Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud is set to unveil a new venture within two of New York City’s distinguished skyscrapers.
Boulud’s latest initiative, dubbed The Big Apple Culinary Empire, encompasses upscale establishments like Daniel, Le Pavillon, Jogi NY, Le Gratin, and La Tete de Orle.
As reported previously, New York-based firms are leading the charge, and this opening coincides with a nationwide effort to encourage office workers to return to their workplaces.
“Office Catering is a daily amenity that is a way to bring people back,” Boulud shared in an interview.
One Vanderbilt, a 1,401-foot skyscraper that looms over the nearby Chrysler building, and Madison, standing at 641 feet, are central to this effort.
Both properties were created by real estate powerhouse SL Green. Notably, One Vanderbilt, which opened in 2021, is fully leased. The Madison, which debuted last year, quickly attracted high-profile tenants like IBM, Franklin Templeton, and Latte Tedor.
The SL Green project emphasizes creating multipurpose spaces designed specifically for events rather than merely converting restaurants into venues.
The summit event, launching on July 1st on the 72nd floor of One Vanderbilt, will feature indoor and outdoor areas suitable for cocktail parties, formal dinners, corporate meetings, weddings, and fashion events.
Its design draws inspiration from the Summit observatory, which offers impressive panoramic views along with reflective panels and art installations.
“We think there will always be large groups needing spaces for meetings, dinners, and afterparties, and this venue is ideal for that,” Boulud noted.
“The design is stunning—mirrors add a dynamic energy,” he added.
Guests renting the summit space will also have access to the unique observation deck previously mentioned.
However, unlike the reflective summit, private event areas allow guests to dance freely without concerns about disturbing neighbors.
“It’s advantageous that this isn’t a residential building. Hosting a band or a dance party won’t create noise issues since there’s an office below to buffer sound,” Boulud remarked.
Summit Events represents a collaboration between Summit One Vanderbilt and Cuisine Boulud New York, arising from the partnership between Boulud’s Dinex Hospitality and Lifeworks Restaurant Group.
“The Summit is a crown jewel of One Vanderbilt. We’re excited to collaborate with Chef Daniel and showcase this new premier event destination,” a spokesperson said.
In addition to this, the chef is launching a culinary project in One Madison, which includes a 12,000-square-foot catering kitchen housing his successful French steakhouse, Latte Tedor.
Boulud has been catering events for over three decades and operates from his flagship kitchen at Daniel. This expansion will enable him to handle large events as well as smaller gatherings.
Notable clients have included corporate functions from companies like Franklin Templeton, Bridgewater Associates, Carnegie Hall, Tiffany & Company, Aston Martin, and Rolls-Royce.
Catering choices will feature menus from all of Boulud’s New York restaurants.
CBNY also serves as the exclusive caterer for Le Jardin Sur Madison, a new indoor/outdoor space boasting stunning views at One Madison.
Popular selections for luxurious corporate gatherings include offerings from Joji NY Sushi and Epicerie Breakfasts.
“It’s a perks program that gives people something to look forward to. It’s definitely better than just staying at home,” Boulud concluded.
