Daniel Measures the Risk at DBGB

        The Sunday Times profile of Daniel Boulud measuring the risks of peddling sausages and sauerkraut on the Bowery gave a fascinating peek into the four-star chef’s cash register mind.  Boulud has counted how many times he has to fill the 140 seats at his new DBGB to break even.  Twice on high traffic nights - Thursday, Friday and Saturday - and 1.25 times Sunday through Wednesday. “Anything in excess of those numbers - say, 2.25 seatings on a Saturday night - is money in the bank.” There are similar calculations for lunch.

        Anyone who has watched Daniel as he scuttled up the ladder since arriving in Manhattan more than 25 years ago knows his energy and ambition. He wanted a joint and DBGB is it so I have to believe the prices will reflect reality.  Even the background music has been calculated.  It’s been designed to discourage a raucous bar scene and lift the spirits of eaters.  With Table 8 already drawing urban adventurers a few blocks away on Cooper Square, DBGB adds to the lure of a new dining corridor while Double Crown does double duty with its lounge.

        I missed DBGB’s press tasting Saturday and could only imagine it through Grub Street’s account. Check out the menu they managed to copy down by clicking here.       

Click here for the Sunday Times profile.

Click here for the Short Order Archive.