James Beard Random-ness

Last night was the usual debauchery post James Beard and once again leading the pack was Daniel Boulud, who is quite the terror with magnums of champagne.

First stop was Bar Boulud for some swanky Pommery and pate. All was mellow until the maestro himself showed, carrying an innocent looking magnum. Before the sedate crowd knew it, he went at it in style, jerking the bottle open and spraying unsuspecting onlookers. Hours later, he appeared again, this time at Eleven Madison Park, where he (owner Best Restaurant) climbed onto a table with Daniel Humm (Best Chef NYC) for a jubilant, end-of-campaign style coronation. The crowd went nuts as they received a double-four star soaking.

In between, there was the packed bar at Marea, with free-flowing prosecco, and Ma Peche, which was oddly sedate and empty fairly quickly. Ma Peche had a keg going and a nice Cremant de Jura, but with the crowds flocking downtown, it was clear the location is not a late night draw. The room itself is unremarkable and the big X in the middle of the room is not exactly a genius move. Has Chang met his Waterloo? Time will tell.

Back to 11 Mad, where the DJ and out of control partiers made it too overwhelming to enjoy. The bubbly was flowing - but only from the jammed bar - and there were beer stations throughout the house. Nice touch, those plastic cups too. Till next year...