You can buy an omakase box curated by Blake Lively at a Daniel Boulud restaurant now
Known for her film roles and, of course, for portraying the iconic Serena van der Woodsen in New York-set 2000s’ TV show Gossip Girl, Blake Lively isn’t necessarily the first person that comes to mind when thinking of the traditional Japanese omakase meal.
Alas, the actress might be looking to diversify her portfolio by launching a new omakase box that she has curated herself. The sushi collection is currently available at Michelin starred chef Daniel Boulud’s to-go destination Jōji Box, right under Grand Central at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue.
Dubbed Jōji Box by Betty B, the creation includes a drink from Lively’s own sparkling beverage brand, Betty Booze (see what they did there?).
The sparkling tequila with lime shiso drink will “pair perfectly” with “fresh sushi pieces handpicked by Blake herself,” according to an official press release.
Although the press release doesn’t go into detail about the specifics of the order, a mere search through the eatery’s website leads to answers: Lively’s box will cost you $55 and include 16 pieces of food, including two toro nigiri, two salmon nigiri, a pair of yellowtail nigiri, a single akami nigiri, a madai nigiri, half a spicy tuna roll alongside half a snow crab California roll, plus edamame and, of course, the actress’ signature beverage. You can order it for pick-up or to go right here.
We are not usually prone to ordering dishes that have been created by celebrities who don’t have much to do with the food industry, especially when the inventions work as marketing stints for other products, but we must admit that Lively’s omakase box looks delicious. Bonus points: it’s served by the same people dishing out super high-end sushi at Jōji Box.
A bit about the counter itself: Jōji Box opened back in 2022 as an extension of Boulud’s omakase restaurant Jōji, which is also run by chef George Ruan, the former chef at Masa.
Needless to say, all the parties involved know what they are doing—and it shows.