Peachy Dines Al Fresco at Le Pescadeux, A Peachy's Pick by Mover and Shaker Montreal Native Chuck Perley Who Celebrates Our Inaugural NHL Coverage With Us Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
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As we said in our last post, baby it is HOT outside and when it is hot, we break out the Al Fresco column for our very favorite places only that have been previously chosen as a Peachy's Pick. Out of over 240 Manhattan reviews, this is only the second this season we chose to feature because Le Pescadeux is that fantastique, that tres bien, that magnifique. Chuck opens the French doors and immediately, it is like a sidewalk cafe though you have all the benefits of being inside.
They have a well-stocked bar!
As Chuck is French Canadian, he celebrates with the Fleur De Lis. If you are an avid hockey fan you know that the Quebec Nordiques had this all over their Jersey. If you are an avid Le Pescadeux goer, you know that Tim Hunter recently dined there with an Assistant District Attorney from the Washington DC area with their wives. Chuck absolutely loves hockey as you know and is very excited to read our upcoming NHL posts so we're putting his restaurant in NHL Peachy. He also is the only French Canadian place in Manhattan. So what else do we love about Le Pescadeux? Their cocktail list is stellar:
In case you missed it, here is Peachy's pen showing you you should read the line above it.
Here's Peachy with the Peachy Deegan's Canadian Dream. Very refreshing for Al Fresco weather! Canadian Club, Amaretto, Peachy Brandy and Orange Juice is delightful. We think everyone should have one every time a goal is scored in the NHL this season.
Chuck keeps making improvements, like adding Irish people!
Here's Mikhaila O'Sullivan who is also a proud University College Cork graduate.
You know Peachy went to school there too along with Murphy Boyle's mom (Murphy's latest-he has a new Pluto because his Mom brought it back for him from Disney World).
Chuck opened Le Pescadeux after years of being a famous actor-do ask him about his star appearance in a Bon Jovi video-we kid you not. Of course, Jon has dined at Le Pescadeux and we hear he likes the omelettes. When we worked with HBO on this Marilyn Monroe documentary, we learned the father of Chuck's acting coach worked with Marilyn. Chuck performs so well as a restaurateur and everyone that enters is genuinely happy to see him and absolutely dying to eat. He gets hugs and kisses left and right and is truly loved by his clientele. There is never an empty seat in the house so we do suggest making a reservation.
In the summer season, the menu is lightened up with Red Beet Salad, Caesar Salad, Tuna Tartar and more but what called Peachy's name the loudest were the simply amazing Sauteed P.E.I. Mussels, Andouille Marinieres. The little sausage pieces were spectacular along with the cute little onions.
This one insisted on a close up.
The rolls are deliciously crisp and outstanding. How often do we mention rolls?
We never show you dirty plates, but this picture should speak a thousand words to you. The short version is you will leave nothing behind also.
That's a picture of Chuck's original restaurant in the corner.
At Whom You Know, we do think it's possible to have it all. Chuck shares this philosophy so he created Fish Duets where you can pick two half orders. Peachy Deegan chose the Crusted Baked Cod with Roasted Beet Garlic Puree and Braised Octopus with Watercress and Saffron Aioli. Completely heavenly, the presentation was perfect. The taste sensation emanating from each poisson respectively (Come on you all know a little French, and if not you know the Le Poisson song from the Little Mermaid!) was another factor that sets this restaurant apart and you also need to know that Octopus is done properly here-it is an absolute dream to bite into and done just right.
The Cod, smiling
The octopus, smiling
Chuck serves lighter sauces in the summer, and also does a lovely job with the Soft Shell Crab now in season. Bien sur he had dessert with us. Certainly as a Mover and Shaker this star knows the drill. Chuck had the lemon flan with raspberries and blueberries:
And Peachy had the beloved Syllabub with Champagne Gelee and Candied Walnuts and gorgeous in season raspberries and blueberries:
You will want to hug the Syllabub too before you eat it.
By hook or by crook, be sure to get to this top restaurant this summer before the French Doors close for Old Man Winter!
Our esteemed panelist adds:
If you're looking for excellent food, top-notch service, lovely ambiance, and one of the most fun restaurant owners/executive chefs in town, do not pass Go, do not collect $200 (well, actually, if you can find $200 to collect along the way, more power to you!), just head straight for Le Pescadeux in SoHo. Our evening there started with a delicious cocktail named Peachy Deegan's Canadian Dream (how could we NOT have that?!), which was made with Canadian Club, amaretto, peach brandy, and orange juice, and garnished with a lime wedge. While we sipped on these and nibbled on the delicious warm and crusty bread, we perused the menu, which (not surprisingly, given the name of the restaurant!) featured mostly seafood dishes, with some other options mixed in for good measure.
I chose to start with the crab cakes, which were absolutely delicious! Lightly browned, with chunks of onions and red peppers mixed in, these crab cakes were remarkably fresh and not too heavy at all. They were accompanied by a spicy remoulade, which was also delectable, as well as cucumber strips, sliced radishes, and fresh greens. A terrific start to the meal. For my entree, I opted for a "Fish Duet," one of the more unique options on the menu, where diners are allowed to select two different entree options from a selection of six, and they are given half-portions of each.
Chuck told us that the idea was the product of his "culinary ADD" - he gets bored when faced with too much of the same thing. Well, whatever the inspiration, we thought it was brilliant! For my two items, I chose the Black Olive Crusted Tuna and the Grilled Jumbo Shrimp. The tuna was expertly prepared - perfectly pink in the middle, and tasty and tender the whole way through. The black olives were a nice, savory addition, without overwhelming the flavor of the tuna. The shrimp was also prepared beautifully - it was grilled to perfection, and served atop a fresh summer ratatouille. Outstanding!
For dessert, I just had to go with the caramelized bananas - they were calling my name! And boy, was I happy I did. Warm and gooey, with plenty of caramel sauce and candied walnuts, and topped with a dollop of cool vanilla cream, this dessert was perfection on a plate - I think it will be making an appearance in my dreams very soon! Overall a truly wonderful experience - Le Pescadeux gets the highest recommendation from this panelist!
Le Pescadeux remains a favorite of our Peachy's Picks!
Le Pescadeux has earned our Highest Recommendation.
Le Pescadeux is the only restaurant in New York City that focuses on the French-Canadian culinary migration experience, from the Maritimes through Quebec and down to Louisiana, and not only does it boast one of the finest cuisines in Manhattan but also one of the best restaurateurs as well. Ooooh la la Executive Chef and Owner 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". Covering every cuisine from Montreal to New Orleans, at Le Pescadeux you may feast on a terrific assortment of succulently fresh oysters, Quebec clam chowder, Cajun/Smoked meat Poutine, sauteed Prince Edward Island mussels, and Bouillabaisse Quebecoise, the best anywhere! Le Pescadeux offers a stellar selection of wines and cocktails and the decor is gorgeous featuring a painting by Maggie Mailer (daughter of Norman) and a lovely chandelier. Do not miss the Syllabub for dessert! Tell Chuck that Peachy sent you...
90 Thompson Street
New York, New York 10012
212-966-0021
