides the choice of many delicious options for appetizers, dinner and dessert! The restaurant is very comfortable, busy at dinner time in a cheerful way but not too loud or crowded. We had a lovely table overlooking a backyard garden. Claude Godard, who opened the restaurant in 1998, explained that most of the menu is seasonal and changes, but that there are a few customer favorites that are available year-round. 
I began with a tasty carrot-ginger soup, a special which was smooth and light, a pleasant starter. I also had the luxury of tasting the rich foie-gras! A basket of warm, crispy bread was hard to resist as well. For my dinner I had “Le Bourguignon”: braised short ribs in a pinot noir reduction. This dish was truly divine!
The meat was so tender and flavorful, served over perfect mashed potatoes. The rich sauce made with pinot noir was paired with Cote de Nuit Loire Pinot Noir in my wine glass. The slowly braised lamb is also prepared with care and wonderful, and the eggplant gratin was bursting with flavor. All the desserts we tried were so good, and I admit I was the one at the table to finish the last bites of each dessert left at the end! The Grand Marnier soufflé was an amazing treat, warm, light and airy. The Vacheron, crisp meringue with fruit sauce, reminded me of my favorite dessert that my mother, a former caterer makes! We also had roasted plums with coconut ice cream- roasted or grilled fruits are always a wonderful lighter dessert for the summer time, and balanced out the gluttony of the molten chocolate cake, which was as decadent as it sounds. Our waiter, Brent, was so attentive and provided top-notch service. I will eagerly return to Madison Bistro!
Ooh La La, we have died and gone to France, well Madison Bistro, if you want to get technical. A true culinary gem tucked along Madison Avenue near the Morgan Library, this newly renovated bistro brings French cooking in a relaxed atmosphere to a whole new level. Decorated with paintings from Owner and Chef Claude Godard’s wife, Madison Bistro features a full bar, extensive wine list, and a killer prix fixe dinner. Born and raised in Burgundy, France, Chef Claude pours his heart and soul into his baby, Madison Bistro, and gives all his dishes an extra dash of his passion, which is evident in all aspects of Madison Bistro. Promptly seated at a table overlooking the courtyard, we were impressed by the comprehensive menu featuring various vegetarian, seafood, poultry and meat choices and delighted to hear about the additional specials of the day, which the Chef regularly features. Fresh warm French bread was quickly brought out to our table as Chef Godard greeted our table and explained the history of Madison Bistro and his cooking, a total labor of love. We started the meal with wonderfully presented appetizers, including the diver sea scallop tart with scallion fondue and light vinaigrette, duck foie-gras and mango terrine with grilled baguette, and a daily special of grilled mussels and avocado salad, which was paired with a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc suggested by our server, Brent. They were all so delectable we find it hard to pick a favorite. The scallops were fresh with just the right touch of light creaminess and tartness from the vinaigrette and scallions, it was a standout. The foie-gras was rich and smooth, complemented so well by the exciting pairing of mango terrine, and the grilled mussels and avocado salad was another winner boasting freshness and unique flavor pairings. After another excellent wine suggestion from our server, our entrees were served and again we were delighted by the impressive presentations and portions.
We had a wonderful classic steak frites “au poivre” served with French fries. The steak was rich with flavor, melting in our mouths and the crispy little French fries really made it the perfect meal. We also sampled the fresh grilled salmon cutlets, vegetables “a la grecque” with dill dressing which we loved and a superb lamb shank with eggplant gratin and “sauce vierge”, which not being the biggest lamb fans, really impressed us. We had just a bit of room left for dessert when a menagerie of beautiful desserts was presented to our table from the roasted plum profiterole with coconut ice cream to the warm chocolate molten cake with hot chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream , our tasted buds danced. The soufflé Grand Marnier however, made our taste buds dance and stole our heart, it was hot, fluffy, crispy, sweet deliciousness. The meal was truly a wonderful experience, well executed and relaxing. We have to mention we were really impressed by the prix dixe dinner which is available every night and allows diners to select any appetizer, entrée and dessert for $36, forget restaurant week, this has to be the best deal in town. After dinning at Madison Bistro your only question will be when are we coming back?
A surprising and wonderful experience ! A casual and charming restaurant with superb food ! My appetizer Tomato & Mozzarella “ My Way “ was a pleasant surprise! The best quality fresh tomatoes with soft and moist mozzarella that was melting in the mouth in a balsamic reduction. I tasted also The Duck Foie-Gras & Mango Terrine with grilled Baguette that was delicious and flavorful.
As an Entrée the Basil Gnocchi “ Maison “ light plum tomato sauce and cheese gratin was one of the best gnocchi I have ever tasted. Very light gratinee to perfection. The Slowly Braised Lamb Shank, Eggplant Gratin & Sauce Vierge was falling of the bone and so moist and tender. The Desserts, the best part of the meal and to die for !
Grand Marnier Soufflé one of the best I ever tasted. Warm Chocolate Molten Cake Hot Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Ice cream a dream….. Roasted Plum Profiterole with Coconut Ice Cream nothing else quite like it. A perfect meal in a very friendly service and charming atmosphere.
Peachy Picks Madison Bistro!
Madison Bistro is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
