Iconic Chef Jacques Pépin’s Favorite Restaurants & Hang-outs Near His Home in Madison, Connecticut

Jacques PépinPhoto byKevin Berne

Chef Jacques Pépin has lived on four acres of land in the picturesque town of Madison, Connecticut for more than forty years. The chef chose the residence, specifically for it's accessibility to both New York City and Boston, Massachusetts. Jacques Pépin has enjoyed his life, as well as raised his family in this small, quaint New England town that rests on the beautiful Connecticut Shoreline, which was a must for the legendary chef. Mr. Pépin talks about why he loves Madison and what he does for fun, including his favorite restaurants and hang-outs in New Haven County.

"I love the beach, I go to the woods and pick up wild mushroom, [there are] good restaurants in New Haven to along the coast, and I have a lot of friends here now," the celebrated Chef told WCVB. He also enjoys cooking with friends at his home, and will go to Bishop’s Orchards’ farm market and Cole’s Farm for his produce.

When he wants to go out to eat though, he has several restaurants he enjoys. His favorites are Clam Castle in Madison and Westbrook Lobster in Clinton. When he's in the mood for Chinese food, it’s Taste of China, also located in Clinton, Connecticut. When he's feeling like a more formal dinner setting, the chef enjoys Bar Bouchèe in Madison, and the Oyster Club in Mystic as well.

Other activities he loves doing in Connecticut are bringing his friends and family who are visiting from out-of-town to the maritime museum, Mystic Seaport as well as taking the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry to the medieval fortress, Gillette Castle. The beach he prefers for swimming and of course, one of his favorite past-times, fishing for whitebait, is Hammonasset Beach State Park.