As a wine and food professional, I have had the fortune to have many great meals. I keep a tally in my head of the top dining experiences I have had, here is a list in no particular order: Daniel, The French Laundry, Craco-Peck, Arturo e Staffan Gastrotecha (now closed), Manresa, Aquarello, and now Eleven Madison Park.
In late 2005 I had reservations to Campton Place. Our local newspaper had just bestowed 4 stars and spoke so glowingly that it was THE place to dine in San Francisco. My mother was coming to town, I had just failed the Advanced Sommelier test and my friend John Ragen, sommelier of Campton Place, had graciously gotten us a reservation. Two days prior I got really sick and had to cancel the reservation! Well, I thought we could go when I got better.
That dinner never happened, as the talented chef Daniel Humm and the equally talented Ragen were wooed by one of this country's best restaurateurs, Danny Meyer. They were to transform Eleven Madison Park from the brasserie it was into a dinning mecca. They have done it! Our intimate dinner for two was one of the TOP dinning experiences of our lives! The food, service, atmosphere, food, wine, food, and the food were AMAZING!
Chef Humm is playful with his menu and explores new ideas that I have never seen. Those I had, his team and he executed better than I have ever seen done. We choose to have the "Gourmand" menu. A journey through 11 courses not including the hors d'oeuvres and mignardieses. A true life-affirming experience.
The flavors of each dish were so pure, so exacted and so playful that throughout the entire meal Shauna and I were giggling in joy.
Each dish was a new treasure that our palates were so eager to taste we were having trouble speaking to each other. It was as if we were now in love with our foods and ready to genuflect at the feet of Chef Humm. If I were to describe each dish we had, I would overload the server, so I have listed our menu plus the wines that were served. If you would like any more detail, please email me, and I will gladly expound on the dishes.
First Wine: Vilmart "Coeur de Cuvee" Premier Cru 1998 Champagne
A dense and rich Champagne that was wonderfully balanced
Royal Sterling Caviar Veloute of Columbia River Smoked Sturgeon
This was fish puddn'. It was AMAZING!
Provence Asparagus Cappuccino with Oregon Morels and Quail Egg
I wish Starbucks served this!
Wine 2: Jager, "Achleiten" Federspiel, Riesling, Wachau, Austria 2005
A racey wine with a balanced concentration and richness that was sublime
California Strawberry Gazpacho with Hawaiian Prawns and Guanciale
Oh yes, chilled strawberry soup with bacon and shrimp!
Wine 3: C. H. Berres, Urziger Wurzgarten, Riesling, Beerenauslese MSR 1990
Everyone should be so lucky to drink a wine like this. Rich and viscous with a nervy acidity that made the wine so refreshing despite being 16 years old.
Elevages Perigord Foie Gras Torchon with Venezuelan Cocoa and Rubarb
It gets better!
Wine 4: Jean-Noel Gagnard, "Les Caillerots" Chassagne Montrachet 2004
You cannot go wrong with great White Burgundy!!!!!!
Scottish Salmon "Mi-Cuit" with Florence Feenel and Meyer Lemon Confit
We were in Nirvana at this point...
Wine 5: Joseph Roty, Champs-Chenys, Gevrey Chambertin 2001
If you see J. Roty, buy it. It is a masterpiece.
Four Story Hills "Ris de Veau" sauteed with celery and Perigord Truffles
This was the Energizer Bunny of meals...
Vermont Farm Suckling Pig confit with Cipollini onions, dried plum chutney and 5 spice jus
I'm in love with suckling pigs!
Lynnhaven "Chevre Frais" heirloom beets, Laudemio olive oil, and Fleur de Sel
Really, when you go to NYC go here. It is worth every dollar!
Wine 6: Niepoort, Colheita Port 1986
Needless to say our minds were blown by this point in the meal.
Pistachio Macaron with ruby grapefruit and strawberries
Gianduja chocolate mille-feuille with cocoa nibs, coffee and salted peanuts
TO DIE FOR!
So there you have it. 4 hours, two people, and an expereince to last a lifetime.
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