ELEVEN MADISON PARK

NEW AMERICAN CUISINE & FOODIE HEAVEN

Once in a while, (rarely) it is a good thing to treat yourself.  ELEVEN MADISON PARK was the place for a delayed celebration.  WOW.  This is one of NYC's premier restaurants.  NY TIMES 4 Star.  Michelin Three Star (top).  You cannot tell what will happen from the menu, so you get ambushed so to speak.  This is one of the unexpected delights/discoveries of living in NYC.

UNDERPROMISE and OVERDELIVER is a Tom Peters Business ethic.  These guys do it to the "nth degree."

There are about 20 wait staff roaming with sharp eyes.  They walk with military precision and even the youngest are TOTALLY competent in the menu.  They appear to be cross trained, are all pleasant and have genuine personalities.  Great hiring.  GREAT TRAINING.  No one ever moans "duh ...um...I don't know, I'll find your waiter."

You pick a Four Course or Tasting Menu theme.  The four course menu that is presented initially appears as a GAME.  It is a grid of four rows by four rows with 16 names.  You pick a theme from four names that appear and pick your favorite.  Such as Foir Gras, Lobster, Muscovey Duck and Triple Creme (Cheese).  But if you are on a particular dietary restriction, they will honor it with a DIFFERENT CUSTOM SAUCE!

Starters are continually starting.  About four Amuse Bouche nibbles and two breads show up before the first course.  I thought the waiter put us on the tasting menu.  The breads came with great cow butter and GOAT butter.

Each course is well spaced.  ALL COURSES are served with a ridiculous attention to detail and garnish.  This is "Kitchen Stadium in person" for Food Network junkies like me.

Too much detail is needed to describe each dish.  The duck stuffed with LAVENDAR and carved at the table, etc.

 Just when you think you are done, they bring a custom NYC Egg creme.  Not the usual of course, but an interpreted concoction that complemented the cheese course perfectly.

Dessert continued with more nibbles arriving in "mini courses."

They "finish you off" with trust.  They bring an open bottle of VSOP Cognac, pour a glass for each, leave the bottle and say have as much as you like.  (!) 


As a quibble, the wine list is over the top.  Pricing reflects 4 Star expense accounts, but you can find French Pinot Noirs for under $60.

Final item:  Your coats are waiting for you when you leave.  No ticket, or coat check.  They just know.  The place competes with Le Bernardin for one of the best in NYC with a different cuisine.

Gentlemen will be most comfortable with a Sport Jacket or suit, tie is not required but most common.


ELEVEN MADISON PARK
11 Madison Avenue, NYC
212-889-0905
ELEVENMADISONPARK.COM