Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

After getting a three-star review from The New York Times, Guidara and Daniel felt they were ready for Eleven Madison Park to apply to membership in the exclusive Relais & Chateaux, and association of some of the best restaurants and hotels in the world. However, when they met with Danny Meyer, Danny told the two that he felt they weren’t ready. After thinking it over, though, Guidara went back to Danny and challenged his decision. Danny gave him his blessing to apply. However, after Guidara submitted the application, they found out they had missed the deadline by one week.

Chef Daniel Boulud, who had visited Cornell for the Guest Chefs program when Guidara was a student, told Guidara that he would be willing to write to the association on their behalf and to ask other chefs to do the same. Daniel, accompanied by other chefs from Relais & Chateaux restaurants, dined at EMP and were so impressed that they all wrote to the association saying that EMP should be admitted. It worked—Eleven Madison Park was accepted.

Guidara notes that when these famous chefs came to visit EMP to check out the food, his staff was so excited and happy to witness the chefs’ enjoyment and approval.