Peachy Picks Le Pescadeux Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Owner and Executive Chef Chuck Perley
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Ooooh la la Chuck Perley can act, dance, sing and BOY CAN HE COOK! This talented guy of the great white way will successfully make his way into your stomach and heart the minute you meet him and visit a new shining star of Peachy's Picks: Le Pescadeux, a treasure of New York. Chuck has proven he is a total peach in both culinary talent and incomparable personality, and also note he has the energy of about a dozen other New York Chefs packed into one: him (inspired and genetically assisted by his mother who is the same.) We love it when we meet multi-talented people and it is also nice to know he is the first actor to EVER speak in a music video in 1985 in a Bon Jovi spot: "In and Out of Love". In over 180 dinner reviews, it is getting quite difficult for Peachy to find something new and different but we did with Chuck: he is the ONLY French Canadian restaurant (attention all French Canadian hockey players who may be reading!!!) that focuses on the
Le Pescadeux was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
and it has graduated to Peachy's Picks with Flying Colors because of the fantastic personality of Chuck, his excellent cuisine, the happening atmosphere of Le Pescadeux, and of course his cocktail menu:
We're not going to lie: it is a good idea to name a drink after Peachy before she even eats at your restaurant if you excel at making cocktails- and Chuck certainly is in this category:
We're going to have to talk to the NHL maybe about putting this in Madison Square Garden for starters...Peachy's Canadian Dream which Chuck himself invented independently from Peachy is composed of: Canadian Club, Amaretto, Peach Brandy and Orange Juice. Simply fantastic! You have Peachy's approval to continue serving this!
Starting off a dinner review with a cocktail with the Executive Chef and Owner is also a positive experience. Chuck must be an avid reader as he sat us by a chandelier:
The decor is indeed beautiful and Maggie Mailer (daughter of Norman) did the painting on the wall.
To go with our cocktail, we were greeted by a bevy of Oysters: Malpeque, Beausoleil, and Pine Island (farmed wild on Oyster Bay Harbor on the North side of Long Island), each of which was incredibly fresh and succulent, and paired well with our aformentioned cocktail.
Malpeques are from Prince Edward Island, and Beausoleils are from New Brunswick. We loved ho
Malpeques are from Prince Edward Island, and Beausoleils are from New Brunswick. We loved ho
w their Clam Chowder is the New England style-called Quebec Clam Chowder:
And their mackerel tartar was also enticing:
But what Peachy ordered for an appetizer were the Sauteed PEI Mussels: Andouille Marinieres!
They were moist and the sauce they were in was just so divine that she was mopping it up with the cute little toasts that accompanied the short-lived mussels that defined why Chuck has one of the best fish venues around, not simply the best French Canadian restaurant in Manhattan.
And check out the Bouillabaisse Quebecoise! If you have heard the hype about this dish, you should know it lives up to everything you've heard. Fresh chunks of delights of the sea await your appetite and will silence any conversation that you thought you had. The shrimp in particular was tremendous and Chuck Pearly is indeed masterful. We also like his idea of getting two fish on one plate, which is quite popular:
One thing that perplexed us is that there was quite a lively crowd at the bar-silly people-if you are at Le Pescadeux you are missing out if you are not EATING!!! We don't think drinking without eating is ever a good idea, but at Le Pescadeux it is definitely a bad idea (despite the stellar new cocktail!~)because look at what you are missing-quiet down, bar people, and start eating.
The steak was also fantastic, and if you don't like fish you will be pleased with it!
You absolutely have to try the sides because they are simply fantastic:
A traditional dish is the Cajun/Smoked Meat Poutine, which is french fries and gravy that has a flavor that make this a fine dish, and not merely french fries.
Peachy's favorite side were the brussel sprouts which made a dashing appearance with bacon and apples. This flavor combination was a clearcut winner!
Finally, the Roasted Cauliflower was crunchy and fantastic and we really applaud Chuck on his fine use of vegetables because we like to see them at dinner. Javier from Columbia was a terrific waiter and a delight to work with as well.
You know the French no matter what side of the Atlantic they are on know their wines:
And Peachy can verify that this Bordeaux offered by the glass has a depth of quality that will impress you.
You know ordering dessert at the most fantastic places can be a difficult decision, but Chuck made it easier for us by bringing out EVERYTHING.
Out of everything, the dessert Peachy has been dreaming about for consecutive nights since she left Le Pescadeux is the incomparable SYLLABUB: Champagne Gelee, Candied Nuts-it is a sundae of sorts that you will want everyday if you are near the Soho location of Le Pescadeux.
Our veteran panelist comments:
Le Pescadeux is a true treasure of SoHo. It offers a unique and innovative concept, drawing inspiration from Montreal to New Orleans for the fantastic dishes it serves. The atmosphere is lively and full of energy, yet comfortable, and the staff is about the friendliest group I have ever seen working in a restaurant. The meal started off with Peachy Deegan's Canadian Dream, a refreshing cocktail consisting of Canadian Club, Amaretto, peach brandy, and orange juice. It was so good, I had to order more than one!
And with a name like that, how could I go wrong? The first course consisted of Malpeque, Beausoleil, and Pine Island Oysters. They were fresh and absolutely delicious. For the next course, I had the Roasted Calamari appetizer with a Picante Piri Piri Sauce. The calamari was prepared just right.
The texture was perfect, and the Piri Piri sauce was excellent, with just a slight kick to liven things up. The main course was the most exciting. This was not only because the food was amazing, but also because of the innovative idea the chef has implemented here - fish duets! For these dishes, the guest chooses two half orders of fish and picks a side dish. I chose the Black Bass with Sauce Verte and the Braised Octopus with a Watercress, Saffron Aioli. For side dishes, we shared a lovely assortment at the table, consisting of Roasted Cauliflower with Almonds, Creamy Swiss Chard and Spinach, Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Apples, and Cajun Poutine. The fish I ordered was divine.
The bass was absolutely mouth-watering, and I could not get enough of the Sauce Verte. It really had some wonderful flavors to complement the fish. The octopus was equally delicious. It had a crisp outer layer, yet it was tender and delectable on the inside. The Watercress, Saffron Aioli was really, really fantastic. My mouth is still watering just thinking about it! All the side dishes were very good. I love cauliflower, so I really enjoyed that, especially with the toasted almonds. The brussel sprouts were quite good, as well. The combination with bacon and apples really paid off. Also, the Cajun Poutine was tasty too. This side is made of french fries covered with cheese and gravy. Do I need to say more? Finally for dessert, we were able to try a sampler of many of the options on the menu - Vanilla Panna Cotta, Chocolate Cheesecake, Syllabub, Champagne Gelee, and Quebec Sugar Pie.
Everything was really good. Since I am particularly partial to chocolate, the Chocolate Cheesecake really stood out to me.
It had a deep chocolate flavor that I really enjoyed. Another dessert that I had never tried before, but really loved was the Syllabub. Served in a wine glass, it consisted of a champagne gelee with fruit, cream, and candied nuts. I really suggest you give this one a try on your visit! Make the trip down to SoHo and try Le Pescadeux. You will be so happy that you did!
Peachy Picks Le Pescadeux!
Le Pescadeux is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
