ELEVEN MADISON PARK    American/French
                                        Nouveau

Located in a former bank in the MetLife building, this huge space with high ceilings and grand lanterns mixes art deco with warm touches of comfy leather furniture, patterned insets and shrubbery that pull the feel of the park right into the room. Chef Daniel Humm's hospitality is reflected in the professional staff that are efficient and knowledgeable, without being stuffy.

Though the prices are overwhelming, the subtle and intricately flavored dishes are not. Many of the seafood dishes are knockouts from the rich prawn consommé to the supple salmon in fennel sauce; both offer a complexity of flavor that makes for the finest in this style of cuisine. A poached poularde with truffle and rillette accompaniment, and the soft suckling pig confit are exceptional. For a close, fresh blueberries with cornbread ice cream offer an earthy touch. Besides the 36 wines available by the glass, 11 Mad's cocktails also stand out. As part of foodie superstar Danny Meyer's empire, this place is stellar in every aspect from the exquisite food to the retro ambiance.

11 Madison Avenue at 24th Street      212-889-0905