Daniel New York
 

Defiantly one of Manhattan's most exclusive restaurants. I have reservations with them for this Christmas. Has anyone eaten there recently and could tell me their experiences and what to expect?

I was there a while back for a free Atlantic Monthly / Belvedere vodka event and it was really fantastic. Just appetizers and cocktails, but if it's any indication, you're going to have a great meal.

I saw the menu on their web site. I'm staying at the MO NYC, do you know where it is in relation to the hotel?

The hotel is on the west side of the park on 60th Street at Columbus Circle, which is basically 8th Ave. Daniel is on the east side of Central Park on 65th near Park Ave.

There's no good way to get there besides a cab, which should be around $10.

For food info - checkout chowhound.com - go to the home page and do a search. You can also go to the NY board but you have to SEARCH from the home page!

Daniel is one of the 10 best restaurants in the world. Maybe even in the top 5 though that is iffy. Be sure to try their smoked salmon, it is stunning, and their dry-aged ribeye might make you think differently about beef for the rest of your life. Some of the best and most complex flavours are in what are described as the simplest dishes; don't be fooled, nothing is simple at this restaurant (and they have the kitchen to prove it, rather fascinating if you happen to get a tour). Count on spending USD 300 per person (and up, depending on the wine).

Thanks so much for your insight. I'm sure it will be a memorable evening. A certain person in my party is reluctant because of the price, cheapskate, just kidding. Like the concierge of the MO said it is an "experience".

My sister and I took our grandfather there for his 86th birthday as a part of his birthday trip to New York. Daniel Boulud himself stopped by each table to greet the patrons. I asked if we could take a photo and after dinner he invited us into the kitchen, giving us a tour, and introducing us to his Chef de Cuisine Alex Lee and Executive Pastry chef Thomas Haas who is now, thankfully, back here in Vancouver.

The food was outstanding and it was definitely an experience. I feel it was better than many multi-Michelin starred restaurants in France. Enjoy your meal!! Oh geez, starting to salivate at the thought....... :D

That's really nice. Getting a tour of the kitchen at a restaurant like that sounds like a dream. I was out in Los Angeles over the summer and ate dinner at Sona and got a tour of their kitchen. It certainly was a memorable evening. I can't wait, I'm counting down the days.

Tell your friend it's much cheaper than Alain Ducasse :)

And cheaper than Masa and Per Se in the Time Warner Center!! :D

Daniel is good, but I still cannot figure out what all the hype is about. It's consistently good... but great?!?!? Not really.

You won't go wrong eating there, but I certainly won't be thinking "Wow, I just have to go back here first thing when back." That does not mean you won't end up there often. :)

I was taken there in October for my birthday.

The service was impeccable
The food was delectable.
and the atmosphere was great too.

They start out by serving you a triple tiered tray of tiny bites - I was told its called an amuse buche (sp?), followed by whatever you order - and all choices were great. My dining partner (girlfriend) is vegetarian - and she found no problems in finding food choices - my entree was the venison.

Desserts keep coming, from what you ordered to those added to your table by the chef. And the meal ends with a plate of warmed madeleines.

I wouldnt return there for awhile - since it really seems to be for special occasions. People watching was an interesting sport there too.

Hum, sounds a bit different then Katz!

I ate there a couple of years ago and had a wonderful meal. I was lucky enough to have stumbled onto the seasonal truffle appetizer - truffle risotto with shaved truffles. The presentation (not to mention the cost) was spectacular. They brought out the risotto, and then the little wooden box with the truffle in it and shaved it in front of you, and not just one or two shavings, but a very generous portion of them!

mmmm....