Phenomenal. Amazing. Mind-Blowing. Perfect. Unbelievable. Wow. These were the words escaping my mouth as I consumed a 6+ course tasting ($185) at Daniel (well, I tried the 6 different courses my companion had too, so that is really 12 courses!), the four-star flagship restaurant from chef Daniel Boulud.
Good things come to those who wait, and it took me 30 years to get this amazing French restaurant, and boy was it worth the wait. It could just possibly be the best meal of my life. The restaurant itself is gorgeous. After getting a full renovation a year and a half ago, the place is just a treasure to sit in.
I didn't use my flash on my camera, although I wish I had, for these pics do not do this edible artwork justice, from Executive Chef Jean Francois Bruel, but you will get the idea. Let us commence.
First, let us try one of the fabulous cocktails from mixologist Xavier Herit. The Smokey Bandit ($16), llegal Joven Mezcal, Jalapeño, Orange Curacao, Fresh Pineapple, Lime Juice. Refreshing and splendid. Cocktail perfection.
Well hello melon soup, oh how you tickle my taste buds with refreshing joy. A pleasant start.
Bon Jour, Mosaic of Lola Duck, Porcini and Red Wine Gelee. Your shallot confit and rapeseed vinagraitee do complement you so well. A work of art in front of me. I could stare at you for days. Alas, you taste so yummy.
Duck Terrine with Poached Rhubarb, Sicilian Pistachios, Frisee-Augula Salad, Sauternes Gelee. Thank you for being the best terrine of my life. Let us go for a walk some time.
Welcome, Trio of Spanish Mackerel, warm with cumin, carrot mousseline, a tartar with North Star Caviar, and poached with White Wine Gelee. You are unique, delicious, and just fantastic!
Peekytoe Crab Salad with Persian Cucumber, black sesame coulis, early mesclun, and radishes. Fabulosity.
Well, well, well, look at you Hazelnut and Chorizo Maine Sea Scallop with stewed gnocchi, corn fricasee and nasturtium salad. For a second I thought I had an orgasm in my mouth. Oh wait, I did.
Grilled Yellowfin Tuna with Vadouvan, Hawaiian Hearts of Palm, Fennel Confit, and Basil Salad you are delectable. Lets go skinny-dipping together and explore the sea.
Black Sea Bass with Syrah Sauce, Leek Potato "Parmentier", Roasted and Tempura Celery you are invited to my bedroom any night. You are the sexiest, freshest piece of bass I ever did lay my eyes and tongue on. You melt in my mouth.
Hey There, Mind-Blowing Meat courses! Elysian Fields Farm Loin with Tandoori Spiced Shoulder, Minted Ratatouille, Ricotta Gnocchi, Broccolini, and Zucchini Flower Tempura, you are pitch-perfect lamb. I want to lie on a hammock with you and spend the days relaxing with your delicious beauty.
Ah, Duo of Beef, Black Angus Short Ribs with Quinoa, Spring Onion Confit in Red Wine, Wagyu Tenderloin with Chanterelles, Green Asparagus, and Tellicherry Pepper Jus. You are more like a Duo of love. Because I love you. Wait, was that God I just saw walk by, cause I feel like im in Heaven. Oh, I am.
Consuming Dominique Ansel's desserts at Daniel to end this mind-blowing meal, is like having sex with Angelina Jolie, and then after Angelina departs, having sex with Natalie Portman. These deal closers are wonderful.
Like Strawberries in Citrus with Mascarpone Cream, Almond Sponge, and Lemon-Limoncello Sorbet. Yes, please. Oh, yes!
Ahhh, Warm Guanaja Chocolate Coulant with Liquid Caramel, Fleur de Sel, and Milk Sorbet. You are truly unbelievable and exceptional! You ooze goodness and greatness. Thank you for my third orgasm of the night, I appreciate it. And you know what, Giandjua Sablé with Nyangbo Chocolate, Puffed Rice, and Hazelnut Ice Cream, you may as well join us in this culinary orgy. You are the wind beneath my wings.
So, if you crave four-star dining at it’s best; amazing, mind-blowing, and truly orgasmic dishes, Daniel is the restaurant you need to come to. If you go to Daniel’s website, you’ll hear a beautiful song playing which states, “Everyone dreams about heaven, nobody knows what to think..” Well, I think Daniel is Heaven, so say hi to God for me if you see him. I’m sure he’s dining there.
Daniel
60 East 65th Street (bet. Madison and Park)
New York, NY 10065
212-288-0033
www.danielnyc.com