by Aude Camus
Those of you who have been reading me on a regular basis and following my gastronomic wanderings would know it: when traveling somewhere, I like to treat myself to an exceptionally yummy dining experience. Remember when I was in Paris just before the summer and visited the spectacular 3 Michelin Star Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée restaurant? This experience did set the bar quite high and I was looking forward to my August trip to New York where I haD booked a table at another highly acclaimed 3 Michelin Star restaurant: Eleven Madison Park.
Those of you who have been reading me on a regular basis and following my gastronomic wanderings would know it: when traveling somewhere, I like to treat myself to an exceptionally yummy dining experience. Remember when I was in Paris just before the summer and visited the spectacular 3 Michelin Star Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée restaurant? This experience did set the bar quite high and I was looking forward to my August trip to New York where I haD booked a table at another highly acclaimed 3 Michelin Star restaurant: Eleven Madison Park.
One of the only five 3 Michelin Star restaurants in New York, The Best Restaurant in North America in 2018, #1 World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2017 … the list of awards goes on and on for the restaurant and kitchen led by Swiss-born chef Daniel Humm. Hope you came hungry; I do have a feeling we are in for a feast!
But let’s have a look at this amazing high-ceilinged art-deco dining room first. Isn’t it beautiful? And very “New Yorky”? The restaurant was given a facelift in 2017 and I am loving its clean aesthetic. There is something grandiose about this room yet it’s very minimalist. I actually don’t think I’ve ever dine in a dining room that big before yet it doesn’t feel impersonal at all. The restaurant overlooks Madison Square Park offering you a perfect option for after lunch or dinner stroll. Speaking of Madison Square, funny story: did you know this is the place were Shake Shack started out has a hotdog cart in 2001 before evolving into a proper stand (with expanded menu including the famous burgers) three years later? The two “restaurants” are actually good friends and chef Daniel Humm, from Eleven Madison Park, has supported the burger chain in the past creating the popular “Humm Burger” to celebrate Shake Shack’s 10 years anniversary. But no more burgers for today, let’s get back to Eleven Madison Park dining room.
Do not expect any menu to be presented to you, this is not how it works. You will have to choose between the eight or ten course menus knowing that, obviously, the menu changes with the seasons. And you will have a few choices to make: one of the starters, one of the mains and the dessert.
I could share with you the ten dishes I had when dining there but it wouldn’t really make sense as it is most certain you won’t be served the same. However, if I may, when having to choose one of your starters and one of your mains you’ll be given the foie gras as a starter option and the duck as a main option and I totally recommend going for those as they are chef Humm’s signatures.
I could share with you the ten dishes I had when dining there but it wouldn’t really make sense as it is most certain you won’t be served the same. However, if I may, when having to choose one of your starters and one of your mains you’ll be given the foie gras as a starter option and the duck as a main option and I totally recommend going for those as they are chef Humm’s signatures.
The foie gras, marinated with eggplant, is an explosive treat and definitely the most exciting thing I ate this summer. The texture of the eggplant perfectly echoes the texture of the foie gras.
The duck always is on the menu, but its presentation evolves based on seasonality. This duck has been prepared the same way since 2006, lavender and honey glazed on top and perfectly cooked in the middle. God, I wish I could have had an entire duck for myself!
Chef Humm prides himself on presenting the best of what local producers have to offer: Hudson Valley foie gras, apples and celeries cultivated in the greater New York area … I am loving this beautiful tribute to the food, ingredients and culinary history of New York.
Oh and of course, as you would expect from such a place, the service was absolutely perfect from A to Z with an attention to details that I have rarely seen before. We went out for a cigarette at some point and they brought us complementary glasses of Campari saying that it is was their treat for us to enjoy a bit of fresh hair and have a break in between two courses. They also made very sure we were never short on bread (and I have to say their buttery bread is to die for), knowing very well the way to our French hearts.
Hong Kong Madame tips: do not hesitate and mention that you would be interested in visiting their kitchen, they will happily take you on a little tour at the end of your diner (once pace is slowing down in the kitchen)
Well, it’s been some incredibly yummy 3 hours (average length of a meal at Eleven Madison Park)! Thank you, Eleven Madison Park, for the amazing experience.
Good to know: bookings open the first of every month for the following month (on January 1stfor a booking in February, on Feb 1stfor a booking in March …) and it’s highly recommended to book on that day as seats sell out quite quickly. Bookings are to be made online and you will prepay (USD 335/person) when booking.
USD 335 for tasting menu
USD 175 for wine pairing
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Chef Humm prides himself on presenting the best of what local producers have to offer: Hudson Valley foie gras, apples and celeries cultivated in the greater New York area … I am loving this beautiful tribute to the food, ingredients and culinary history of New York.
Oh and of course, as you would expect from such a place, the service was absolutely perfect from A to Z with an attention to details that I have rarely seen before. We went out for a cigarette at some point and they brought us complementary glasses of Campari saying that it is was their treat for us to enjoy a bit of fresh hair and have a break in between two courses. They also made very sure we were never short on bread (and I have to say their buttery bread is to die for), knowing very well the way to our French hearts.
Hong Kong Madame tips: do not hesitate and mention that you would be interested in visiting their kitchen, they will happily take you on a little tour at the end of your diner (once pace is slowing down in the kitchen)
Well, it’s been some incredibly yummy 3 hours (average length of a meal at Eleven Madison Park)! Thank you, Eleven Madison Park, for the amazing experience.
Good to know: bookings open the first of every month for the following month (on January 1stfor a booking in February, on Feb 1stfor a booking in March …) and it’s highly recommended to book on that day as seats sell out quite quickly. Bookings are to be made online and you will prepay (USD 335/person) when booking.
USD 335 for tasting menu
USD 175 for wine pairing
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
