Chef Daniel Boulud Brings His Cuisine To Blantyre
Cafe Boulud New York inhabits the legendary Berkshire estate from now until mid-October.
Daniel Boulud photo credit: Dan Fine Photography
Linda Law, owner and steward of Blantyre, that ultra-luxurious Gilded Age estate and resort in Lenox, Mass., had a big, wild dream. Faced with the shutting down of the estate due to the pandemic, but seeing that restaurants were going to be allowed to open, she wondered if her favorite chef, the famed Daniel Boulud, would be available to bring a seasonal popup version of Café Buloud New York to Blantyre.
It pays to have friends who know the chef, and it helped that many of Café Boulud’s New York customers live in the Berkshires. And it was lucky timing that Boulud wasn’t quite ready to open up his latest restaurant. A temporary setup at Blantyre would be a great opportunity to bring it on the road. A match was made. And you could even finish the sentence with “in heaven,” considering that the Boulud dining experience combined with the almost impossibly elegant setting of Blantyre, a Gilded Age mansion, is about as close to paradise as you can get.
Beginning this week, through mid-October, Chef Boulud’s well-trained team will undertake dinner service Wednesdays through Sunday, weekend brunch, and private parties at the Relais & Chateaux property. Meal service throughout the property will be introduced in complete compliance with state and CDC regulations. The 110-acre setting will allow for space requirements dining either inside or al fresco. Guests can even order a Gilded Age, black-tie picnic with crystal, champagne and a butler, and enjoy it from wherever they want on the sprawling estate. Which was, Law quipped, made for social distancing.
The Conservatory at Blantyre, set up for dining with social distancing.
“We’re over-the-moon delighted,” Law said. “Daniel Boulud has been so delightful. He came with his team, which is unbelievably professional and serious. They’re really committed to this partnership. Our own staff is still here, and they’re going to be learning from the best in the world.” Boulud will be making on-site visits throughout the Blantyre association.
The Michelin-starred chef will introduce his acclaimed cuisine to the region using many local ingredients, creating summery French classics with a twist. “We’re excited to share the traditions of our cuisine at Café Boulud, and match it with the exquisite wine offerings of the estate,” Boulud said. ”It’s a great opportunity for my team and all about bringing the soul of Café Boulud to this iconic Berkshire destination.”
Would people come? Silly question. After an initial eblast sent out to both Blantyre and Café Boulud’s list, reservations came in all day and all night long.
“We’re getting a lot of well-known names that want to come for the weekend,” Law said. “People will be helicoptering in, or having drivers bring them. Of course, we’re getting a lot of local reservations, too.”
She’s opened the Tudor-style Manor House for people wish to stay overnight. Blantyre is also hosting the entire Boulud staff on premises.
Three months ago, or even maybe last week, the idea of bringing these two powerhouses of cuisine and hospitality together in the Berkshires might have seemed preposterous. We’re thankful they made it happen, and for those who can take advantage of it, it is the ultimate gourmet getaway, even if for just a few hours.
