Peachy Picks Desmond's
Chef David Hart is well on his way to putting 153 East 60th Street on the map!
And more specifically, with his outstandingly spicy lobster spaghetti, one of the very best versions we've ever met. Here is its headshot closeup:
You know we are running this at lunchtime to torture you into making your dinner reservation for tonight now, or better yet, skip out of the office and head there for lunch. You can make reservations on the website, found at the conclusion of this review.
Desmond's was first featured in Terrific Takeout:
and it graduated to Tasty Tidbits:
and we are pleased to announce it has joined Peachy's Picks.
The phenomenal cuisine and the lovely English atmosphere make Desmond's a destination you'll want to frequent.
We were impressed with their wine selections, and let us assure you this isn't always the case at restaurants of this caliber, believe it or not. And for anyone that says English food is not up there with Italian or French, that person better think again! Peachy does love Italian and French food and we've reviewed more of that cuisine than any other type, but let us assure you, if we could find more places like Desmond's in Manhattan, we would be reviewing just as many English places. And by the way, you know Peachy is in fact English (but not Italian or French...). Peachy sipped a fragrant, bold Chateau Tour Saint-Andre from Pomerol, France 2007 (above) and found it a delightful combination with every selection of cuisine. Our esteemed panelist sipped on Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile 2009 and was equally delighted.
The Desmond's hit parade kicked off with wild mushrooms on sourdough toast, which is a treat that will warm you up on these chilly days now upon us. One aspect of this cuisine that you should know is that we find it particularly inviting for the winter months coming far too soon, as we saw on Saturday. English food is not only comfort food, but also it is fine food as you will see by the consistent caliber presented below from dish to dish. And you will love it.
The Tuna Tartare, watermelon and ginger vinaigrette was terribly refreshing and beautifully arranged:
And if you only order one starter, this is what Peachy would suggest you order:
Every bite is a mood improver from the smoked salmon, soft scrambled eggs and caviar.
After eating this, every subsequent scrambled egg you have will be met with an exclamation by you of "Where is the caviar and salmon like at Desmond's?!"
The salmon is fresh and thinly sliced.
The eggs are fluffy and heavenly.
And, the caviar is the perfect touch.
Peachy ordered the filet steak, roasted bone marrow (a very trendy delicacy!) and bearnaise sauce. It came just as she ordered-medium, and was grilled properly. Pure quality, this was right up there with the best steakhouses we've been to and perhaps even better because the bearnaise sauce was that good. It is a shame that Peachy never had a steak this incredible during the days she lived in London, but we'd say America has far better meat. And now we have an English chef here to prove it. Server Jessica was pleasant all evening.
The best dessert without a doubt was the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream, and you should note that all of their ice creams are made by the pastry chef using low fat milk. And it does not taste like low fat milk went into it, may we add. Brilliant! The sticky toffee pudding was good below, and if you are a fan of pineapple you will love that ice cream (bottom).
Our esteemed panelist adds:
If you are looking for a romantic spot or beautiful setting for a dinner with friends or business colleagues, Desmond's is the place to go. Charming chef and owner David Hart will provide you with a tasty and satisfying dinner without breaking the bank. All appetizers, entrees and desserts are fairly priced. Desmond's happens to be one of the chicest looking dining rooms on the East Side.
Upon entering Desmond's, we were greeted by a very gracious staff. Jessica, our waitress promptly brought out delicious buttermilk biscuits and honey whipped butter. We sampled a number of house wines and then decided on a wonderful Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon priced at $14 a glass.
We were offered a number of tasty appetizers - wild mushrooms on sourdough toast - smoked salmon with caviar and scrambled eggs- burrata heirloom tomato salad - and then, my favorite - tuna tartar with watermelon sprinkled with a ginger vinaigrette. Appetizers were priced between $9- $15. 
Main courses sampled were grilled Dover sole served with tartar sauce and charred lemon - Filet steak with roasted bone marrow and sauce bearnaise - and a spectacular Lobster spaghetti. All main courses were large in size and very pleasing to the palate. Desserts were well prepared and delicious. The pineapple carpaccio with cream cheese ice cream was a "home run". Other favorites were the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and sticky toffee pudding with creme anglaise.
Desmonds is located on 60th between Third Avenue and Lexington Avenues.
Peachy Picks Desmond's!
Desmond's is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
http://www.desmondsny.com/
http://www.desmondsny.com/
Even the chandelier is fabulous:
