Daniel Boulud is a rare being in the world of gastronomy. Kind-hearted, generous, and beloved in the industry (and beyond - just ask Al Roker or Eric Ripert), Boulud has built his empire rooted in delicious cuisine and an equally compelling (and refined) experience. Raised near Lyon, Boulud apprenticed and learned from the best before flying across the pond to America where he started as the private chef to the European Commission in Washington, D.C. A move to New York was imminent with Chef Boulud itching to open his first spot. Polo Lounge at the Westbury Hotel debuted, followed by another hotel boîte, La Régence, at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée. However, his star moment came in 1986 when he took the reins as executive chef at the iconic Le Cirque. He remained in this role until 1993 when he opened his eponymous Two MICHELIN Star spot Daniel. (Ed's note: The restaurant is presently serving its seasonal five-course prix fixe or nine-course tasting menus.)
Since then, Boulud has conquered Manhattan and beyond with restaurants sprinkled across the country, but he's never lost the sparkle for his American home city. And like his growing empire, Boulud enjoys each neighborhood - coffee at Épicerie Boulud at the Oculus in the Financial District; views and cocktails at One MICHELIN Star Le Pavillon housed within the Summit in midtown; and a nightcap on the Upper East Side by his newest boîtes Café Boulud and Maison Barnes - with the same vivacious spirit and energy as he puts on the plate. Below, get to know where Chef Boulud goes on and off duty in the city that never sleeps.
Explore more insights on New York from our Inspectors, chefs, and celebrities.
Dining Out:
Casa Enrique: It is my favorite Mexican destination in Long Island City.
Gabriel Kreuther: Gabriel is a very talented Alsatian chef and a good friend. His restaurant is where classic meets modern.
Le Bernardin: A legendary seafood destination by the great Eric Ripert.
Rezdôra: Some of the best and authentic Italian cuisine in New York. It is a small space with a lot of character.
Saga: It’s a combination of beautiful views with inventive cocktails and dishes.
Atomix: It is a sleek and beautiful chef’s counter lead by Chef JP who brings a creative spin on Korean classics.
Outside the Kitchen:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art with my family visiting from Europe or the Central Park Zoo—I always take my kids to see the seals. Another is The Summit [at One Vanderbilt]; it has the best view of our five boroughs.
Late Night Cocktails: Bemelmans [at the Carlyle Hotel]—it is the best old-fashioned jazz bar on the Upper East Side.
The Oculus for a croissant and coffee and Épicerie Boulud.
Stretch - Great pizza by a great chef [Wylie Dufresne].
Hero image: Daniel Krieger
Thumb image: Thomas Schauer
