24 June 2021 NYC
Daniel Boulud that is! He is from Lyon France and is a pillar of the New York culinary scene. He is a James Beard award winner, and the restaurant has two Michelin Stars. Of course jackets are required so Leslie and I were all fancy. We were having fun just walking to the restaurant. We were sticking out for not wearing sweat pants / yoga pants like everyone else. That is part of the experience of fine dining. We were early as usual and took a few block detour to window shop and kill some time. These stores were so exclusive that the doors were locked. Customers needed to be allowed in to the store. I remember one man, who was dressed quite natty, actually had to knock on the glass to be let in.
We chose to get the three course menu instead of the seven course menu. We have had our difficulties making it through the extended tasting menus before, so we took the conservative route. For me course one was a east Midland Wagu beef cheek "presse" with foie gras and oxtail. For Leslie it was the escargot casserole with potato gnocchi and chanterelle mushrooms. A very good start to our evening. The second course for Leslie was the charcoal grilled squab with apricots, peas and radishes. I had the Ozark saddle of rabbit with lobster and wild rice. Delightful. Lastly I chose the Bolivian Dark chocolate mousseline with kafir lime ice cream and Leslie had the cheese platter. When I say that Leslie had a dish I also mean that I was an appreciable amount of her dish as well.
The crowd varied from expense account abusers and family celebrations, to single diners and couples. Everyone looked elegant and were on their best behavior. I don't have too many pictures, but I did get a picture of the Chef from the back as he came out to greet the guests. Luckily he turned around and introduced himself to us.
