Overview
The narrator describes their highly anticipated and expensive dining experience at Eleven Madison Park in New York City, a renowned three Michelin star, plant-based restaurant. The account covers the history, atmosphere, hospitality, tasting menu, and overall impressions, concluding that the visit was worth the considerable cost.
Restaurant Background & Reputation
- Eleven Madison Park (EMP) is a three Michelin star restaurant, voted best in the world in 2017.
- Located in the Metropolitan Life North Building in New York City's Flatiron District.
- Initially opened in 1998 as a brasserie by Danny Meyer, later transformed by chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara.
- EMP switched to a strictly plant-based menu in 2021, facing initial controversy but retaining accolades.
Reservation & Pricing Details
- Full tasting menu costs $365 (excluding tax, tip, beverages), with advance payment required and non-refundable.
- Other menu options include a five-course menu ($285) and a lounge tasting menu ($225).
- Final cost, including a $90 tip and beverage, totaled $503.72.
Atmosphere & Service
- Dining room features high ceilings, large windows, and elegant Art Deco design, creating a stunning environment.
- Service was attentive and thoughtful, with personalized touches such as providing supports for a phone camera.
- The staff fostered a relaxed, unpretentious, and welcoming atmosphere.
Tasting Menu Experience
- Courses included roasted allium tea, onion rice amuse, marinated leek salad, vegan laminated brioche with squash butter, tonburi “land caviar” with avocado and cucumber, tofu with collard and radish, king oyster mushroom, and bok choy with truffles.
- The red curry squash with Thai chili and lemongrass, accented with finger lime, was highlighted as a standout and one of the best dishes of the year.
- Dessert involved a kitchen visit for a maple-on-apple-snow palate cleanser, followed by a mochi taco sorbet, New Jersey grapes, and a sesame chocolate pretzel with vermouth.
- Courses showcased seasonality and were beautifully presented, with flavors that stood on their own rather than mimicking meat.
Hospitality & Notable Moments
- Exceptional service was consistent throughout, including thoughtful gestures and legendary stories from former staff.
- The kitchen visit allowed direct interaction with the chef de cuisine and a special palate cleanser experience.
Reflections & Value Assessment
- Despite initial disappointment over the restaurant turning vegan, the meal exceeded expectations in taste and creativity.
- The narrator felt inspired and motivated by the experience, considering the high cost justified for such a unique occasion.
- The only minor disappointment was not receiving a physical menu, though a PDF was later provided by staff.
Personal Takeaways
- EMP provided a magical, memorable experience that met and exceeded all expectations.
- The combination of food quality, hospitality, and atmosphere made it one of the narrator’s top culinary experiences.
- The visit reinforced personal goals to pursue more world-class dining adventures.