MOVERS and SHAKERS: Charlie Whitfield, Macallan Brand Ambassador Our Coverage Sponsored by Chuck Perley's Le Pescadeux Restaurant
Charlie Whitfield
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...he’s a Mover and Shaker:
90 Thompson Street
New York, New York 10012
212-966-0021
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Charlie Whitfield was born in the cold, wet, windy….yet beautiful capital city of Edinburgh, in Scotland. At the age of two, his granny bought him a raffle ticket and he proceeded to win first prize; two cases of The Macallan 10 Years Old, thus starting his lifelong fascination with Scotch whisky! Other passions of Charlie’s include skiing, Highland dancing and playing rugby.
After high school, Charlie spent a year travelling around the world and then settled at the University of Newcastle, England, to study international business management. This included a year studying in San Sebastian, Spain, where he learned how to run from bulls and eat fine Tapas.
As befits his name, Charlie began his career in the chocolate world, not in the factory but working in the duty free office of Bendicks of Mayfair, a chocolate brand popular with the British monarchy and holder of the Royal Warrant. This job led to a marketing role in duty free, based out of London and working with leading luxury spirits brands.
It was at this time that Charlie met a beautiful Californian girl, at a wedding in Edinburgh. Destiny played its part, for they met at the same house that Charlie’s parents first ever met as well! After a couple years of long distance commuting between London and New York, Charlie moved to New York in 2010. They got married on a beach in Northern California last year.
When Charlie moved to the US, he realized his lifelong passion with whisky and started working for The Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whisky. As the brand ambassador, he introduces people to Scotch whisky and raises awareness among existing consumers, while working closely with the spirits trade and media. Paid to talk and drink Macallan, he certainly can’t complain! We are absolutely thrilled to present Charlie Whitfield as our latest Mover and Shaker!!! We love Macallan too and they've chosen the perfect ambassador. Peachy Deegan interviewed Charlie for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What is your first whisky memory?
Charlie Whitfield: On the West coast of Scotland, sailing with my family. It helped me fall asleep whilst anchored in stormy weather!
What should everyone know about whisky that they do not know yet?
That originally it was farmers who made Scotch whisky, not only to enjoy themselves, but also to pay as rent to the local landlords and feed their cattle (the offshoot of whisky making, the draff or pot ale, can actually be turned into high protein cattle feed).
What can Scottish people learn from Americans and what can Americans learn from the Scottish? The Scots can learn to be more outgoing and the Americans can learn how to spell whisky correctly!
Will Scotland gain independence from the UK/England why or why not?
Good question, I have no idea, and living in the US I’m not allowed to vote. Time will tell.
What is your favorite rugby team and why are they the best?
The Scottish national rugby team is my favourite, but unfortunately they aren’t the best in the world. I have some old school friends who play in the team.
What do you love most about being the Macallan ambassador?
To be able to represent, and share one of the finest whiskies in the world.
What would surprise most people about your job and why?
It isn’t as glamorous as it sounds, but it can be a lot of fun as well.
What is the key to success in a long distance relationship?
Video talking on Skype every day!
What makes American girls the best in the world?
Silly question, they are lots of fun and beautiful. That’s why I married one!
Please comment on the growth of the whisky industry.
The growth has been substantial, double digit for the last ten years.
What should most people know about collectible whisky-we believe a Macallan sold for the highest dollar price around $40k recently at Bonhams...?
The value of aged and vintage Scotch whisky is tracking higher than the value of gold at the moment, so it is certainly a good investment. The Macallan is lucky enough to have the largest supply of fine and rare whisky, which makes it very collectible. The best thing though, is that unlike other investments, if your bottle of Scotch doesn’t increase in value for some reason, you can always drink it!
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
The time, effort, investment and passion The Macallan puts into making and maturing its whisky is a true example that I try to emulate.
What are you proudest of and why?
Finding a way to endure the trials and tribulations of long distance commuting across the pond, to be with, and marry, my wife Andora.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
To launch and market my own luxury brand one day.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
Nothing in the whisky world yet, other than distinction in some spirits exams. It’s the whisky that should get the spotlight though.
What one word best describes you and why?
Passionate – in love and work
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
On a roof top, with a glass of The Macallan, taking in the stunning views.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Whole Foods!
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
Well, I’ve heard James Bond is partial to The Macallan, I’m sure he would help us attract more female Scotch drinkers!
What is your favorite drink?
Silly question
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
Being introduced to someone famous and not having a clue who it was.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
Wow, impossible question, but Joseph Leonard, North End Grill and Per Se have to be up there.
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature?
I’m reading a great book called New York at the moment, written by Edward Rutherfurd.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
The President, so I could learn about all those juicy secrets and be able to pass some controversial laws.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
It would have to be a “field” in Central Park. Don’t make me explain!
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Playing rugby on Randall’s island, scoring a try (touchdown), with the spectacular skyline of Manhattan in the background. The New York Marathon is also in my sights.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Breakfast 24hrs
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
Nelson Mandela would have some fascinating stories to tell.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
The Met
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I try to eat organic where possible and I’m big into recycling
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan?
The people. The hotdogs
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
You can’t beat Movers and Shakers, it is fascinating reading about people from all walks of life. Take a Trip to Scotland is quite good as well, and Champagne Wishes since that's where Macallan's been featured.
Have you tried The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not?
It’s on my list of things to do.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I’ve been to Kenya 5 times, I love that country.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Say hi to me in the street and I’ll be happy to share a dram of The Macallan with them!
