People shouldn’t have to give up the idea of fine dining
TEXT OF INTERVIEW
Jeremy Hobson: We are going to be broadcasting from New York for the next few months. And thought we’d start things off this week with some of the people who make the economy here what it is.
Today, we focus on food. New York City has almost 19,000 restaurants. And right at the top of the lists that rank the best ones, you’ll usually find a restaurant called “daniel.”
Well today we welcome the chef and owner — Daniel Boulud. Thanks for joining us.
Daniel Boulud: Thank you very much, you’re welcome.
Hobson: I want to start by asking you, you’ve got five restaurants in New York, you’ve got a front-row seat to the economy right now. How have you felt the recession, and the recovery, in your restaurants?
Boulud: It’s all about value and how people trust the people who give you value for your money. People care about indulging to themselves. There is a lot of luxury they can spare, but fine dining is not the one they should just get rid of.
Hobson: What should a person do to have an economical but delicious meal?
Boulud: I would say, for example there’s one dish, it’s a pork shoulder. You buy a seven-pound pork shoulder, you put it in a pot with some sweet potatoes and all kinds of spices, fruits and wine — white wine — and root vegetables. And you braise that for four hours, you take it out and you have this amazing meal for a real affordable cost. Real affordable.
Hobson: O.K. now I’m sure you’re used to doing things very quickly — I’m going to ask you a couple of quick questions, and quick answers. Most stressful part of your day?
Boulud: Getting up in the morning.
Hobson: When you go out to dinner in New York, do you tip 20 percent even if the service is bad?
Boulud: Often 20 plus.
Hobson: Even if it’s bad service?
Boulud: Yeah, because for me, everybody can have a bad day.
Hobson: What’s the best cheap eat in New York that is a restaurant that you don’t own?
Boulud: Daisy May’s BBQ.
Hobson: All right, and finally: assuming that New York is the number one food city in the country, what is the second best food city in the country?
Boulud: Ah, that I’m going to get really hurt if I said that, but I would say then certainly Chicago is the most amazing city with New York.
Hobson: Well Daniel Boulud, it has been an honor to have you on the show on our first week in New York. Thank you so much for joining us.
Boulud: You’re welcome, and I look forward to speaking to you soon again.
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