Eleven Madison Park Restaurant, New York City

Yellow roses were peppered throughout the restaurant

Among New York City's must visit establishments is Eleven Madison Park, and after my visit I would argue it is a contender one of the nation's finest restaurants. Elegant, exquisite and tantalizing, the dishes invite you to bring all of your senses to the table and engage in taste, touch, smell, hear and most dramatically your visual abilities.

Buttery cheese gougère and creamy sabayon with a bright grassy chive oil

This was a special meal for me, one of the last fine dining experiences before my sweet baby arrives. While I don't see them often enough, I was happy to be surrounded by some of the most passionate foodies in my life: Andrea from High/Low Food/Drink, Jen and Bryan from Tiny Urban Kitchen and Talida of Talida Bakes. I suspect this baby will have plenty of epicurean influences in his life.

Foie gras bruleed with fruit gelée

Creamy, custardy and mousse-like, the caramelized foie gras was the most memorable dish of the four course meal. A magnificent amalgamation of contrasts: glistening delicate burnt sugar against smooth airy textures, and sweet fruity flavors against a base of salty savory terrine. The flavors were so unique and well combined that each bite was akin to taking in wisps of an elusive mousse, an experience that left me wishing for more. 

Oysters in a creamy white sauce complemented by a gelatinous leek sauce

Andrea enjoyed her oysters in a creamy white sauce that was contrasted subtly by a gelatinous leek sauce, a pleasant inspiration of the Spring season. 

Mackerel with lemon and gem lettuce

Lobster poached in butter with a braised green onion, root vegetables and breaded soft cheese.

A sophisticated and successful attempt to elevate the classic lobster poached in butter. This version employed a rich and creamy foam with a light drizzle of aromatic oil.

Veal loin with smoked bone marrow accompanied by a creamy blanquette de veau with winter root vegetables

The veal loin was my second favorite dish as the chunks of braised daikon served as a surprisingly brilliant complement to the veal and bone marrow, punctuating the smoky nuances of the meat.

Roasted pork shoulder

Citrus ice cream topped with tangerine crumbles. A refreshing and gentle interlude before dessert. 

Dense chocolate disks accompanied by a salted caramel and chocolate ice cream and an assortment of cookies. The dense chocolate was a bold ending to an already decadent meal. I enjoyed the contrast of the salted caramel, and buttery delicate curls of short bread the lightened up the plate a bit.

Carrot macarons and lace caramel cookies

The combination of beautiful, exquisite food, gracious service and good company has made for a very memorable experience for me at Eleven Madison Park.

Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212.889.0905

As of March, 2011
Lunch- Three courses for $56, Four Courses for $74
Dinner- Four Courses for $125, Tasting Menu for $195

Other New York restaurant recommendations
Le Bernardin
Del Posto

Gramercy Tavern

Bar Jamon

Ippudo's
Locanda Verde