As a Chef and Meat eater who runs a vegan kitchen myself, this was and had been top of my bucket list for years, so last year I travelled from the uk to eat at EMP, I’d gone for the smaller tasting menu but I explain I was a chef in the email and asked if I could see the kitchen. Not only did they allow me to see the kitchen they gave me the full menu with wine pairings, a $1000 experience of a lifetime complimentary as my email had stood out as so heartfelt. The staff couldn’t be kinder and made it one of the greatest days of my life never to be forgotten. Love the videos, if you could send some tips on starting up, I’d be truly grateful.
Wow! That's amazing! I'm so glad that you had such a special experience. A memory like that is priceless! Thank you for the great comment! As far as tips, I would say being persistent is key and to always keep at it.
I’ve watched a few videos from this channel and am always impressed with the excellent content, editing, camera work, attention to detail, and everything else that goes into making a video. I was absolutely shocked to read that this channel currently has less than 50k subs. I believe that number will go up exponentially in the next year as more people take in this content and appreciate the time and effort that goes into each video.
Thanks for taking us there as we will never be able to afford going on our own. I appreciated how the restaurant went out on a limb, restricting itself to a vegan menu while still being able to produce such a stunning meal set. The hospitality and quality seem unmatched. Great review James!
@TuckerSP2011 Thank you so much! Yeah, I wish that I could've experienced the restaurant when they served meat, but I respect their move to change, and I still found the food to be delicious!
Wow! The attention to detail, the presentation of each dish, the decorated restaurant and service it would have felt being on top of the world. Thank you for taking us to Eleven Madison Park.
Just a quick thanks for sharing this video with the world 💫 I truly felt like you were painting the most delicious work of art. Your descriptions and choice of music were absolutely devine.❤
This was an EXCELLENT video! I think you just became my new favorite UA-cam channel! The tranquility and reverence of your video is such a needed balm compared to the gaudiness of most short-form food content these days.
What a gorgeous venue!!! That brioche...Each course was just so beautiful. The maple syrup on snow is clipped from the Quebec playbook. And that pretzel..oh my! Thanks for bringing us along.
Hi James, you’ve gone a long way. Congratulations! I’ve been following you since you started and you have become a world class blogger. More success to you.
Another epic meal. Besides the ambiance and service, $500 for 1 person is well... a little steep. I feel for that price a wine pairing should have been included. Except for the truffle and some of those exotic plants, most of the ingredients were basically simple. Though exquisitely presented. Nice video James.
Thank you for sharing the experience. The meal looked phenomenal especially your fav the squash. I love when a ripe juicy fruit is served for desert. One Love.
I watch a lot of 3-star dining channels - including Alexander the Guest, which for me is the pinnacle of 3-star dining (but then again he has a seemingly unlimited expense account). James, out of all your all-encompassing reviews, this is my favorite. Thanks for doing what you do so well.
As always, I appreciate your ever fantastic reviews. This is certainly steep, but absolutely a once in a lifetime experience I would try. Thanks again!
Thank you! Yeah, it was expensive, but it was definitely worth it to at least try once. Plus, I've never had vegetables like that elevated to such a high level.
What I think in general sets a good vegan restaurant apart from an okay one, is when they dont try to imitate other dishes. I havent had many vegan dishes, but the ones which taste the best are the ones that just do their own thing and embrace the plant based nature of it. Save the imitation meat and cheese, and give me something unique! Seems like EMP is taking that to the stratosphere.
Thank you, James ! Your review was like the perfect pairing of wines with EMP's delicious courses ! What I wouldn't do to lay my hands on that extraordinary loaf of bread ! You're a patriotic man, James, even when it comes to food. I like that. I got sick of Noma winning it every year. Have a great week, and all the best !
Dear James What a terrific review. You really bring the whole dining experience to your readers. Thank you and best wishes for a joyous and fun Thanksgiving, Rich
James thanks for bringing us with you on this meal. I appreciate your enthusiasm and love for food. I don't want to read too much into your commentary but I too am a person who lives to eat, and not the other away around. I watch your videos in hopes that someday I can also enjoy them. Keep up the good work and don't let anyone get you down.
I'm so happy for you! I've been living vicariously through these videos. And haha, yeah Jersey gets a bunch of hate, but their fruit is pretty awesome.
As a former epicurean Manhattanite girl, I did try EMP back in the day when they served meat. It was the BEST food I've ever had bar none. I also tried Thomas Keller, Per Se, and the best meal was the vegetarian tasting menu so I can't wait to try EMP! Thank for for the review! ❤
Hey James big fan have watched all your videos for a while now, I was curious do you plan on doing a review of any of the 3 michelin star sushi / omakase restaurants sometime in the future, there are quite a few in New York, Sushi Sho and Yoshino being 2 examples of these.
I would like to do more sushi/omakase restaurants, but they can be extremely expensive, very difficult to film, and they don't get the best views, which is why I've been holding off on making them. I do plan to visit one sushi place in the near future however.
Great video James. I've known about EMP forever, I used to work in the 41 Madison building next door in the late 90's and early 2000's. I had no idea it went vegan, that was a surprise to me.
Hi James, Thank you for the great peek at 11 Madison Park. I was a bit taken aback by the no meat idea but this place is just incredible. Three Michelin stars is such treasured territory and I have never been in such an establishment. James, you have inspired me to try and elevate my gastronomic experience. As usual a wonderful review! Best Wishes, Peter
My husband and I dined at EMP in February of this year. It was fantastic! The service was Devine. We'll be going back. I'm the vegetarian in the family but my husband was equally enthusiastic about his meal. Loved it -- a top three experience for us. Thanks for your review.
The restaurant and food look amazing, there are a lot of dining channels on UA-cam but I definitely think yours is becoming my favorite, your presentation is excellent, leaving the ficus on the dishes and the restaurants rather than yourself, having said that your presentation is excellent, love seeing New, York, I was trying to work out who you remind me of, it's Brad Pitt no less! Regards from Liverpool England (I always assumed there, was only one Liverpool in the world but I recently discovered there's actually a Liverpool I think it's New, York
I enjoy a nice meal and an elegant restaurant setting but $365 for vegetables and a hot towel is highway robbery 😭 However, I'm glad you were finally able to cross off one of your bucket list items
When you told me the price and said it was v, and I almost stopped watching. But then I kinda trust you, man, and I feel like you don't mess around when it comes to good food, so I watched the entire video and I gotta say that place is super impressive and they're doing some really good work in there, and that looked like an incredible meal. I always say you gotta stay open and remain teachable in this life and thanks for keeping me true to my words. money is replaceable memories are forever. Awesome content once again thank you
Once again you have provided your viewers with a culinary journey. While I do not have your interest nor passion to personally experience such a venue, I truly appreciate your indepth & sincere review of a wonderful dining experience fellow New Yorkers should never dismiss. Excellent review; thank you for sharing! Especially, since I very much doubt that I wish to spend the cash for this experience. HOWEVER, you did!!!! And, thank you for doing so to share with us!
Well James another excellent review at one of the great restaurants of the world. I have been there about 5 times before the conversion , and also Tabla , his Indian place next door that closed many years ago. You look rested and ready for next year. Love the upscale elegant barrel cuff shirt and mannerly elegence that you displayed in this review as well.
This was the best review of the all vegan version of EMP I've seen. I feel like the seasonality plays a big part in the heft of the meal. Maybe some other reviews I've seen have been in the spring where they felt a lack of substance.
James! Long time watcher, first time commenter...you are KILLING it right now! Such great picks of the restaurants lately + awesome reviews, thank you for your awesome content! If you ever come to Toronto, hit me up for recommendations!
Congratulations, in advance, on hitting 50,000 subscribers. I'm moving to NYC, in 4 years, when I retire. I'm predicting you will be at a half million subscribers by then. I just put a note on my calendar for 12/31/2028.
Another great review James. My only suggestion is that you try a few more drinks at these type of places. It would be nice to know how their cocktails are.
I know what you mean. I would definitely like to, but I was already spending so much on the food. Hopefully in the future I'll be able to spend a bit more.
A fascinating look at EMP. I had the opportunity to eat there a few times when it was owned by Danny Meyers, which was great but seems they’ve leveled up quite a bit since. Nice work James!
Not only was that meal worth the high cost but i'm guessing your sublime haircut was equally expensive. Thanks for this superb review, James. For now, i'll stay with the veggie burger offering across the street at Shake Shack. Where else can one enjoy a tasty burger but in glorious Madison Square Park, named after the original Madison Square Garden which was situated where the NY Life Building stands at 51 Madison Ave. Keep up your labor of love.
The presentation on that mushroom dish (and the squash dish) was amazing! I have seen other videos of EMP and yours had the best views of the dishes themselves.
Went there 4 times when they had meat and it was worth every penny. Now that it's vegan I can't justify the high price. Downhill once Will Guerda left in 2019
Agreed. The vegan dishes look good and it's very impressive they achieve this level with such a restriction but there are well over 50 starred restaurants I'd sooner visit at this price point. And nobody should take the World's 50 Best list too seriously.
@@adamrasmussen7379 a bucket of salt. There are entries on that top 50 list every year that aren't top 50 in their own country, never mind the world. It's an elite dining fad list.
Awesome review James, a beautiful decor, excellent service and a vegan experience you won’t forget! Have to say $504.00 for lunch is insane, lol. Thank you!💕👍
I was debating whether or not I should go there, but after watching the video, count me in. You admit to being a meat and fish lover and you still loved it. You’re a true foodie! I’m surprised at all the “no meat” comments. I’m by no means a vegan or vegetarian but I probably eat 5-6 vegetarian/vegan meals per week (with IF, I skip breakfast and eat a total of 14 meals a week) Just because a dish doesn’t contain meat doesn’t mean it’s not good or delicious. Hello, ice cream is vegetarian, and French fries are vegan and those are some of the best things to eat on earth! LOL As for the price, it’s a fine dining restaurant so you’re paying for the food, service, and ambiance. I’m a trained chef and I know that, to make that food, it takes a LOT of care and effort! And you have to use the best quality ingredients.
I went there with my wife last year. Great experience that is definitely worth it at least once. Not all dishes were successful, but it was awesome overall. It is memorable.
Another great video. I also like that it is very clear that fine dining and restaurants are a passion of yours, nevertheless, you also look after the money. I hope i don’t overstep if i might give you a little hint: After you finish a course, you usually put the cutlery like her at 11:30. According to the table etiquette, after you finish and you liked the meal the cutlery should be next to each other. Anyway, do your thing and keep going, you’re close to 50k, I remember when i found your channel you were at less than 10k. If you one day in Germany i might be able to give you some hints. ❤
I sat through an absolutely interminable meal there once! It must have dragged on for 4 hours. I was so exhausted by the time it was over, I don’t even remember the food. The staff were very nice, but they droned on endlessly about how the food was sourced and prepared. It was a horrible “experience” that I hope never to go through again. A client took me and it was thousands of dollars (with the wine and booze) and he looked like a pig in s--t. But by the time we were done I was desperate to escape
Such a joy ! Your Video is so great 👍 Your descriptions are so detailed and entertaining. also your recordings. It's a lot of fun to watch you eat. But I'm surprised that the prices for NY and a 3 star restaurant are not higher than here in Germany for a 3 star….
Another "crime scene” on the dining table. 😂Also, another great video, James. This one is exceedingly beautiful. Thanks for sharing your incredible experience with us. When in NYC, I’m definitely going to try this famed restaurant. Btw…I too enjoyed Will Guidara’s book, Unreasonable Hospitality. Fantastic read! All the best to you!
James, that was really cool thank you! I vicariously enjoyed that dining experience, while having my Pepperidge Farm Goldfish and a Powerade! My pretend faves would have been the mushroom course and the squash! Cheers!! 😎
That brioche looked amazing! Amazing for something made without butter. I do respect the shift to doing plant based food. As a vegetarian myself, it often feels like it's much harder for us to get access to fine dining. Thanks again for the review. I think the menu is out of my price range but it certainly looked like a fantastic tasting menu.
Thank you James. What a wonderful experience you gave us. I wouldn't be interested in paying that price for a vegan tasting, but seeing it and feeling your reactions made it nonetheless exciting.
Fortunate to eat at EMP twice prior to the switch to a plant based menu. First time was back during the recession and they were offering an unbelievable 3 course lunch for $42 which I took my future wife to when we were dating. Looking back that was maybe the greatest deal in the history of restaurants and so happy we went then! The switch to the plant based menu was a bold move and I think an important one in the super high end, fine dining space. I think it will actually add to their reach and influence in fine dining when all is said and done.
Looks really good and I applaud going vegan, but for me it's unconscionable at $365 without tax or service, and for that number of courses...give me Per Se or Le Bernardin (amongst others) over this. You can even go to Arpege in Paris and get the 'gardener's lunch' (vegetarian 10-12 courses) for €185. Very happy that you seemed to enjoy it so much. The fact that they have a member of the team at EMP with the title 'Dreamweaver' shows how seriously they take the experience.
Great comment and points! Yeah, there are definitely other three starred restaurants that provide far better value. Still, I really enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Best restaurant in the world award in 2017... when it wasn't plant-based. :X Great video though! Loved how there was absolute no use of imitation meat products. Simply allowing vegetables, fruits--plants for that matter, to shine through in their natural state. Would love to experience this for myself if I had some extra discretionary money!
Leak salad - No. Brioche bread - Yes. Tom Burri - looks interesting. Tofu - meh. Mushroom - Yes. Bok Choi - Meh. Red Curry squash - Yes. All the desserts - Big YES All in all, I'd much prefer a big Tomahawk Ribeye & potatoes for half the price. I need meat.
Glad you loved it James. I'm too much of a meathead to truly appreciate the thought and creativity that goes into an all plant based menu. I've said in the comments before I'm old and very set in my ways. One of my best friends married a vegan who is also as close to a world class chef that I've ever met and dined with. As creative and outside the box she can put can put gorgeous dish and gorgeous dish on the table, I'm not wise enough to appreciate it. I admire her as a person and for her kitchen ability. All that said, as awesome as your meal looked today, it's just not something I'd get too excited about. I'm happy for you and that the bucket list is getting the attention. I loved the review and enthusiasm you exude as always. I'm still just a meathead my friend. LOL As always appreciate the great and well thought out content. Cheers. Come on 50K subs,this channel should be at 500K IMO. You're the most real and genuine foodie that can get to the level of making guys like me appreciate the heck out of your presentations every single Monday. I look forward to them more than anything I watch on YT. Thank you
Thank you so much! The support really means a lot to me! Yeah, I do really wish that I had the opportunity to try the restaurant when they still served meat, but at the end of the day, I was satisfied.
As a Chef and Meat eater who runs a vegan kitchen myself, this was and had been top of my bucket list for years, so last year I travelled from the uk to eat at EMP, I’d gone for the smaller tasting menu but I explain I was a chef in the email and asked if I could see the kitchen. Not only did they allow me to see the kitchen they gave me the full menu with wine pairings, a $1000 experience of a lifetime complimentary as my email had stood out as so heartfelt. The staff couldn’t be kinder and made it one of the greatest days of my life never to be forgotten.
Love the videos, if you could send some tips on starting up, I’d be truly grateful.
Wow! That's amazing! I'm so glad that you had such a special experience. A memory like that is priceless!
Thank you for the great comment! As far as tips, I would say being persistent is key and to always keep at it.
James, once again you’ve beautifully shared a dining occasion only a few of us will ever experience in our lifetime. Thank you, R.
@@ronh1940 Thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!
Brioche shrapnel....you've got a way with words! Another great review.
Haha! Thank you!
I’ve watched a few videos from this channel and am always impressed with the excellent content, editing, camera work, attention to detail, and everything else that goes into making a video.
I was absolutely shocked to read that this channel currently has less than 50k subs. I believe that number will go up exponentially in the next year as more people take in this content and appreciate the time and effort that goes into each video.
Thank you so much! I put a lot of time into my videos so it means a lot to me to hear that they're appreciated.
It’s ok,I’m sure the waiter has a crumb scraper. I don’t see an issue with the price. The experience is well worth it.
It was expensive, but it was worth it to me.
Thanks for taking us there as we will never be able to afford going on our own. I appreciated how the restaurant went out on a limb, restricting itself to a vegan menu while still being able to produce such a stunning meal set. The hospitality and quality seem unmatched. Great review James!
@TuckerSP2011 Thank you so much! Yeah, I wish that I could've experienced the restaurant when they served meat, but I respect their move to change, and I still found the food to be delicious!
Thank you for this awesome and in-depth review James!!
Thanks for watching!
Wow! The attention to detail, the presentation of each dish, the decorated restaurant and service it would have felt being on top of the world. Thank you for taking us to Eleven Madison Park.
@@tomahern8967 Thanks for watching! It was overall a very special experience that I'll remember forever!
Just a quick thanks for sharing this video with the world 💫 I truly felt like you were painting the most delicious work of art. Your descriptions and choice of music were absolutely devine.❤
@dianalong2024 Thank you so much! I put a lot of effort into my videos, so it means a lot to me to hear that they're appreciated!
This was an EXCELLENT video! I think you just became my new favorite UA-cam channel! The tranquility and reverence of your video is such a needed balm compared to the gaudiness of most short-form food content these days.
Thank you! That really makes me happy to hear!
What a gorgeous venue!!! That brioche...Each course was just so beautiful. The maple syrup on snow is clipped from the Quebec playbook. And that pretzel..oh my! Thanks for bringing us along.
@@marshabailey1121 Thanks for watching! It was a special experience indeed!
That’s because the Chef de Cuisine, Dominique Roy, is Québécois
@@pizzarsvideo Very cool.
Hi James, you’ve gone a long way. Congratulations! I’ve been following you since you started and you have become a world class blogger. More success to you.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support!
Another epic meal. Besides the ambiance and service, $500 for 1 person is well... a little steep. I feel for that price a wine pairing should have been included. Except for the truffle and some of those exotic plants, most of the ingredients were basically simple. Though exquisitely presented. Nice video James.
Agree. Should have included wine pairing.
Thank you!
Well, I really do love vegetables and I would totally eat anyone of these dishes.Along side a giant hunk of meat. Glad you enjoyed yourself
Haha! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing the experience. The meal looked phenomenal especially your fav the squash. I love when a ripe juicy fruit is served for desert. One Love.
Thanks for watching! It was definitely a special meal!
I can’t believe you aren’t viral yet! Your editing is top tier and you can tell you really enjoy making these videos! Subscribed immediately!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support!
Love this for you! Glad you had such a great time
Thank you!
I watch a lot of 3-star dining channels - including Alexander the Guest, which for me is the pinnacle of 3-star dining (but then again he has a seemingly unlimited expense account). James, out of all your all-encompassing reviews, this is my favorite. Thanks for doing what you do so well.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
Imagine a collab Alexander & James 😅I d love to c that
Alexander spends like he’s got Brewsters millions
James, this was awesome! What a beautiful restaurant, and your critique really captured it. Thank you, I'm really appreciating your channel.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for taking us on this descriptive food tour!! We got some history, some visuals and nice camera work…
Thanks for watching!
As always, I appreciate your ever fantastic reviews. This is certainly steep, but absolutely a once in a lifetime experience I would try. Thanks again!
Thank you! Yeah, it was expensive, but it was definitely worth it to at least try once. Plus, I've never had vegetables like that elevated to such a high level.
What I think in general sets a good vegan restaurant apart from an okay one, is when they dont try to imitate other dishes. I havent had many vegan dishes, but the ones which taste the best are the ones that just do their own thing and embrace the plant based nature of it. Save the imitation meat and cheese, and give me something unique! Seems like EMP is taking that to the stratosphere.
That brioche looked amazing for something made without any butter
Indeed! Great point!
Excellent review. I can't wait to go there when I'm next in NYC. Thanks very much.
Thank you! I hope that you enjoy it!
Thank you, James ! Your review was like the perfect pairing of wines with EMP's delicious courses ! What I wouldn't do to lay my hands on that extraordinary loaf of bread ! You're a patriotic man, James, even when it comes to food. I like that. I got sick of Noma winning it every year. Have a great week, and all the best !
Thank you so much! I hope that you have a great week as well!
Wonderful video, James. Everything looked amazing and definitely gave me a whole new viewpoint of vegan cuisine
Thank you!
I love the style of your reviews. Lovely pace and tone. Very watchable. Cheers from Ireland.
Thank you so much!
Awesome video! Your videos just keep getting better and better. Love the style and edit.
Thank you so much!
Dear James
What a terrific review. You really bring the whole dining experience to your readers. Thank you and best wishes for a joyous and fun Thanksgiving, Rich
Thank you so much Rich! I hope that you have a great Thanksgiving as well!
That looks amazing... I must say I love your page. You can go from a small burger joint to something like this. Thanks for the great content!!!!
Thank you so much! I do my best to post a good variety of places.
Wow! What a great experience! Going into the kitchen and meeting the chef sounds like a great touch! Glad you enjoyed your meal!!
@@patriciarogers9592 Thank you! Indeed, it was a very special meal!
james!!! this is the one i've been waiting for 🥰
I hope that you enjoyed it!
James thanks for bringing us with you on this meal. I appreciate your enthusiasm and love for food. I don't want to read too much into your commentary but I too am a person who lives to eat, and not the other away around. I watch your videos in hopes that someday I can also enjoy them. Keep up the good work and don't let anyone get you down.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words.
I'm so happy for you! I've been living vicariously through these videos. And haha, yeah Jersey gets a bunch of hate, but their fruit is pretty awesome.
Thank you! Yeah, I wasn't even aware the state did much in terms of producing fruit.
Another outstanding review James, thanks for bringing us along!
Thank you!
As a former epicurean Manhattanite girl, I did try EMP back in the day when they served meat. It was the BEST food I've ever had bar none. I also tried Thomas Keller, Per Se, and the best meal was the vegetarian tasting menu so I can't wait to try EMP! Thank for for the review! ❤
Hey James big fan have watched all your videos for a while now, I was curious do you plan on doing a review of any of the 3 michelin star sushi / omakase restaurants sometime in the future, there are quite a few in New York, Sushi Sho and Yoshino being 2 examples of these.
I would like to do more sushi/omakase restaurants, but they can be extremely expensive, very difficult to film, and they don't get the best views, which is why I've been holding off on making them. I do plan to visit one sushi place in the near future however.
Great video James. I've known about EMP forever, I used to work in the 41 Madison building next door in the late 90's and early 2000's. I had no idea it went vegan, that was a surprise to me.
@jpbanksnj Thank you! Yeah, I think the menu change surprised a lot of people, including me.
Hi James,
Thank you for the great peek at 11 Madison Park. I was a bit taken aback by the no meat idea but this place is just incredible. Three Michelin stars is such treasured territory and I have never been in such an establishment. James, you have inspired me to try and elevate my gastronomic experience.
As usual a wonderful review!
Best Wishes,
Peter
Thank you so much Peter! Yeah, the lack of meat was different for me too, but it was still an all-around amazing experience!
That brioche would cause me to die of embarassment if I started leaving crumbs everywhere. It's like they are serving it to troll people. 😂
Haha! Maybe!
What an amazing experience. Everything looked great! Thank you
Thanks for watching!
My husband and I dined at EMP in February of this year. It was fantastic! The service was Devine. We'll be going back. I'm the vegetarian in the family but my husband was equally enthusiastic about his meal. Loved it -- a top three experience for us. Thanks for your review.
Thanks for watching! I'm glad that you enjoyed the restaurant as well!
The restaurant and food look amazing, there are a lot of dining channels on UA-cam but I definitely think yours is becoming my favorite, your presentation is excellent, leaving the ficus on the dishes and the restaurants rather than yourself, having said that your presentation is excellent, love seeing New, York, I was trying to work out who you remind me of, it's Brad Pitt no less! Regards from Liverpool England (I always assumed there, was only one Liverpool in the world but I recently discovered there's actually a Liverpool I think it's New, York
Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it! I didn't know there was another Liverpool either.
Great Vlog James! I am a meat lover but, some of those dishes blew me away. Especially the Bok choy with wild mushooms and truffles.
Thank you so much!
I enjoy a nice meal and an elegant restaurant setting but $365 for vegetables and a hot towel is highway robbery 😭 However, I'm glad you were finally able to cross off one of your bucket list items
Yeah, it was expensive for sure. That was pretty much the only negative of the experience.
James your so kind, love to watch your vids, subsciber from the begin. Great to see it grow. Greetings from the Netherlands !
@@jeroensmith2143 Thank you! I appreciate the support!
When you told me the price and said it was v, and I almost stopped watching. But then I kinda trust you, man, and I feel like you don't mess around when it comes to good food, so I watched the entire video and I gotta say that place is super impressive and they're doing some really good work in there, and that looked like an incredible meal. I always say you gotta stay open and remain teachable in this life and thanks for keeping me true to my words. money is replaceable memories are forever. Awesome content once again thank you
@erikcharlat9844 Thank you so much! Yeah, the price was shocking to me too, but at the end of the day, it was a very special experience.
@@JamesnuDid you stop off for a chili dog on your way home?
The fact that they could make vegetables look and taste delicious is a fact I can’t get over. Wish I could experience this.
I hope that you get the chance to sometime.
Once again you have provided your viewers with a culinary journey. While I do not have your interest nor passion to personally experience such a venue, I truly appreciate your indepth & sincere review of a wonderful dining experience fellow New Yorkers should never dismiss. Excellent review; thank you for sharing! Especially, since I very much doubt that I wish to spend the cash for this experience. HOWEVER, you did!!!! And, thank you for doing so to share with us!
Thank you for watching! I really appreciate it!
Well James another excellent review at one of the great restaurants of the world. I have been there about 5 times before the conversion , and also Tabla , his Indian place next door that closed many years ago. You look rested and ready for next year. Love the upscale elegant barrel cuff shirt and mannerly elegence that you displayed in this review as well.
Thank you so much! I may have looked at ease at the restaurant, but it's a stressful time of the year. Still, I'm excited for the times ahead!
This was the best review of the all vegan version of EMP I've seen. I feel like the seasonality plays a big part in the heft of the meal. Maybe some other reviews I've seen have been in the spring where they felt a lack of substance.
@Arthur-nr5ci Thanks for watching! At first, I kind of wanted to go for the summer menu, but after having the fall version, I have no regrets.
Bucket list lunch that cost a bucket load of money. Probably well worth it. I just glad you didn’t get injured from all that Brioche shrapnel.
Haha! Yeah, that bread was pretty crazy!
Herd dat on the dangerous schrapnel
😂
James! Long time watcher, first time commenter...you are KILLING it right now! Such great picks of the restaurants lately + awesome reviews, thank you for your awesome content! If you ever come to Toronto, hit me up for recommendations!
Thank you so much! I appreciate the support!
Congratulations, in advance, on hitting 50,000 subscribers. I'm moving to NYC, in 4 years, when I retire. I'm predicting you will be at a half million subscribers by then. I just put a note on my calendar for 12/31/2028.
Thank you so much! That would be nice!
Wow! Amazing restaurant. I enjoy you wonderful videos you do a great job of reporting.
Thank you so much!
Another great review James. My only suggestion is that you try a few more drinks at these type of places. It would be nice to know how their cocktails are.
I know what you mean. I would definitely like to, but I was already spending so much on the food. Hopefully in the future I'll be able to spend a bit more.
I love your shows, it's like being there. 🎉
Thank you!
Nice report, but I must say ‘Chacun a son gout’. Atmosphere of a European train station. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you!
looked amazing but i want meat; i wouldnt go there but glad that u did and filmed it for us fans
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for letting me live vicariously thru your excellent eating experiences🎉🎉
Thank you so much for watching!
A fascinating look at EMP. I had the opportunity to eat there a few times when it was owned by Danny Meyers, which was great but seems they’ve leveled up quite a bit since. Nice work James!
Nice! Thanks for watching!
Not only was that meal worth the high cost but i'm guessing your sublime haircut was equally expensive. Thanks for this superb review, James. For now, i'll stay with the veggie burger offering across the street at Shake Shack. Where else can one enjoy a tasty burger but in glorious Madison Square Park, named after the original Madison Square Garden which was situated where the NY Life Building stands at 51 Madison Ave. Keep up your labor of love.
Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words. Although my haircut, unlike my lunch, was pretty affordable.
One of my dream restaurants. Great video, man! Can’t wait to dine here.
Thank you!
my god this squash looked spectacular
also I am really happy for you James that you finally could eat in EMP
Thank you! Yeah, the squash is a dish that I'll never forget.
Brioche shrapnel and I'm here for it. Great overview of this lovely place.
@@lesliewisdom5437 Thank you!
The presentation on that mushroom dish (and the squash dish) was amazing! I have seen other videos of EMP and yours had the best views of the dishes themselves.
Thank you! I think that going for lunch was a good move since the large windows brought in a lot of light, which made the food look much better.
Great review, and thank you for sharing about the hospitality.
Thank you!
Went there 4 times when they had meat and it was worth every penny.
Now that it's vegan I can't justify the high price.
Downhill once Will Guerda left in 2019
Agreed. The vegan dishes look good and it's very impressive they achieve this level with such a restriction but there are well over 50 starred restaurants I'd sooner visit at this price point.
And nobody should take the World's 50 Best list too seriously.
@Bragglord ya. Taken with a grain of salt.
@@adamrasmussen7379 a bucket of salt. There are entries on that top 50 list every year that aren't top 50 in their own country, never mind the world. It's an elite dining fad list.
Great video (as always) ! Would love to see you review more plant-based restaurants ❤
Thank you! I'm open to it.
James! We went there 12 years ago, 2012 when they still served meat and fish and it was spectacular!! So great seeing your video. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Nice! Thanks for watching!
Awesome review James, a beautiful decor, excellent service and a vegan experience you won’t forget! Have to say $504.00 for lunch is insane, lol. Thank you!💕👍
Yeah, it was pretty costly, but it was worth it to me. Thanks for watching!
I was debating whether or not I should go there, but after watching the video, count me in. You admit to being a meat and fish lover and you still loved it. You’re a true foodie!
I’m surprised at all the “no meat” comments. I’m by no means a vegan or vegetarian but I probably eat 5-6 vegetarian/vegan meals per week (with IF, I skip breakfast and eat a total of 14 meals a week)
Just because a dish doesn’t contain meat doesn’t mean it’s not good or delicious. Hello, ice cream is vegetarian, and French fries are vegan and those are some of the best things to eat on earth! LOL
As for the price, it’s a fine dining restaurant so you’re paying for the food, service, and ambiance. I’m a trained chef and I know that, to make that food, it takes a LOT of care and effort! And you have to use the best quality ingredients.
Excellent point and well said! I agree!
I went there with my wife last year. Great experience that is definitely worth it at least once. Not all dishes were successful, but it was awesome overall. It is memorable.
Wow, glad you enjoyed the meal yet $500 is pricey 😮 for plain folks like me.
Thank you! Yeah, it was pricey for me too. I'll definitely have to cut back on spending in the upcoming weeks.
Looks delicious... but... did you have to eat at McDonald's afterwards?
Wow! What a wonderful video of this amazing establishment! One day I’ll get up there!
Thank you so much!
Wow---glad you had that experience, James! That episode of "The Bear" was awesome. I didn't know what inspired it (thanks for the information).
Thanks for watching!
Looked amazing....but I know deep down you wanted a beautiful steak 🥩 lol😂
Haha!
Another great video. I also like that it is very clear that fine dining and restaurants are a passion of yours, nevertheless, you also look after the money. I hope i don’t overstep if i might give you a little hint: After you finish a course, you usually put the cutlery like her at 11:30. According to the table etiquette, after you finish and you liked the meal the cutlery should be next to each other. Anyway, do your thing and keep going, you’re close to 50k, I remember when i found your channel you were at less than 10k. If you one day in Germany i might be able to give you some hints. ❤
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support!
I sat through an absolutely interminable meal there once! It must have dragged on for 4 hours. I was so exhausted by the time it was over, I don’t even remember the food. The staff were very nice, but they droned on endlessly about how the food was sourced and prepared. It was a horrible “experience” that I hope never to go through again. A client took me and it was thousands of dollars (with the wine and booze) and he looked like a pig in s--t. But by the time we were done I was desperate to escape
That's a shame. I did hear about that time period when servers really went on and on about the food. Thankfully, it's not like that today.
@ don’t worry, your shows are great
Again, thanks for your reviews. They ate really good
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Such a joy ! Your Video is so great 👍 Your descriptions are so detailed and entertaining. also your recordings. It's a lot of fun to watch you eat. But I'm surprised that the prices for NY and a 3 star restaurant are not higher than here in Germany for a 3 star….
Thank you!
Another "crime scene” on the dining table. 😂Also, another great video, James. This one is exceedingly beautiful. Thanks for sharing your incredible experience with us. When in NYC, I’m definitely going to try this famed restaurant. Btw…I too enjoyed Will Guidara’s book, Unreasonable Hospitality. Fantastic read! All the best to you!
Thank you so much! I hope that you enjoy the restaurant as well!
Im going the day after thanksgiving! So excited!!
@@isaacbravo3436 Nice! I hope that you enjoy it!
The price tag for a vegan option is ridiculous at that rate! At least include a non alcoholic beverage option
James, that was really cool thank you! I vicariously enjoyed that dining experience, while having my Pepperidge Farm Goldfish and a Powerade! My pretend faves would have been the mushroom course and the squash! Cheers!! 😎
Haha! Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it!
That brioche looked amazing! Amazing for something made without butter.
I do respect the shift to doing plant based food. As a vegetarian myself, it often feels like it's much harder for us to get access to fine dining.
Thanks again for the review. I think the menu is out of my price range but it certainly looked like a fantastic tasting menu.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, that bread blew me away. I couldn't believe it was vegan.
Been waiting for this video!
It was a long time coming!
That looked BEAUTIFUL-I'm no vegan but this really made me hungry!
@anovosedlik Yeah, I thought that the presentation of the dishes was incredible!
Thank you James. What a wonderful experience you gave us. I wouldn't be interested in paying that price for a vegan tasting, but seeing it and feeling your reactions made it nonetheless exciting.
That's fair enough. Thank you for watching!
I'm sure the flavors were great but I'm also certain you left there hungry and went to Shake Shack afterwards
Well done, James. Beautiful set ups and editing too.
Thank you!
Really enjoy watching your videos James. Thanks for doing them! It must be a hard life 😂
Haha! Thank you!
The presentation was beautiful. ✨
Thanks for watching!
Brioche debris and brioche shrapnel are my favorite new phrases.
@@paulaelizabethg Haha!
As always, great video!! I’m tempted to try here next time I take a day trip to the city! (I’m from the southern tier)
Thank you so much!
@ of course !!
Fortunate to eat at EMP twice prior to the switch to a plant based menu. First time was back during the recession and they were offering an unbelievable 3 course lunch for $42 which I took my future wife to when we were dating. Looking back that was maybe the greatest deal in the history of restaurants and so happy we went then! The switch to the plant based menu was a bold move and I think an important one in the super high end, fine dining space. I think it will actually add to their reach and influence in fine dining when all is said and done.
Nice! Yeah, I heard about the time when they offered that set menu. It was such a great deal!
Looks really good and I applaud going vegan, but for me it's unconscionable at $365 without tax or service, and for that number of courses...give me Per Se or Le Bernardin (amongst others) over this. You can even go to Arpege in Paris and get the 'gardener's lunch' (vegetarian 10-12 courses) for €185.
Very happy that you seemed to enjoy it so much. The fact that they have a member of the team at EMP with the title 'Dreamweaver' shows how seriously they take the experience.
Great comment and points! Yeah, there are definitely other three starred restaurants that provide far better value. Still, I really enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
James, I enjoyed the video. Here is the real question, which was better, Alinea or EMP?
@@roblipka8121 Thank you! I would say Alinea because they do offer meat and hence provide greater variety. Still, EMP was incredible!
Best restaurant in the world award in 2017... when it wasn't plant-based. :X
Great video though! Loved how there was absolute no use of imitation meat products. Simply allowing vegetables, fruits--plants for that matter, to shine through in their natural state. Would love to experience this for myself if I had some extra discretionary money!
Thanks for watching!
Leak salad - No.
Brioche bread - Yes.
Tom Burri - looks interesting.
Tofu - meh.
Mushroom - Yes.
Bok Choi - Meh.
Red Curry squash - Yes.
All the desserts - Big YES
All in all, I'd much prefer a big Tomahawk Ribeye & potatoes for half the price. I need meat.
Fair enough. It's not what my ideal meal would be either, but it was still great food nevertheless.
I agree with you, that's just ridiculous to pay that much!!!
Glad you loved it James. I'm too much of a meathead to truly appreciate the thought and creativity that goes into an all plant based menu. I've said in the comments before I'm old and very set in my ways. One of my best friends married a vegan who is also as close to a world class chef that I've ever met and dined with. As creative and outside the box she can put can put gorgeous dish and gorgeous dish on the table, I'm not wise enough to appreciate it. I admire her as a person and for her kitchen ability. All that said, as awesome as your meal looked today, it's just not something I'd get too excited about. I'm happy for you and that the bucket list is getting the attention. I loved the review and enthusiasm you exude as always. I'm still just a meathead my friend. LOL As always appreciate the great and well thought out content. Cheers. Come on 50K subs,this channel should be at 500K IMO. You're the most real and genuine foodie that can get to the level of making guys like me appreciate the heck out of your presentations every single Monday. I look forward to them more than anything I watch on YT. Thank you
Thank you so much! The support really means a lot to me! Yeah, I do really wish that I had the opportunity to try the restaurant when they still served meat, but at the end of the day, I was satisfied.