On a recent trip to New York, publisher Francis X. Gallagher and I had the pleasure of dining at renowned Restaurant Daniel in the former Mayfair Hotel on Park Avenue. We were joined by a good friend and client for what turned out to be a truly memorable evening.

Before heading uptown from the Union League Club, I took a moment to review the menu while wrapping up my workday. It was clear we were in for something special.

Executive Chef Eddy Leroux delivers more than just a meal — he creates an immersive dining experience that stimulates all the senses. The atmosphere of the dining room complements the precision and creativity of the dishes, setting the stage for a remarkable culinary journey.

Guests can choose between a three-, five-, or seven-course tasting menu. We opted for the five-course option, which felt like the perfect balance, allowing us to sample highlights from each section of the menu. In addition to the selected courses, we were treated to appetizers like frog leg soup and cheeses from a beautifully chilled serving table.

From Scottish langoustine to Maine sea scallops and the perfectly prepared Pennsylvania duck, each course was a standout. The seasonal French menu also offers optional wine pairings — we chose not to partake, but I can only imagine how well the pairings would enhance each dish.

For dessert I had a refreshing pineapple creation that was the perfect finish — or so I thought. The grand finale came as a delightful surprise: An assortment of freshly baked pastries arrived from the kitchen to cap off the evening.

Restaurant Daniel provides a truly exceptional experience, perfect for a romantic date night, a business dinner or any special occasion. I highly recommend it for your next visit to New York.

— Haley Fogarty, vice president of sales