– NewsDesk(cbedit@imaws.org)
New York’s prestigious Eleven Madison Park teams up with the award-winning Masque ranked No.16 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in Mumbai. The collaboration between Chef Daniel Humm and Varun Totlani promises a unique and exclusively plant-based menu that harmoniously melds their culinary visions.
In a culinary odyssey that spanned India, Chef Humm embarked on a gastronomic journey that included visiting the iconic Bukhara at ITC Maurya in New Delhi. Here, he relished the restaurant’s signature naan, adding to his culinary repertoire. Further exploration took him to the enchanting region of Kashmir, where he joined forces with the Masque team to immerse himself in the cultural tapestry and culinary heritage of the area.
With a stellar reputation as one of the culinary world’s most celebrated establishments, Eleven Madison Park has consistently earned accolades. This includes its crowning as the No.1 restaurant on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2017. The restaurant has maintained an impeccable three Michelin Stars since 2012 and has received eight James Beard Foundation awards. A notable milestone was its transition to an entirely vegan menu in 2021, earning it the distinction of being the first three Michelin-starred plant-based diners.
Surprisingly, the artistry of plated dishes shares common ground with the world of fashion. Harper’s Bazaar US explored this connection in their April 2019 issue, juxtaposing iconic fashion ensembles with dishes from three globally acclaimed chefs, including Daniel Humm. His dish, the honey-glazed, dry-aged Normandy duck accompanied by roasted cabbage and pear (no longer on the plant-based menu), showcased elegant lines and contrasting textures reminiscent of a Givenchy collection.
While this collaboration marks Chef Humm’s inaugural venture with an Indian restaurant on a plant-based menu, it is not his first vacation to India. In 2018, the Swiss-born chef-curated two exclusive dinners as part of The World Series by American Express, hosted at Mumbai’s St. Regis and New Delhi’s The Leela Palace.
Titled ‘A Nod To Nature’s Best’, the collaborative menu will feature a ten-course plant-based extravaganza. This exquisite spread will draw inspiration from the ethos of both Eleven Madison Park and Masque. Humm’s signature creations will undergo a creative transformation with a distinctive Indian twist. Notably, the culinary journey will also pay homage to Kashmir, reflecting the group’s recent exploration of the region.
Mark your calendars for September 1 and 2, when this limited-edition pop-up promises an unparalleled culinary experience that marries the essence of Eleven Madison Park and Masque in a symphony of flavors and innovation.
