CHEF DANIEL BOULUD

While he hails from Lyon, dazzles palettes in Palm Beach (CAFE BOULUD), Las Las Vegas (DANIEL BOULUD BRASSERIE) and soon, Beijing (Maison Boulud, in Beijing’s Legation Quarter), it’s actually in New York (DANIEL, CAFE BOULUD, and DB BISTRO MODERNE) that Chef Boulud has mastered the culinary scene. Chef-Owner of the five award-winning restaurants and the Feast & Fêtes catering company that make up Dinex Group, he’s also the author of six cookbooks and the recipient of awards such as the James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Restaurateur,” “Best Chef of New York City” and “Outstanding Chef of the Year.”

DANIEL alone, which has been named “one of the best ten restaurants in the world” by the International Herald-Tribune, earned four stars from the New York Times and has top ratings for cuisine, service and décor in the Zagat Survey.

Later this year, the leaves are falling, the weather holds a chill. You’ve just seen the latest show at Lincoln Center. Where to nosh next? Keep a look out for the brand-new Bar Boulud, coming in autumn in New York City.

CHEF DANIEL BOULUD

While most of my travel is for business, no matter what the reason for the trip, each one provides a fresh perspective and an important departure from my everyday routine. My travels are a great source of creativity with ideas and inspiration occurring from unexpected sources. On a recent trip to Japan at a traditional lunch with friends, I will never forget the soft-boiled eggs that were cooked in a warm natural spring adjacent to the restaurant. Each egg came with a certificate signifying the specific hen that had laid it. The restaurant owner took great pride in telling us of the special care and feeding of these prized hens. I am sure I started cooking eggs when I returned to NYC.

It would be easier to list the place I would still like to go than list all those I have visited so far. I recently took my daughter to Machu Picchu and now, I am dreaming of a wonderful trip to India.

The South of France is my favorite destination. I have many friends there. It is full of nostalgic and sentimental memories for me from both my childhood and the early days of my career as a chef. I love the restaurant Le Merenda. It is my favorite restaurant in Nice. No phone, no reservations and just about 25 seats. Stop by in person in the afternoon to request a table for the same night. It’s worth it for the cooking of Dominique Le Stanc. I also love the cooking of Chef Daniel de Savie in Valbonne. We worked together at the Moulins de Mougins in the late ‘70’s. This is a charming country place run by a wonderful couple who make honest and pure cuisine Provençal. Have the Zucchini flowers and local seafood.

My Favorite Hotels –
Cala di Volpe, Sardinia
Hotel Martinez, Cannes
Kempinski The Commune by the Great Wall, China

Highlights of My Recent Travels -
* The new spa at Georges Blanc, a Relais & Châteaux in Vonnas, France
* Fresh grilled fish for lunch on the seaside terrace of the Cala di Volpe in Sardinia
* Skiing out of your bedroom door from The Little Nell in Aspen
* Penthouse suite with a south-facing terrace at the Sunset Tower in Los Angeles. I am there now taping the second season of my "After Hours with Daniel" series for Mojo TV.