Black Truffles And Blue Jeans At Citymeals On Wheels Gala
Sunday, March 9th brought the annual Sunday Supper benefitting Citymeals-on-Wheels to Daniel, with a blue jeans casual theme. Recently named the co-president of Citymeals' Board of Directors, Chef Boulud has reinvigorated the program with his energy and dedication to sharing fine cuisine. In his new role, Boulud initiated a program called Chefs Deliver, which includes a rotating list of thirty professional chefs who prepare and deliver food to New York City's homebound elderly throughout each month. Sunday's event celebrated Boulud's accomplishments and aimed to raise more funds for the organization. Overall, the event at his flagship restaurant Daniel raised $828,000 for Citymeals; at $6.42 per meal, that's enough to deliver nearly 129,000 meals!
The casually elegant gala began with a silent auction of cookware, fine wines, restaurant gift certificates, and other desirable items for food lovers. As guests streamed in, it was obvious that "blue jeans casual" translated to "blue jeans fancy" for the event. Guests paired slim, dark designer jeans with magnificent heels, blazers, and colorful blouses. Co-founder of Citymeals on Wheels, food writer Gael Greene, donned a stunning royal purple tunic-style top. Other special guests in attendance included artist Chuck Close, a longtime friend of Boulud and a first-time attendee of the dinner. He generously donated a commissioned portrait to the silent auction, a piece any New York art lover would covet.
Admist the appetizer selections of lightly fried langoustine, foie gras with gelee, and oysters with uni and caviar, a Daniel classic, guests sipped Dom Perignon and mingled with the guests of honor.
A smiling Chef Boulud shuffled through the bar and lounge, shaking hands, exchanging double kisses, and posing for pictures with his admirers. Back in the kitchen, a team busily prepared the dishes prominintly featuring black truffles, the night's ingredient of focus. This "four hands" meal was created with the help of chef Régis Marcon and his team, who brought more regional French fare to Daniel's menu for the evening.
Executive Director of Citymeals Beth Shapiro, told us, "Chef Boulud has added a new energy and excitement towards reenergizing the brand. He started the Chefs Deliver program to help Citymeals reconnect with its roots, and it will expand from here."
As cocktail hour wrapped up, Chef Boulud pushed himself away from the hordes of fans — he was truly the celebrity of the evening — and exclaimed "On y va, on y va," as he motioned everyone into the main dining room, where he was still caught kissing hands and dishing out hugs throughout the incredible meal.