In December, I spent the best Christmas Eve I could imagine. I went to dinner at Daniel, a three-star restaurant in NYC, run by renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Every time I go to Manhattan, I try to go to some of the best restaurants in the city. And this time, after almost two years without going to the USA, I made a point of choosing the places by hand. Of course, it was difficult to get a reservation for December 24th. However, with the help of the concierge team at The Pierre, where I was staying, I had confirmation for the refined French restaurant in NYC for Christmas dinner. Therefore, if you are also a fan of haute cuisine, read this post until the end to find out the details of this impeccable meal. Take the opportunity to also read the new Global Entry for Brazilians and behind the scenes of the series “And just like that”.
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Three-star restaurant in NYC
Daniel opened in 1993. At this address, on the Upper East Side, between 60th and 65th streetsth Street, it has been there since 1999. The three-star restaurant is located in a building that was once a hotel. Frenchman Daniel also carries the Relais & Chateaux seal, a guarantee of quality and sophistication. The chef, who started cooking as a teenager, states that he “works with the best American products in accordance with French culinary tradition”.
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The environment
The building has neoclassical architecture and the hall is truly stunning! The space between tables is excellent, as is the acoustics. The ceilings are high, the tables are round, very well arranged, while the chairs are extremely comfortable. Definitely one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever been to in the world.
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The service
The service at this three-star restaurant in NYC is impeccable. The staff makes the customer feel special from the time of arrival to departure without distinction. The reservation time was punctually respected, both by us and by the restaurant. In fact, after booking and leaving your credit card number, you receive a message two days before reconfirming dinner. The team comes from various parts of the world, and of course there are many French people. Everyone was very kind at all times of the night. I think it’s relevant to say this for those who might think that in a gourmet restaurant the staff will be snobbish. In Daniel, this certainly doesn’t happen at all. Furthermore, agility also prevailed.
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O dress code three-star restaurants in NYC
The three-star restaurant in NYC does not oblige, but encourages men to wear a blazer. First of all, it’s always good to remember that there is a certain formality in a refined restaurant in the USA. After all, it will certainly be an unforgettable experience and the costumes must match the environment.
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The dinner
The menu was five courses for US$425, without pairings, which cost another US$225. You could choose between four options, starters, main courses and desserts. I thought it was pretty fair, that is, anyone who likes to eat well would have no problem choosing it. On the contrary. It was even difficult when faced with detailed descriptions that just reading made our mouths water. Several dishes featured seafood as the protagonist, such as crab and scallops. However, both carnivores and vegetarians were not left out. I opted for foie gras, risotto and sea bass. Meanwhile, Marcelo had scallops, gorgonzola ravioli and angus steak. To finish, we tried the Peruvian chocolate pie and the lemon and meringue floating island.
The winery
The cellar has around 25 thousand bottles, which have approximately 2 thousand different labels. The selection is multiple and favors not only the most prestigious wines, but also drinks with more character and affordable prices. However, prices can reach up to US$10,000 per bottle. Therefore, pay close attention to your choice, in case the dinner is not harmonized.
Conclusion
Certainly, dining at a three-star restaurant in NYC is not something for everyone. But for lovers of haute cuisine, I highly recommend it. It’s a worthwhile investment. After all, reaching the highest category in the Michelin Guide, the bible of world cuisine, is not for everyone. To achieve this merit, the house needs to have an “exceptional kitchen”, according to the guide itself. Furthermore, ambiance and service also count. Remembering that critics appear by surprise and do not identify themselves. So, if you have the opportunity, go have dinner at Daniel’s restaurant and tell us what you think.
Daniel Boulud Group Restaurants
There are eight locations in Manhattan alone, in addition to Daniel, a three-star restaurant in New York. In other words, it’s also worth visiting Bar Boulud or Bistro Moderne, for example. Additionally, there are houses in Miami, Palm Beach, Washington DC, among other cities. For more information, visit the French chef’s website.
Endereço: 60 East 65th Street, Lenox Hill, New York, NY 10065
Text and photos by Renata Araújo.
