Just as one might expect from the address, Café Boulud is a smart, discreet, and très Upper East locale, just steps from Central Park. The space itself is stylish rather than stodgy, and evokes a vintage 20s-era look through low ceilings, eye-catching art, and colorful bud vases. Tables are small and close but exude the same height of quality that has made this eponymous chef the toast of the town. There is a pleasant, chatty hum from lunching ladies, businessmen, and even the occasional family. Greetings are warm and the service is formal, though a meal's pacing can at times be a bit off. The menu is divided into four categories: Farmers Market, French Classic, Seasonal, and World. Meals here might begin with a simple canapé of golden-fried risotto balls with black truffles and cheese, or a starter of sliced and delicately flavored raw scallop in miso marinade with scallion vinaigrette. Entrées have revealed a plump, moist, and crisp-skinned chicken breast paired with wintery roasted Brussels sprouts, silky parsnip purée, light gnocchi, and an excellent sticky-sweet maple jus. To finish, find a puff pastry vol-au-vent topped with caramelized apple, caramel tuile, and Bourbon ice cream.