Review: Daniel

Welcome to the final installation of the 3-Part post-Sandy foodapalooza series. Read Part 1 and Part 2 for a glimpse inside life in the days following one of the biggest storms to ever hit the northeastern US. It’s now 10 days post-storm and I am still without hot water and while extremely frustrating, my heart goes out to those still without heat or power, or worse have lost their homes. Find out how you can help those affected by Hurricane Sandy, visit NYC Service.
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9/10

Some meals are so fabulous that you have to really stretch to find something wrong or to improve upon. My recent meal at Daniel was one of those meals. Memorable not only because it my first chance after the storm to do my hair and makeup (although I say that I’ve done it since) and feel like myself again, but because the entire experience from the food to the service to the atmosphere was flawless.

Daniel is not exactly affordable, but it’s really one of those places that should be experienced once in your life. I mean, how many places in NYC will serve you San Francisco-quality sourdough – it’s almost worth it just for that! Apologies in advance for the darkness of the photos, Daniel is just a dimly lit place!

Daniel’s sourdough and baguette – you betcha I had a few of them.

It’s a beautiful space – soft lighting, warm decor, and amazing acoustics – even though the place was packed it wasn’t noisy at all.

Upper East Siders dining in deliciously hushed tones.

I won’t bore you with every last detail, but I do want to show the real artistry of this meal.

Daniel: entree of baked sweet potato cubes, shallot confit, radicchio and Tellicherry peppers

Poor focus but the sweet potato had these beautiful swirly and crunchy garnish on them.

My dessert was unreal but again the photo does it no justice – the greens were neon and jumped out of the plate at me. Caramelized honeycrisp apple with mascarpone and Granny Smith-Ginger sorbet – almost an elevated mini-apple pie – so unique and delicious.

My dessert: so tart and refreshing.

Food artistry – our second dessert: chocolate dacquoise  with toffee tuile

And just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore… these piping hot little madeleine babies came out, swaddled in a napkin to keep them warm. They have a touch of lemon in them which is the perfect end to the meal.

Daniel’s mini madeleines

Daniel’s mini madeleines – perfect size to pop in your mouth. No chewing means no calories, right?