About three weeks after the Keeper Team dined at 11 Madison Park Chef Daniel Humm was deservingly awarded James Beard Best Chef: New York City; however, we knew long before of Daniel Humm’s talent.
An 11 Out of 10 -- Eleven Madison Park, NYC
Cheese Gougéres
Amuse Bouche
Butternut Squash Velouté with Hawaiian Blue Prawns and Maitake Mushrooms
Composition of Spring Vegetables with Market Lettuce and Almond
Big Eye Tuna Tartare with Radish, Yuzu, and Sesame
Radicchio Tardivo with Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, and Champagne Mango
Balik Salmon with Pommes Dauphine, Frisee and Creme Fraiche
St. Canut Farm Cochon de Lait with Rhubarb, Spring Onion and Ice Wine Vinegar
Colorado Lamb with Artichoke Barigoule, Taggiasca Olives and Piquillo Peppers
Fregola Sarda with Veal Sweetbreads, Hedgehog Mushrooms and Fine Herbs
Spaetzle with Niman Ranch Pork Belly, Pommery Mustard and Spinach
Assorted Macaroons (Before)
Assorted Macaroons (After)
What we Drank: We chose a lovely German Wine by Donhoff for our White and a beautiful Chambolle from Domaine Amiot-Servelle for our red.
Favorite Dish: This is really hard, because each time we tasted a dish we felt like it was the best. So, if we must pick only one, it would have to be the Cochon de Lait. Cochon de Lait essentially translates to “Pig in Milk” and is a common Cajun dish requiring that a pig roast for sometimes up to 12 hours. Having experienced first-hand South Louisiana Cochon de Lait all day feasts, we were ready and armed with our critical tastebuds, but again Chef Humm won the battle against our palettes. Chef Humm finessed this traditional dish with his own touch, preparing the pig in three different ways, and we found nothing but praise for all three.
Least Favorite Dish: Nada! It truly was all outstanding.
Other Highlights: The ambience of the room combined with the outstanding service we received from the moment we entered the front door until the moment we left makes 11 Madison Park a total team staff effort from the back of the house to the front of the house. Another highlight and something we’ve never seen before was that we noticed a staff member off to the side ironing a white tablecloth with an antique non-electric clothes iron. This was thoroughly impressive and our group marveled at this and the attention to detail that 11 Madison Park displays.
Ultimate Question – would you go back if you lived in NYC and often?: Absolutely
Eleven Madison Park / 11 Madison Avenue / New York, NY 10010 / ph: 212.889.0905, Chef Daniel Humm
