The Dinex Group, the Restaurant Group of Chef Daniel Boulud What would eventually become The Dinex Group began to take shape when Daniel Boulud left his position as Executive Chef at New York’s famed Le Cirque in 1992. The following year, with the help of Lili Lynton, a trusted friend and savvy investment professional, and the financial backing of Joel Smilow, former Chairman of Playtex Products, the chef went on to open Restaurant DANIEL. Soon thereafter the restaurant would attract significant media acclaim and a highly coveted three star rating in The New York Times and two stars in the New York City Michelin Guide. Today, The Dinex Group operates 20+ restaurants, including eleven restaurants/cafés in New York City and an additional nine in national and international destinations. Some of the restaurants include: Restaurant Daniel Le Pavillon Café Boulud Boulud Sud Bar Boulud Le Gratin Tiffany's Blue Box Café Joji / Joji Box Epicerie Boulud