Even the most celebrated figures in the culinary world aren't immune to the star power of Beyonce. In a surprising revelation, Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud has confessed to being left starstruck after an impromptu meeting with the global music icon, which took place in an unexpected location: the back of her car.
A Memorable Encounter in a Maybach
The unforgettable moment unfolded after one of Beyonce's concerts in New York City. Chef Boulud, the internationally renowned restaurateur behind establishments in New York, Singapore, Canada, and the Middle East, was cooking at his flagship restaurant, Daniel, when Jay-Z was dining there. Jay-Z unexpectedly invited the chef to step outside to say hello to his wife, who was waiting for him.
Recalling the event exclusively to the Daily Mail at the L'Alliance Gala at The Plaza hotel in New York City on November 13, the 70-year-old chef described the scene. "I go with him outside. I think she had a Maybach or something, a big Maybach, and I opened the door and Jay-Z was next to me," Boulud shared. "I opened the door, and Beyonce was lying down."
A Moment of Peace for a Global Star
Boulud went on to explain that the 'Texas Hold 'Em' singer was 'kind of resting' with her seat in a reclining position. He believed she was recuperating after her concert and had likely already eaten, preferring to wait in the car while her husband finished his meal at the restaurant.
"'Hello Daniel, how are you?'" he recalled her saying. The chef noted the unique intimacy of the situation, stating, "You get really starstruck. I mean, finding Beyonce, lying down and having a moment of peace, that's special." While the exact date remains unclear, it is believed the meeting occurred around the end of May, when Beyonce performed her five-night 'Cowboy Carter' run in New York City.
Celebrity Clientele and Equal Treatment
Chef Boulud's restaurants are no strangers to A-list patrons. He revealed that other high-profile guests have included Meghan Markle, who was a frequent visitor at Café Boulud in Toronto, and the Kardashians, who often dine in the private Skybox at Daniel.
Another notable fan is actor Bradley Cooper, who attended the L'Alliance Gala. Boulud spilled that he has served Cooper "a couple of times" and even partied with him in Monte Carlo during the Formula One Grand Prix. Despite his connections, the chef insists that celebrities receive no special favours. "We pay attention like every other guest on what they wish and how they want their evening to go," he affirmed, emphasising his respect for their privacy.
Looking forward, the prolific chef has ambitious expansion plans, with a new brasserie, Brasserie Boulud, opening on the Upper West Side early next year, followed by new venues in Hong Kong in March and London in the summer.
