Eleven Madison Park’s Vegan Era Is Over—Here’s What The New Michelin-Starred Menu Looks Like

Four years ago, Eleven Madison Park shocked the culinary world by removing every trace of meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy from its menu in a post-pandemic comeback. Now, the three Michelin Star fine dining restaurant is making another bold move: bringing meat back. Chef and owner Daniel Humm announced that starting October 14th, diners will once again have the option to enjoy dishes like the restaurant’s famous dry-aged duck with lavender honey, lobster, or even chicken—alongside the plant-based creations that defined its recent era. From Poached Lobster to 100% Vegan ---------------------------------- When the restaurant reopened in June 2021 after a pandemic-fueled shutdown, Humm revealed an unprecedented shift that shocked us all: a completely vegan tasting menu featuring dishes like mille-feuille without butter, meringue without eggs, almond-milk ricotta, sunflower butter, koji stocks, whipped cashew cream, even “land caviar.” It was a decision that sent ripples through the fine dining scene, stripping away long-time favorites like poached lobster and honey-roasted duck. The move was born from Humm’s deep concern for climate change and the global food system. At the time, he described it as “redefining luxury” and wanted to show that vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes could be just as indulgent as traditional luxury ingredients. While many applauded the change–the restaurant has often been named among the best in the world and is a favorite of Billie Eilish’s–critics were divided, and some diners cringed at the thought of paying hundreds for an all-vegetable meal. Why Meat Is Back on the Menu ---------------------------- Though, at the surface, removing meat from the menu looked like a successful endeavor–in 2022, the restaurant became the first in the world to earn three Michelin stars for an entirely plant-based menu–Humm says that in the years since the restaurant has struggled to fill private dining rooms and meet wine sales expectations. “For wine aficionados, grand cru goes with meat,” he told the *NYT*. Some guests also avoided booking altogether, telling him they “couldn’t bring their spouse” because they wouldn’t eat vegan. Thus, over the last five years, with each season and new menu that they’ve been serving, Humm and his team have been intently listening to guests’ feedback. He stated: > It became clear that while we had built something meaningful, we had also unintentionally kept people out. This is the opposite of what we believe hospitality to be. The revised eight-to-nine-course $365 tasting menu will remain mostly plant-based, but guests can now select animal products for certain dishes–including fish, meat, and yes, their beloved honey-lavender-glazed duck. All-vegan dining will still be available for those who prefer it, though the price of the menu will be the same regardless of your selections. The restaurant’s cocktail menu and pastry program will remain entirely plant-based–at least for now. A Shift in Hospitality ---------------------- Humm’s decision came after months of reflection, including a research trip to Greece where he observed a goat slaughter performed with “respect and reverence,” says the *NYT.* He says the experience deepened his understanding of hospitality, which he now believes is about offering choice to diners. He stated: > Eating together is the essence of who we are, and I’ve learned that for me to truly champion plant-based cooking, I need to create an environment where everyone feels welcome around the table. I’m deeply grateful to our team and guests for supporting this journey. It’s you who allow us to grow. Reservations for the fall season open Monday, September 1st, and the restaurant’s new menu debuts Tuesday, October 14th. * 📍 Location: 11 Madison Avenue, directly across the street from Madison Square Park * 🍽️ Full Tasting Menu: eight to nine courses | $365 per guest * 🍽️ 5-Course Menu: selections from the Full Tasting Menu | $285 per guest * 🍽️ Bar Tasting Menu: four to five courses available in lounge | $225 per guest Source: https://secretnyc.co/michelin-starred-eleven-madison-park-no-longer-vegan/