No longer confined to the reservation lists of Daniel Boulud’s prestigious restaurants, a select group of diners now summons the Michelin-starred chef to the comfort of their own living spaces.
Renowned for his culinary empire encompassing the French flagship Daniel, to the recently revealed Japanese speakeasy Joji, Boulud is about to introduce his inaugural private dining establishment, Boulud Privé. This exclusive venue is situated on the 27th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Residences at 685 Fifth Ave., as disclosed by Side Dish.
Boulud Privé, a novel addition to the culinary scene, will provide casual dining experiences for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, solidifying Boulud’s status as a Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur awardee in France. Nestled on the 27th floor, the indoor/outdoor setting offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, catering to the 69 residences within the opulent 55-story glass tower, where a studio recently fetched a record-breaking $3.88 million.
Residents now enjoy the privilege of in-residence dining, accompanied by a personalized sommelier service that meticulously selects fine vintages to replenish their home wine fridges.
In a lighthearted remark, Boulud quipped, “Our team can craft menus from our menus. It’s like Uber Eats, but exclusively for my own offerings. I do my own Uber Eats.” Private restaurants, colloquially known as ‘the dining room,’ were once commonplace in traditional Upper East Side co-ops but have evolved into must-have amenities for luxury buildings, akin to urban country clubs where residents need not step beyond the premises.
This trend, originating at 15 Central Park West, has ascended to new heights at properties like 220 Central Park South and 432 Park Ave., the latter attempting to secure Boulud for its private restaurant, with the chef instead recommending Michelin-starred Australian Chef Shaun Hergatt.
According to Boulud, the key to managing a private residents’ restaurant lies in offering adaptable dishes while maintaining simplicity. This involves a menu featuring perfect spaghetti and tomato sauce alongside healthy, fresh, and straightforward options—a service and convenience for residents seeking dining alternatives closer to home.
Although the original Cafe Boulud in New York closed in 2021 due to a change in ownership at the Hotel Surrey, the new Cafe Boulud, occupying the former site of Altamarea Group’s Vaucluse, will collaborate with Barnes International Realty. Maison Barnes, a project by Barnes International Realty, is set to open at the same address next year.
The French ‘salon style’ space will feature a bar, dining area, private dining sections, a speakeasy, and a wine cellar, according to Georgette Farkas, BIR’s New York director, who has collaborated closely with Boulud for two decades. Farkas expressed her excitement on LinkedIn, stating, “I am delighted to take part in bringing you this ensemble of fine dining and event experiences created by Chef Daniel Boulud and Barnes International, for a luxurious taste of l’art de vivre à la française on the Upper East Side.”
