Pascal's Manale

Pascal's Manale Restaurant Review:

A nondescript building houses Pascal's Manale, where the most concentrated local flavor is exhibited at its oyster bar. Here, businesspeople make deals until the irresistible aroma of barbecued shrimp overtakes them. Tourists don't frequent the place because it's so far uptown. Consequently, it has the feel of a real old neighborhood restaurant, filled with locals. The interior harkens to a time when most restaurants looked pretty much alike --– crisp white tablecloths, straight back wooden chairs, nondescript chandeliers and a bar with lots of sporting team pennants and fluorescent signs. Cream, butter and oil are the mainstay ingredients, so hollandaise sauce fairly pours from the kitchen, to best effect on fried oysters. If you have never had barbecued shrimp, this is ground zero for the dish. A barbecued shrimp po' boy served at lunch is the most economical way to try it. The menu is dotted with fried everything and typical Italian dishes, ranging from veal Marsala to spaghetti and meatballs to stuffed eggplant. Most desserts are super-sweet, but the cheesecake is worth the calorie splurge. Servers seem well-versed in regard to the nice wine selection.