Eleven Madison Park

Ranked No. 4 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019 (they were no. 1 in 2017) and wreathed in stars (three from Michelin and four from The New York Times), “Eleven Madison Park” has also picked up numerous other accolades such as the Grand Award by Wine Spectator and even appeared in an episode of “7 Days Out” on Netflix. Quite understandably, my excitement to dine there was off-the-charts.
However, as special as the entire experience was (the service alone deserves a blue ribbon), not every single course in the 5-course Bar Menu ($175 per person before taxes) took my breath away - and that was a bit of a bummer.
Perhaps it’s because I have been spoiled by too many excellent meals at several restaurants in Singapore. Or maybe, it’s just a personal thing because taste is terribly subjective. Despite that tiny glitch, I still had a wonderful time and found most of the dishes very, very good, with the first-to-arrive Eggs Benedict-inspired caviar, the third course of lobster with coriander sauce, the main of Aged Duck as well as the lemon and black sesame dessert being my favourites. I am sharing about them in detail in separate posts.
What I found particularly fun and engaging though was the mini kitchen tour which incorporated a little game. We were given three sodas to sip and had to guess which of the three spices laid out in front of us were used in which drink.
The belly-warming apple whisky they served at the end of the night along with a mixed chocolate pretzel, was really lovely too.

Although there were three options for the main in the 5-course Bar Menu, TH and I zeroed in on the Aged Duck. It is after all, a signature of @elevenmadisonpark and fortunately, it was every bit as delicious as it’s reputed to be.
What I loved was how the skin, having been lavished with honey, cumin, sea salt, black pepper and Szechuan peppercorns, became a vital element in the dish, adding extra texture and flavour to every bite of the tender breast meat. The citrus duck jus and crunchy radish joined in to give a lift and brightness too.

Our dinner at Eleven Madison Park started off very strong with a caviar course that’s inspired by the popular brunch item of Eggs Benedict.
Charmingly presented in a little custom-made can, the Sturgeon Caviar was heaped on green asparagus and ham gelée with pickled quail’s egg yolk beneath. Perched on the edge of the can was a big dollop of airy-light hollandaise. To accompany, two (too few if you ask me) hot-from-the-oven mini English muffins.
This course alone is reason enough to visit.

An ice cream cake of strawberries, lemon curd flambé with chartreuse.

The Carrot Tartare, a fun take of the beef version.
Okay, I better get off to bed. Night!
@danielfooddiary at #NYC

America's Best Restaurant, World's No 5.
This is on my bucket list, so thank you God for the opportunity.
My fav dish of the course was this 'Eggs Benedict' with poached quail egg yolk, caviar and delicious warm mini muffins. Superb.
@DanielFoodDiary at #NYC