Chez Josephine Fall 2016 Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Roasted Red and Golden Beets, and Peachy's favorite: Escargots!
Do not miss the Roasted Breast of Long Island Duck:
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One of the strongest restaurant performances we've seen in 2016 by a returning restaurant is without a doubt Chez Josephine. It was most recently featured in June 2016:
and it is one of very few venues where we have continued to review the restaurant through a change in ownership. As you know this was started by Jean-Claude Baker and was a Peachy's Pick starting in 2013:
As we are obviously highly literary, we love that there is a book associated with this venue that we also loved:
Today Jean-Claude and Josephine look down from heaven upon Manuel Uzhca, who is proudly continuing their legacy on West 42nd street with fine French food.
It is extremely rare for us to see such a flawless transition carrying on tradition and we believe Jean-Claude chose well. Manuel has been at the helm for a year now and among his favorite Chez Josephine dishes are Filet Mignon, Escargot and Steak Frites. Frank Diaz remains the Executive Chef; Frank joined in the early 2000's we understand.
Our visit commenced with a lovely amuse-bouche of salmon, capers, creme fraiche and dill lounging on crisp toast that was simply terrific.
For a salad, we chose the Roasted Red and Golden Beets. For anyone that is as enthused about being an Eagle as Peachy, the sight of this gorgeous maroon and gold on a plate had her singing For Boston, For Boston. (If you do not understand that reference, see Keze.) Whole grain black lump fish caviar from the State of Maine has a party in chive creme fraiche and horseradish that is commensurate with last night's Living Landmarks Gala. It is a shame that not all vegetables we meet are as stunning and delicious as these!
Absolutely to-die-for are the Escargots a la Bourguignonne with Herbs and Garlic. Not only were they the best part of Peachy's day when she had them this visit at Chez Josephine, they were the best part of her entire week. The splendors of the garlic and parsley brilliantly emanate from the succulent little snails. You should wait for them to cool a tiny bit no matter what your level of enthusiasm for them is! Just as wonderful are the rolls that you will use to soak up every last wondrous drop of this fabulous concoction.
No, that is not pumpkin soup silly. Even better, it's LOBSTER BISQUE! You will revel in the complete creaminess of the consistency that pairs so well with the crustacean from Maine. The picture does not do this dish proper justice.
We would not say we are huge proponents of duck across the board, but when you try the compelling choice of Roasted Breast of Long Island Duck at Chez Josephine, you will also start singing a different tune. Speaking of tunes, we hope you are watching Harry Connick Jr's new show #HARRYTV - did you know Harry once played the piano at Chez Josephine Jean-Claude told us. Harry, we think you should bring the tv cameras over to the restaurant and have dinner with us! The moist duck was tender and delicious and was joined by orange glaze and wild rice.
Equally satisfying is the Lobster Cassoulet, a phenomenal choice for a crisp, cool day! Scallops, shrimp, seafood sausage, and black beans in a light shellfish bouillon is simply sensational with its variety in flavor that is concurrently complimentary. Black truffles from Italy are the highlight of the amazing TRUFFLE MASHED POTATOES:
You may not pass go and collect $200 without trying these winners that might have a monopoly for our favorite mashed potatoes in Peachy's stomach. Chez Josephine is a quintessential New York experience from the music you'll hear played by a live piano player from "It Had to Be You" which we believe we recall from When Harry Met Sally to "Moon River" we are absolutely positive is from Breakfast at Tiffany's (and did you see how Tiffany's puts on their jewelry?).
Warm apple rhubarb crepe continues to be high on our list for favorite Manhattan desserts!
Chez Josephine is absolutely Terrific Takeout and continues to be Highly Recommended by Whom You Know!
