Eleven Madison Park has already made its mark (and a big one at that) in the highly competitive New York dining scene.  The award-winning restaurant (three Michelin stars, four stars from the New York Times, and a James Beard Award-winning chef, Daniel Humm) is already a success story with a formula that obviously works.  But rather than coasting through and riding the wave of success, Eleven Madison Park has announced that it plans to instead turn things upside down on Madison Avenue.

Starting this fall, Humm and general manager, Will Guidara, plan to shake things up at the fine dining establishment by offering a bit more razzle dazzle than your typical evening out.  The business partners, who currently sit on top of the restaurant world, have decided to let the creative juices flow by turning the Eleven Madison Park experience into a true New York City tribute complete with new menu items that will feature  magic tricks, performance, and illusions.  Think Central Park picnics, Broadway shows, and cheesecake.  These New York classics along with other local inspirations and interactive theatrics will be a part of the nearly-four-hour $195/person tasting menu offered shortly after Labor Day weekend at Eleven Madison Park.

Why the change-up?  As Guidara explained in the New York Times article, “How many times in your life do you have an opportunity to leave your own legacy?”  That’s a good point, Mr. Guidara.  By revamping the world-renowned restaurant they are absolutely taking a risk since it is difficult to judge how their loyal diners and critics will respond to the change.   But when you are on top of the world it is hard not to go anywhere but down, so by shifting gears and tackling something new and unique,  Humm and Guidara will continue breaking new grounds in the culinary world.