Chef Daniel Boulud personally hosted an intimate Sunday supper on March
8, 2009 -- an exquisite dinner raising nearly $400,000 for Citymeals-on-Wheels,
a non-profit organization that provides home-delivered, nutritious meals
to frail, homebound elderly in New York City. One hundred and forty New Yorkers
including guest of honor and restaurateur Sirio Maccioni gathered
at DANIEL for “Black Truffles, Blue Jeans, Burgundy & Blues.” This
was the 11th year in a row that Chef Boulud has hosted this Citymeals-on-Wheels
benefit at his eponymous restaurant.
The celebration was actually
part of a weekend of fund raising for Citymeals-on-Wheels, beginning with
the Saturday March 7th “La Paulée de NY, a Bacchanalian Burgundy
wine tasting dinner organized By Daniel Johnnes. The “La Paulée” benefit
auction raised $100,000.
Next, the Sunday March 8th dinner gala opened with a silent auction featuring
wonderful wines in rare, large format bottles and cocktail reception featuring
Champagne Henriot and delectable jewel like hors d'oeuvre, almost too
pretty to eat. The evening unfolded with an unparalleled culinary experience:
an all black truffle menu prepared by a stellar roster of guest chefs including
the renowned Michel Troisgros of the Micheling three star Maison Troisgros
in Roanne, France and Daniel Humm of New York's Eleven Madison Park.
From Flocons de Chataignes aux Briseurs de Truffe Noir to Nova
Scotia Lobster with Celery and Black Truffle; Poularde en Demi Deuille
Sun; and finally a dessert of Hazelnut-Chocolate Truffle with Chestnut
Mousse, Caramel-Black Truffle Ice Cream – each and every dish
carried the heady aroma of black truffle, generously sponsored by Plantin.
For the first time ever, guests were encouraged to wear blue jeans to DANIEL
to fit the evening's “Black Truffles, Burgundy, Blue Jeans & Blues” theme.
One and all agreed that this more casual yet delicious approach set just
the right tone for the times. It was indeed surprising to see so many denim
clad a-listers kick back in such casual fashion in the recently redesigned
restaurant, hailed by The New York Times as offering “one
of New York's most sumptuous dining experiences.” Attendees
included Lizzie Tisch and Jonathan Tisch, Cathleen Black of Hearst Magazines,
Elizabeth (Lally) Weymouth and Joseph Cohen, Chef Bill Telepan, and Francesca
Beale and Chris Beale, Aby J. Rosen and Samantha Boardman, Gael Greene, Barbaralee
Diamonstein-Spielvogel and Carl Spielvogel.
The live auction of gourmet travel experiences was conducted by the distinguished
Jamie Ritchie of Sotheby's and included an incredible culinary tour
of France's finest with stays at Maison Troisgros, Les Crayères,
La Côte St Jacques and the Hotel Meurice. There were also one of a
kind gourmet stays in New Orleans, the Napa Valley, and New York.
Official sponsors of Citymeals-on-Wheels are American Airlines, FIJI Water,
and Nespresso. The evening's sponsors included Henriot Champagne,
Hanzell Vineyards, Moet & Chandon, Kobrand Corporation, Relais & Châteaux,
St. Germain & Ketel One.
One hundred percent of every ticket and auction sale will support Citymeals
and the preparation and delivery of nutritious meals to homebound elderly
New Yorkers.
