Daniel Boulud’s Le Gratin, is located in the Beekman Hotel. Photo by Bill Milne.
I didn’t realize when I’d made dinner reservations at Daniel Boulud’s Le Gratin that it was the first day of Lent (judging by the full tables of patrons feasting on steak, chicken, and duck, others forgot, too). I hope the Man upstairs forgave me for indulging in the fine dining experience I had this night.
Boulud’s restaurant, or ‘Bouchon Lyonnais,’ which has become a downtown dining staple since 2022, is a bistro that specializes in classic French and Lyonnais dishes from his hometown of Lyon, located on the ground floor in the iconic Beekman Hotel in the Financial District. Boulud’s eponymous, Michelin star Daniel uptown has been a sensation since the 1990s. (He’s also won other culinary awards over the years, including a coveted James Beard Award for Best Chef in 1992, back when he was at Le Cirque.) His collection of restaurants around the world has grown over the past three decades; in New York there’s also Cafe Boulud (opened in 1998 then closed during the pandemic, reopening in 2021), as well as Le Pavilion. This past November, he opened La Tête d’Or, his first steakhouse, at One Madison, also in FiDi.
Le Gratin offered a cheery respite from the rainy storm outside, spacious and brightly lit, with marble floors, wooden chairs, cigar-colored banquettes and decorative detailed tiles featuring garden flowers and cockatoos adorning the walls. The service was courteous, knowledgable, and attentive, from the wait staff, to the wine connoisseur who recommended a great brandy to pair with my dessert.
During Le Gratin’s Apero Hour, (weekdays 5pm-7pm) Mini Martinis are available for only $8.
Just in time for spring, Le Gratin’s Apero Hour (weekdays 5pm-7pm) offers patrons a fabulous deal on mini martinis for only $8! Good to know for when heading out of the office for a drink after work with colleagues or a date. I began my evening with an espresso martini that was divine, and my friend enjoyed a Bourbon and ginger ale.
For starters we shared Les Huitres, a dozen oysters, that were so fresh, nicely sized, and briny they were sublime. We also enjoyed a lovely Salade de Betterave, Cervelle de Canut-a finely chopped beet salad with pistachios and goat cheese dressing, delicate, healthy, and oh so tasty. Another treat we enjoyed was a Poireux Vinaigrette-a petite poached leek salad with Mustard Vinaigrette, and Sauce Mousseline.
I am so glad that I ordered the Poulet Fermier a la Rotisserie, with Gratin Dauphinois (which you can get as a half or whole dish for two.) The Dauphinois gratin is a dish that Boulud’s mother used to make (the restaurant’s name is a nod), and is it ever heavenly and creamy goodness. I highly recommend! My friend savored his Sole Meuniere Grenobloise-the pan seared Dover Sole, prepared to perfection, served with lemon-capered brown butter and a choice side (my friend went with green beans.)
My eyes soon after wandered over the desserts and I struggled to make a decision. I loved my Tart aux Pommes, an apple tart with almond, caramel, Chantilly, and vanilla ice cream. The wine connoisseur made an excellent suggestion of the Manoir de Montreuil brandy, to complement my dessert. My friend gleefully enjoyed his Profiterole Chocolat-Noisette- with Gianduja ice cream, chocolate hazelnut, Chantilly, and Feuilletine.
Reservations for Le Gratin can be made on Resy. For more information on Le Gratin and explore its menus, visit legratinnyc.com.