Daniel Boulud Names His 5 Favorite Meals in NYC

Give us a day, we’re going to eat around five times: breakfast, lunch, snacks, cocktails, dinner.

OK, one of those isn’t technically food, but still: five meals, five plates (or cups) to fill. Why not make each superlative?

Helping you do just that: Chef Daniel Boulud, the epic Frenchman with a whopping 19 restaurants under his apron, including the eponymous Daniel, which boasts two Michelin stars and a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. He’s also received the prestigious Eckart Witzigmann Prize, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and an honorary “Doctorate of Culinary Arts” from Johnson & Wales University.

To boot, he oversees Chefs Deliver for Citymeals on Wheels, a program that recruits NYC chefs to produce and hand-deliver meals to the homebound elderly monthly.

Take it all in aggregate, and it’s safe to say that when the man recommends a good meal, he knows what he’s talking about. Below, he names his five favorite meals in New York.

Well, four meals and a cocktail. As you do.

Breakfast: Russ and Daughters

“For breakfast, the incredible array of cured salmon and smoked fish are classic at Russ & Daughters. I love their fresh pickled herring, too.”

Lunch: Sushi Yasuda

“One of my favorite lunch spots is Sushi Yasuda. I especially like all their clam and shellfish sushi.”

Dinner: Casa Enrique

“For amazing tacos, my go-to Mexican haven is Casa Enrique in Long Island City. Chef Cosme’s dishes are always fresh, spicy, soulful and seasonal.”

Drinks: Aviary

“Aviary is a wonderful place for creative food and cocktails. It’s a great spot with a view of the park. I love their spin on a Gin & Tonic and fantastic version of chicharrons.”