Peachy's Picks Connecticut: Le Petit Cafe in Branford Encore Review Best in Connecticut 2016 Says Whom You Know Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of
Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with
a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought
after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the
picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather
allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400
Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items.
Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every
month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world!
Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining
restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of
their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first
Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit
their website at
We have simple taste.
We only like the best.
And you hardly need us to tell you that Le Petit Cafe is the best in Connecticut; the whole world sings the praises of Executive Chef and Owner Roy Ip, who happens to be our friend.
So, we're not telling you.
We're just REMINDING you.
Roy rocks!
They were our first Connecticut review ever, in 2011:
We did not know Roy before that review but not everyone featured in 2011 has us dying to go back as much as he does! His devotion to his culinary endeavors is off-the-charts phenomenal, and we publish during dinner time to torture you especially into leaving New York and going there!
Like a fine wine, Roy and his business only improve with time. If, it was possible to be even better. Roy has been at the helm of Le Petit Cafe since he bought it in 1997. The bread is fresh from the oven and we live for it. Roy is into every last detail like the flowers being absolutely fresh at each coveted table:
It goes without saying that the service is perfect and everyone at Le Petit Cafe is incredibly attentive. It's about two hours from Manhattan just east of New Haven, and very popular with the Yalies we hear. (Go Yale; Beat Harvard! Peachy went to neither but you really shouldn't have to wonder where she was in school.) It is worth taking the trip just to eat dinner and you should know Connecticut is beautiful. (For more Connecticut tips follow our friend Mover and Shaker Gerry Brooks!)
The wine selection at Le Petit Cafe is commendable; one panelist began with this Pinot Noir. It started smooth with notes of chocolate and dark cherry and evoked a fabulous dark cherry spice finish; she was very happy with it. As you know, Peachy does not drink Pinot Noir!
Peachy Deegan and another panelist enjoyed a robust Bordeaux, which was simply smashing. They reveled in its complexity that paired perfectly with everything they tried and couldn't have been happier with it. You'll notice the atmosphere of Le Petit Cafe is much more charming than many New York places.
The fresh day boat (Maine) scallops were in a word, perfect. Juicy and flavorful, they are served "ceviche style" (also lightly poached) with Cara Cara orange, field ripened pineapple and jalapeno-cilantro vinaigrette. The orange was a delightful accent and the fresh, flavorful combination will absolutely wow your taste buds.
Another popular first course is Chef Roy's Country Style Pork Pate, layered with armagnac inflused cherries and house cured fois gras, and served with cornichons, spiced shallot chutney and dijoin mustard. The saltiness of the pate paired with this spectacular cherry flavor is ideally set off. Separately, each item is delightful and the variety is commendable. You can mix it up to your specific liking; all combinations worked well.
Chilled premium jumbo shrimps served with european cucumber, soba noodles, and spicy sesame vinaigrette was the first course Peachy Deegan chose. You'll rejoice in the fresh spicy shrimp flavor which will welcome your palate to the talents of the famous Roy Ip.
The second course is Organic Salad du jour served with cherry tomato and premium artisan cheese: a hunk of fresh goat cheese.
The sparking wine is the cherry on top of the sundae in your Le Petit Cafe experience.
Of course, order it...or should we just say bien sur vous voulez bubbly.
At Le Petit Cafe, seafood is sourced from #1 fish in Hamden, Connecticut. For her main course, Peachy chose the Pan-Roasted Premium Canadian Swordfish. The steak of the sea reigned majestically over sweet bell peppers, capers, nicoise olives, fire roasted piquillo pepper-aged balsamic vinegar emulsion and was topped with ginger accented tapenade. She could not have been happier with the flavor, presentation and overall quality that puts a lot of Manhattan places to shame.
As a main course, the Angus New York Steak Au Poivre (Texas premium aged Angus) is just as delicious as any you'll find at a top Manhattan steakhouse. It's served "Le Petit Cafe Style" with watercress salad, french fries, and brandy-black peppercorn sauce. A generous portion, this supreme steak was cooked just as specified and the sauce was divine. Meat at Le Petit Cafe is sourced from our friend Ariane Daguin! (D'Artagnan.)
The Baked Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass (MSC Certified) is served with ideally sauteed organic baby spinach and miso-ginger sauce; in tandem, this combination boasts an unusual juxtoposition of tangy smoothness against the sweet flesh of fish.
When hazelnut chocolate fondant beckons, you only need to know to say, "Yes please!"
It is spectacular.
It is luscious.
It is by Roy!
The bread pudding is warm and amazingly comforting.
The menu changes at Le Petit Cafe four times a year, so you have at least seasonal annual trips to make.
We still give Le Petit Cafe our Highest Recommendation.
Roy, please join our Twitter party!
