Centurion New York

Towering over the Manhattan skyline, the Centurion New York showcases a menu of contemporary cuisine, expertly led by Chef Daniel Boulud

After a solidly beautiful experience at SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt it was time to meet William for lunch. Needless to say, I was a bit excited. When I first met William at the Robb Report Culinary Masters: Cooking Class with Chef Angie Mar. During one conversation, he spoke very highly about his experiences at the Centurion New York. So, I was exceptionally pleased when he suggested we meet at Centurion New York to talk and discuss his recent travels to Thailand through his position at Scott Dunn Travel.

The first thing I noticed when I arrived was that the quiet luxury of the experience began when I even stepped up to check in at the Centurion New York check in desk. After William and I exchanged pleasantries and I signed in, we were ushered to the elevators and sent up to our reservation.

As soon as we sat down at our table, the city’s iconic skyline unfolded before us, dominated by the towering presence of the Empire State Building.

Each glance out the window was like a postcard of Manhattan’s finest angles. It felt as though we had front-row seats to a quiet, sophisticated show of New York’s energy and elegance, framed perfectly by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

I began with an order of the VANDERBILT (Japanese whisky, oleo saccharum, jasmine pink peppercorn) cocktail. Smooth and refined, it was easy to drink and pleasant to sip.

As soon as the WAGYU TOP SIRLOIN TARTARE (classic accoutrements, waffle chips) arrived, elegantly plated with classic accoutrements and a side of crispy, golden waffle chips, I couldn’t help but admire its presentation.

Each bite was – shockingly to me – delicious. The sirloin melted in my mouth, bursting with subtle flavors perfectly balanced by tangy capers, shallots, and the delicate hint of mustard. The waffle chips added a satisfying crunch, creating a harmonious contrast to the soft texture of the tartare.

Dare I say, this might just be the best beef tartare I’ve ever tasted. William explained that to him, the addition of the mustard made the difference in a wagyu dish. I wholeheartedly agreed.

As we enjoyed our meal and lively conversation, at one point William glanced up and said, “Oh, there’s Chef Daniel.” And not just any Daniel—this was Daniel Boulud, the culinary mastermind behind Daniel, Café Boulud, and fittingly for this moment, Centurion New York. I watched as he exchanged a few words with guests nearby, then smoothly disappeared into the kitchen. We both took a quiet moment to appreciate the unique beauty of a chef in his element, guiding his vision firsthand. I have to say, witnessing his presence was a moment of distinction for me.

I continued with the DESERT QUEEN (gin, fig, cinnamon, lemon, clove). The presentation was as beautiful as the flavor, with warm spices balanced by the bright citrus and a subtle hint of fig that added depth to each sip.

For lunch, I savored the LOBSTER ROLL (brioche bun, celery, tarragon mayonnaise, chips). This was absolutely perfect.

The generous helping of plump, juicy lobster nestled in a buttery brioche bun with just the right crunch. Each bite was a masterclass in balance: the rich, tender lobster, the subtle sweetness of the brioche, and the complex layers of flavor that made it truly unforgettable.

This was the best lobster roll I’ve had on the East Coast. It was a refined twist on a classic, elevated to perfection.

As we sipped our drinks, chatted, and enjoyed lunch, I couldn’t help but admire the sheer beauty of the space. It embodied a level of relaxed refinement and service that felt truly elevated. Plus, conversing with William about his time in Northern and Southern Thailand, his views of world politics and how much he loves creating bespoke travel plans with people was exceptional.

As we parted ways at Grand Central, I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude for the serendipitous chain of events. From cooking together at the Robb Report event in Newport Beach to sharing this incredible lunch in New York, you never know when your first “Hi” can take you.

Truly, dining at Centurion New York was more than just a meal—it was an experience. I felt such appreciation for the seamless blend of impeccable flavors, thoughtful design, and the rare glimpse of the chef bringing it all to life.


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Centurion New York

1 Vanderbilt Avenue
New York, New York 10017
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