1568 replies to this topic

[Lex]

It strikes me that eating that New York themed meal multiple times would be like going to see The Lion King every couple of months.

[ulterior epicure]

The folks at Eleven Madison Park ain't stupid, guys. They saw the writing on the wall. Kate Krader (an editor at Food & Wine), who had dinner there last night, reported on Twitter that the narrative-styled service (at least at her table) has been quieted: https://twitter.com/...646072300367872

[Rich]

It strikes me that eating that New York themed meal multiple times would be like going to see The Lion King every couple of months.

More like listening to The Lion Sleeps Tonight every hour.

[oakapple]

As a New Yorker,you know what my whole problem is with this 'concept'?...in one word? It's CORNY. There's an expression that hasn't been used for awhile,but given the influx of 7-11[on the Bowery!!!],Guy Fieri,and the Chew....I guess that's it-we've fully entered the Corny years...

I've assumed the idea is that they would introduce a new theme periodically, the way Next restaurant is doing in Chicago. The only thing is, Next's first concept was "Escoffier 1900," and EMP's was "New York City," which sounded off-key even before they served their first meal and added a superfluous narration. As they say on twitter: #FAIL

But in a month or so, I assume they'll introduce Concept #2, which I have to think won't be so tone-deaf. I saw a tweet that implied that the narration cards have already been 86'd after the Wells review dropped.

[Lex]

But in a month or so, I assume they'll introduce Concept #2, which I have to think won't be so tone-deaf.

The Golden Age of Hollywood – dine like Bogey and Bacall!

Cuisine of the Old West - Cowboy steaks, Tex-Mex, Native American delicacies

Arabian Nights – the Sultan’s Feast

Ninja Adventure (Oops. That one is already taken.)

[Orik]

The commitment to an nyc haute theme predates the latest changes by many months (more than a year?) and I don't think it was ever meant to be a seasonal thing.

[Suzanne F]

Marc, that Wells piece was not a review. It is listed as Critics Notebook. Not at all the same as a review.

Anyway: I was wondering if the food got cold while they went through all the explanations.If it did, that could be one other reason it was dropped.

[Rich]

Anyway: I was wondering if the food got cold while they went through all the explanations.

Almost. The hot food was cold and the cold food was warm. Actually the Egg Cream lost it's charm and froth at the same time - not easy for an Egg Cream.

[oakapple]

Marc, that Wells piece was not a review. It is listed as Critics Notebook. Not at all the same as a review.

You're kidding. No way. I never would have guessed. Thanks for clearing that up.

[Stone]

I would think that if a MF regular ate at EMP and received one of these erudite food descriptions, a debate would ensue that would spread to the entire restaurant resulting fisticuffs and bloodletting.

[mitchells]

Imagine how fucked up the menu descriptions would be if Mitt Romney was a waiter.

[Sneakeater]

But in a month or so, I assume they'll introduce Concept #2, which I have to think won't be so tone-deaf.

The Golden Age of Hollywood – dine like Bogey and Bacall!

Cuisine of the Old West - Cowboy steaks, Tex-Mex, Native American delicacies

Arabian Nights – the Sultan’s Feast

Ninja Adventure (Oops. That one is already taken.)

The Donner Party

[Lex]

The Donner Party

That brings new meaning to the phrase "finger food."

I'm with Wingding on this one. The whole thing strikes me as kitschy in an upscale Cirque du Soleil kind of way.

[Suzanne F]

I think I have a solution:

Before you are allowed to make a reservation, you must take an exam on NY food history. If you pass, you have your meal in peace and quiet. If you flunk, not only are you subjected to the lessons, but they add a "school tax" to your bill to pay for all the training the servers had to go through.

Walk-ins get a pop quiz before seating.

[Wilfrid]

Can a diner participate? When I used to get Mormons at the door, wanting to tell me about their beliefs, I always tried to get mentions of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young in first.