Although we were supposed to head to Luxembourg this weekend, I decided instead for logistical/financial reasons to move the trip to Memorial Day Weekend. But even in the rare occasion where I would spend a free weekend staying put in this Siberian cold, a different kind of journey would serendipitously offer itself at the last minute: A gastronomic foray to the (EDIT: was #3 but now lifted to #1 only 3 weeks after eating there) Best Restaurant In The World and 3 Michelin Starred Eleven Madison Park. How could I say no?
Located in the art-deco blockbuster that shares the same real estate as Credit Suisse, Eleven Madison Park emanates classic old New York. And executive chef Daniel Humm has recently fine-tuned his tasting menu from 14 courses to 8-9, devoting more focus on each of his dishes. This unexpected, ballsy move actually led his restaurant to jump up a few places on the world’s best list and maintain its stellar 3 Michelin Star rating.
Tickets are expected to be pre-purchased on their website, and tipping is neither expected nor encouraged (Good move, Danny Meyer!).
Their current tasting menu is as follows:
BLACK AND WHITE – Savory cookie with Apple and Cheddar:
Rutabaga with Celery and Walnuts:
Celery Root with Black Truffle:
Salsify with Garlic and Thyme:
Parsnip Pie:
CAVIAR – Benedict with Smoked Sturgeon, Diced Ham, and Pickled Egg Yolk (our other favorite dish of the evening and an homage to probably the first dish I ever had that got me into learning about and loving good food: Wylie Defresne’s iconic Eggs Benedict dish from his now closed WD-50):
FOIE GRAS – Seared with Maple and Apple:
SCALLOP – thinly sliced with onions and cheese:
LOBSTER – Smoked and Steamed with Fennel, Clam, and Bouillabasse:
DELICATA SQUASH – Roasted with Bone Marrow and Pumpkin Seeds:
OXTAIL – Braised with Celery Root, Chestnut and Black Truffle (it’s hidden inside!):
DUCK – Roasted with Lavender Honey (Daniel Humm’s signature dish and arguably the best course of the evening):
CATO CORNER HOOLIGAN – Fondue with Baked Potato and Black Truffle:
BAKED ALASKA – With Apple Cider and Vanilla:
CHOCOLATE – “Name That Milk” (where you march 4 chocolate bars with the corresponding animal’s milk) and Pretzel with Sea Salt:
- At time of posting in New York City, NY, it was -10 °C - Humidity: 30% | Wind Speed: 10km/hr | Cloud Cover: clear