Tuesday night in Manhattan is always a busy evening, however, last night on the Upper East Side, things were ground to a halt. East 65th Street between Madison and Park Avenues turned into an haute block party all in celebration of one man, Daniel Boulud. Celebrating 30 years since the opening of Daniel, Boulud’s soiree brought out the likes of Sports Illustrated cover model Martha Stewart (looking chic and sleek in black separates), architect Peter Marino (who recently completed the renovation of Tiffany & Co’s Fifth Avenue flagship—Boulud will be crafting the meals at the Blue Box Cafe, opening on May 22nd), and Bon Appétit and Epicurious’s editor-in-chief Dawn Davis. “Thirty years ago when I created Daniel, I didn’t know it would still be strong,” says Boulud. “I’m blessed to be a New Yorker, an American, and as a chef, I choose to be in New York.”
Inside the restaurant, it was a who’s who of New York’s haute dining scene—Angie Mar, Cosme Aguilar, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and countless others who lined the room waiting to catch a glimpse of the man of the hour and congratulate him. One guest, Lili Lynton, has been there since the beginning as an investor and business partner of Boulud’s. “I knew it would be here for 30 years because Daniel has so much loyalty and tenacity,” says Lynton. “But I never would’ve imagined he would have an empire.”
Sprinkled throughout were well wishers including All-American Road Trip host (and accidental style icon) Guy Fieri, Top Chef’s Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio, and Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix. Seeing the faces, Boulud was visibly overjoyed and moved. “I wanted my restaurant to be a happy place,” says Boulud, adding, “and to make sure that my customer never felt I was trying to be over my head.” With such an illustrious guest list, we think he’s done a pretty good job so far. As for the Star chef’s favorite dish? “Soup!,” beams Boulud. “I’m boring, but I go around the kitchen and put all sorts of things inside and then put the stock inside and season that. Every time it’s a joyful moment.” And with Boulud’s magic touch, no doubt equally delicious.
All photos courtesy
