Adieu to Joseph Ades, The Gentleman Peeler of Union Square

We learned the news yesterday when the NY Times called asking for permission to use our photo of Jim Ades, the famous carrot peeler of Union Square (and occasionally other parts of the city.)

He was known for his bravado and his enthusiasm for the peelers he sold. He never was officially part of the Greenmarket, rather choosing to park himself on the fringes of the market, capitalizing on the traffic, but never obtaining a vendor's license.

Some called him a hack, but the truth is, his peeler really is the best. I picked one up once to replace what came in my culinary school kit. It made for a good story in the classroom.

Mr. Ades charged $5 a pop, or 5 for $20. You can still buy the Star Vegetable Peeler ($6.95 plus shipping), but the experience just won't be the same.

Adieu, Mr. Ades.

Related:
• Veggie Peeler Pitchman Still At It
• Joseph Ades and his Swiss Peelers
• A Video of Joseph Ades at Work
• His Stage, the Street; His Rapier, a Peeler (NY Times, February 3, 2009)

(Photos: Chris Phillips and Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan for The Kitchn)

Comments (8)

New York is a little less magic without him...

posted by mschatelaine on February 3rd 2009 at 1:20pm
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i have always wondered how he came to be doing that in new york city. makes you wonder where and how you'll end...

posted by Lady J on February 3rd 2009 at 1:24pm
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It sounds like he was always a salesman...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/nyregion/03ades.html?scp=1&sq=joseph%20ades&st=cse

posted by mschatelaine on February 3rd 2009 at 1:45pm
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Oh, this made me so sad when I saw the story in the Times this morning. He used to be at Borough Hall a couple of times a week as well. I hope he knows (somehow) how many people remember him and, lest I sound ridiculous, how many lives he touched. Really, I won't peel a carrot again without thinking of him.

posted by Matilda on February 3rd 2009 at 4:12pm
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i was really sad to hear he passed. i love that peeler. its amazing, and i think of him every time i use it. that man is unforgettable.

posted by TheVillageVegetable on February 3rd 2009 at 4:35pm
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I think my 3-year-old daughter had hopes of being wife number 5 someday. She (and I) will miss him at Union Square.

posted by cmcinnyc on February 3rd 2009 at 5:02pm
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he was such a fun cat! i say we all have a peeling service in union sq - brings your carrots and potatos!

posted by kdkaboom on February 4th 2009 at 10:37am
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I recall reading (maybe on the sartorialist?) that his suits were all A&S...

That's class.

posted by nothingfuture on February 9th 2009 at 10:23am
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