Cafe Boulud

Since Restaurant Week is extended till the 28th of February I felt an urge to go to Cafe Boulud for lunch. Cafe Boulud is one of five of Daniel Boulud's New York Restaurants. Its a bit more casual than Daniel but much more formal than DBGB. Its also received positive reviews from the New York Times (3/4 Stars), Michelin Guide (1 star) and Time Out New York (4/5 Stars). Cafe Boulud draws the same clientele as Daniel (mainly older wealthy people) as its situated on 76th between Madison & 5th avenue. The restaurant is very simple and elegant with a classical feel to it. The menu is split into 4 sections: "French Classics", "Seasonal Flavors", "Inspired by Farmer's Market" and "Flavors of Asia". For lunch, in addition to the regular menu, there is a 2 or 3 course prix-fixe menu (2 courses for $28 & 3 courses $35). I had intended on ordering from the Restaurant Week menu (which you have to ask for seperatly) but the 2 course prix-fixe menu was so appealing that I ordered from that instead. I had the Beef Carpacio as an appetizer and the Duck Confit as an Entree. The Beef Carpacio was a very refreshing and light way to start of the meal. The beef was fresh and the salad with red peppers that laid onto of the Carpacio added that something extra to the dish. The Duck Confit on the other hand was fantastic. The duck was seasoned to perfection and was so moist that I didn't need a knife for the dish. There was a potato puree atop the duck that was incredible as well. The service, while great and attentive, is mainly French speaking so you may have to articulate your order a bit clearly to make sure they get it right. $28 for two courses at Cafe Boulud is an amazing bargain in my opinion. You get to experience the fine dining of Daniel Boulud (or at least the fine dining at one of his restaurants) at a cost of an average lunch in Manhattan. I'd return for a lunch at Cafe Boulud, especially if I'm feeling a bit classy that day!