Lunch with Daniel Boulud, Welcoming New Relais & Châteaux President Philippe Gombert

It was an honor to have lunch with Daniel Boulud yesterday at his always fabulous and magnificent restaurant Daniel. It was a gathering of Relais & Châteaux members including the newly elected International President Philippe Gombert.

I was seated next to Mark Canlis, the third generation owner of the famed Canlis restaurant in Seattle who was there to support his executive chef Jason Franey who was just welcomed as a grand chef. Canlis in Seattle is located high above the city and adorned in glass boasts sweeping views of Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains where Franey offers inventive and contemporary American, yet approachable cuisine.

Other grand chefs welcomes yesterday included Justin Cogley, of L’Auberge Carmel) who join other members and legendary Grands Chefs including Daniel Boulud, Mark Ladner, Thomas Keller, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Michael White.

Grand Chef Daniel Boulud was presented with the “Welcome Trophy” for his commitment to offer a unique gourmet dining experience. The renowned Chef ensures that guests receive a warm welcome with a personal touch at his New York restaurant, Daniel, for an exceptional meal with lasting memories set in elegant and sophisticated surroundings.

Relais & Châteaux members in attendance were Grands Chefs Michael White (Marea), Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park), owner and Grand Chef Patrick O’Connell (The Inn at Little Washington), owner David Fink (L’Auberge Carmel), and guests including actress Elizabeth Olsen, Coralie Charriol Paul, and Gillian Miniter. Guests enjoyed delectable dishes prepared by Grands Chefs Daniel Boulud, Jason Franey, and Justin Cogley.

Next year, Relais & Châteaux will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a series of fine dining events throughout the world beginning with the first annual GourmetFest – a four day foodie extravaganza featuring an exclusive roster of the finest Relais & Châteaux Chefs and wine estates set to take place March 27-30, 2014 in Carmel-by-the-Sea.