Daniel Boulud celebrates spring with a fresh, new menu.

French chef Daniel Boulud knows how to celebrate the Mediterranean flavors, lifestyle and ambiance. It's all there at his newly renovated Boulud Sud, formerly a more serious and French DB Bistro, but still rooted inside the JW Marriott Marquis lobby in downtown.

The new menu draws inspiration from France and Spin to Italy and Greece and is bursting with fresh veggies, seafood, beef, herbs and grains. But first, the cocktails. Lavender, ouzo, citrus and cognac make an appearance on the drink menu, each in a distinct and beautiful concoction.

The mezze served before the starters are even ordered includes spicy Moroccan hummus, babaganoush and muhammara, a peppery dip. Starters include a creamy corn soup with Manouri cheese that's a must try. The octopus a la plancha is another typical dish that comes out tender and ready for enjoyment.

Pastas come in a small or large portion - try the agnolotti with mushrooms, snap peas, bresaola and Parmesan fonduta.

As for entrees, the tender lamb chops are perfectly seasoned and served with ratatouille, garlic confit and tzaksiki.

End the meal with a citrus palate cleanser, the grapefruit givré filled with Turkish cotton candy and sorbet.

Ideal For

dining like you're on a Med vacation.

Signature Dishes

Appetizers: beef carpaccio with pine nuts and tonnato sauce and burratina with heirloom tomatoes, pesto and focaccia. Entrées: grouper with risotto and saffron and chicken tagine with couscous, cauliflowers and turnips. Desserts: Sicilian Cassata, a torta caprese with ricotta mousse and pistachio gelato.