Chef Daniel Humm Resumes Meat at Eleven Madison Park, Shops New Book
UPDATE: Chef Daniel Humm has just announced a major shift at his renowned Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York City—meat is making a comeback on the menu after a two-year exclusive focus on vegan cuisine. This decision, revealed during an interview on Wednesday, comes as Humm is reportedly shopping a new book to publishers.
Starting October 14, diners can expect to see meat dishes like “honey-lavender-glazed duck” reintroduced, a significant change for a restaurant that transitioned to an all-vegan menu in 2021. Humm stated, “I have some anxiety that people are going to say, ‘Oh, he’s a hypocrite,’ but I know that the best way to continue to champion plant-based cooking is to let everyone participate around the table.”
The decision to return to meat has sparked intense debate online, with reactions ranging from disappointment to support. Critics voiced concerns over ethical implications, while others urged calm, reminding followers it’s “just a restaurant.” This polarizing move comes as business at Eleven Madison Park has declined since adopting a vegan-only menu, with private event bookings suffering significantly. Humm noted, “It’s hard to get 30 people for a corporate dinner to come to a plant-based restaurant.”
Humm’s announcement has drawn attention to the economic challenges facing high-end dining during a post-pandemic recovery. Reports indicate that wine sales have also dipped, as many connoisseurs prefer meat pairings with their selections. The existing ten-course vegan tasting menu, priced at $365 per person, will remain, but the new offering will feature seven to nine courses for the same price.
In addition to his culinary shifts, Humm is also working on a new book, rumored to be a foodie memoir, as he continues to expand his brand. He has previously published high-end cookbooks and collaborated on a children’s book titled “Daniel’s Dream,” set to release next year.
Humm’s personal life has also been in the spotlight; he recently married actress and NYC socialite Annabelle Dexter-Jones, with notable guests including Mark Ronson and Questlove. He has previously been linked to Oscar nominee Demi Moore in 2022.
As Eleven Madison Park tries to reclaim its status as a celebrity hotspot, the restaurant’s evolution reflects broader trends in the dining industry. Humm’s journey through the pandemic, during which he fought off bankruptcy and collaborated with his nonprofit Rethink Food to provide a million free meals, adds an inspiring layer to his story.
Stay tuned for more updates as Humm’s culinary strategy unfolds and the highly anticipated menu changes take effect. Will the return to meat help revive the fortunes of Eleven Madison Park? Only time will tell.
