**Title:** Chef Daniel Humm Revives Meat at Eleven Madison Park
**Meta Description:** Chef Daniel Humm reintroduces meat to Eleven Madison Park after a four-year vegan period, citing inspiration and evolving culinary needs.
**URL Slug:** chef-daniel-humm-eleven-madison-park-meat
**Headline:** Chef Daniel Humm Brings Meat Back to Eleven Madison Park After Vegan Experiment
In a significant culinary shift, Chef Daniel Humm has decided to reintroduce meat to the menu of Eleven Madison Park (EMP) in Manhattan, a restaurant that embraced veganism for the past four years. This decision comes after a transformative experience during a trip to Greece, where Humm witnessed a goat being slaughtered by a shepherd. He described the moment as deeply moving, emphasizing the respect shown for the animal and the importance of not wasting any part of it.
Humm’s return to meat is not solely based on this epiphany. He expressed concerns about excluding carnivores from the dining experience at EMP, noting that the inspiration for innovative vegan dishes had diminished. Additionally, he highlighted the challenges of accommodating large corporate dinners at a plant-based restaurant. As a result, the restaurant will now offer meat dishes, including its renowned honey-lavender-glazed duck, but only upon request and in smaller portions.
Despite the backlash he anticipated, Humm remains committed to the principles established during the vegan phase of EMP. He acknowledged the mixed reactions to his decision, including a humorous critique from restaurateur Eli Sussman, who suggested that the plant-based menu would continue in a “performative manner” to appease media and vegan patrons.
While some may argue that plant-based cuisine lacks inspiration, Humm’s experience serves as a reminder that a skilled chef can create dishes that appeal to both vegans and meat-eaters alike. A prime example is Kirk Haworth’s Plates in London, which showcases innovative plant-based dishes that even carnivores can appreciate.
In conclusion, Humm’s decision to bring meat back to Eleven Madison Park reflects a broader conversation about culinary inclusivity and the evolving nature of dining experiences. As the restaurant prepares to launch its new menu in October, it will be interesting to see how this change resonates with patrons and the culinary community.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Why did Chef Daniel Humm decide to reintroduce meat at Eleven Madison Park?**
A: Humm was inspired by a transformative experience in Greece and wanted to address the exclusion of carnivores from the dining experience, while also facing challenges in creating innovative vegan dishes.
