Made it to Eleven Madison Park

I’ll keep this short. The food at Eleven Madison Park was fucking good. 

Honestly, I was surprised at how modest the interior and atmosphere was. It was warmly lit with high, expansive ceilings. Tables were perfectly prepared with the napkins folded more neatly than anything I own will ever be. But still, nothing was too overwhelming. It was kind of the minimum for what you’d expect from one of the best restaurants IN THE WORLD. Not disappointing, but not as over-the-top as I had expected.

But as it always is, the little things were perfect. I still can’t get over the fact that after dinner, my mom and I had literally just gotten up from our table, when I saw that one of the hosts was already holding my coat for me by the door. I’m pretty sure I didn’t see earpieces on anybody, so it’s just that level of attention and service that sets these experiences apart from anything else.

Okay, I’ll stop talking. Service: Exceeds Expectations. Food: Outstanding. Here’s what we ate:

Greeted by a little gift filled with the classic New York “Black and White cookie” with a savory twist – Cheddar cookies with Apple Chutney Sorry for the terrible picture but I was overwhelmed and hungryFirst wine of the night and definitely my favorite. The production of this wine actually marks the beginning of harvest, so what better way to start our meal than something that marks the beginning 😀Sturgeon Sabayon with Chive (crack cocaine)Oyster Pie and Velouté – fun fact: I really like oysters, so this was also crack cocaine Scallops marinated with Black Truffle and LeeksCaviar Benedict with Egg, Cauliflower, and HamThe butter in the back is Duck Fat Butter Foie Gras marinated with Cabbage and Red AppleI actually really can’t do sweet wines, or anything too sweet for that matter, but this Riesling was surprisingly light and deliciousWaldorf Salad with Apple, Celery, Grapes, and Walnuts, prepared right in front of us 🙂 + a soup right stacked in a bowl below the salad … sorcery!Lobster poached with Butternut Squash and Chestnuts – one of my mom’s favorite dishes from the nightHen of the Woods Mushroom roasted with Horseradish – This epitomized fine dining for me: a portion so small that in any other setting if somebody served that to me, I would hate them forever. But for such a small thing, it packed a flavorful punch, so you can’t get mad. Duck roasted with Collard Greens and Apple – my mom’s other favorite dish from the nightCato Corner Cheese Fondue with Squash and Mustard – Probably one of my favorite dishes from the night other than the first few. The cheese reminded me a lot of raclette Botrytis Ice Cream with Bitter Almond and Ginger Crumble – the first of many desserts, “If you thought we would only give you just one dessert after elevent savory dishes, you were wrong.”  Also, if you knew what Botrytis was off the bat, congratulations you hoMilk and Honey Custard with Bee Pollen Ice Cream – (elegantly placed off to one side of the plate, might I add)… also holla at my Koreans … basically Softree!!!! Chocolate “Name that Milk” and Pretzels with Sea Salt – this was literally a game to match each mystery milk chocolate with the type of animal milk. We didn’t win. Lavender Mint Tea

So thankful and very happy that I got to try this place out before making moves out of the city. Such a special experience with unbelievable food and service.

And that’s all she wrote… (not really but like that was the end of the meal and we were really full and I’m still full. I also could probably write and talk about this experience a lot more, but that burn your eyes, so ask me personally if you want to hear more about it. )