*A repost with subtle edits. Daniel's cafe in Four Seasons Toronto is still there. 

When I was in Toronto with “CREA Traveller” magazine shooting a special article devoted to the “50th anniversary of Four Seasons Hotel”, the Four Seasons Toronto announced their plan to partner with superstar chef Daniel Boulud to open Cafe Boulud in their new flagship property. When I read the story brief, I thought "Another superstar chef slapping his name to a hotel restaurant". I know, nothing new.  But I was delighted to see him - not because he seemed nice - he certainly was- but because we have history.

Way back in the '90s, I was at The Carlyle hotel in New York for 5 weeks with my father while he was recuperating from an operation. After days of room service, visits to the Carlyle hotel dining room, and outrageous Chinese deliveries I was getting cabin fever and bored with the limited culinary choices.  I decided we needed to venture out. I found Daniel's nearby. At the time, we had very little intel on Daniel’s. It looked nice enough on the outside, but the main criteria was that it was within wheelchair push-able distance from The Carlyle. Being an easy block or so, (New York short blocks, that is) it was a simple roll down Madison.  (FYI, Daniel's moved to its current location in 1998). To our delight the food was fabulous! During the remainder of our stay in New York we went there many times, becoming our own culinary refuge.  So, it was with many fond memories that I anticipated seeing Daniel again, this time in Toronto, and to be able share my story with him so many years later.  AND, a wonderful added bonus was to be photographed with him by celebrity photographer George Pimentel. And yes, he's still as kind and charming as ever.