Luxury Dining in Focus A Curated Taste of New York & Texas

In the world of refined living, gastronomy is one of the most powerful expressions of luxury. Every week, Luxe Varie Magazine will take our readers on a curated journey through exclusive dining experiences in two vibrant culinary capitals: New York and Texas.

From the Michelin-starred elegance of Manhattan’s most iconic kitchens to the bold sophistication of Houston and Austin’s elite culinary scene, our reviews will highlight more than just the menu.

We uncover the vision behind each establishment, the chef’s personal philosophy, and the sensory details that make a dining experience unforgettable.

Expect intimate portraits of restaurants where ambiance, service, and innovation meet — whether it’s a rooftop overlooking Central Park or a hidden gem serving Wagyu in the heart of Dallas.

Because true luxury dining is not about following trends — it’s about savoring excellence.

New York Spotlight: Eleven Madison Park – Where Plant-Based Meets Prestige

Tucked in the heart of Manhattan, Eleven Madison Park has redefined the fine dining experience by embracing a fully plant-based menu — without compromising elegance or innovation. With three Michelin stars and a minimalist art-deco setting, the restaurant offers a tasting menu that is as thought-provoking as it is exquisite.

Chef Daniel Humm’s vision elevates vegetables to a poetic experience. Each course feels like an artistic narrative — from a roasted beet stained with elderberry to a delicate sunflower butter spread over warm flatbread. Service is flawless, intuitive, and discreet, creating a sense of intimacy amidst luxury.

Eleven Madison Park is not just a restaurant — it is a philosophy of conscious indulgence, where luxury and sustainability coexist with extraordinary grace.

Exclusive Insight with Chef Daniel Humm – Eleven Madison Park, NYC

Luxe Varie: What inspired you to take Eleven Madison Park fully plant-based?

Chef Humm: Luxury today is about intention. I wanted to create something deeply meaningful — a cuisine that respects the planet while still evoking wonder. We are challenging what fine dining can be without relying on animal products. It's not a limitation — it's an evolution.

Luxe Varie: How do you define luxury in your kitchen?

Chef Humm: Precision. Purity. And emotion. Every plate must tell a story, one that moves you beyond the taste — into memory, reflection, and beauty.

Texas Spotlight March – Mediterranean Luxury in the Heart of Houston

In a sleek, hidden space inside Houston’s Montrose District, MARCH offers a dining journey that fuses Mediterranean heritage with Texan sophistication. Known for its seasonal tasting menus inspired by regions like Andalusia, Sicily, and Lebanon, MARCH is both timeless and daring.

Executive Chef Felipe Riccio curates an elegant experience through precise flavor profiles, rare wine pairings, and warm yet impeccable service. The interiors, bathed in stone and soft lighting, reflect quiet opulence — a perfect canvas for the culinary masterpieces presented in each course.

At MARCH, dining becomes cultural storytelling, layered with detail, soul, and refined beauty. It’s a celebration of history, terroir, and imagination — the very definition of modern luxury.

A Moment with Chef Felipe Riccio – MARCH, Houston

Luxe Varie: Your tasting menus explore various Mediterranean regions. What’s the vision behind that?

Chef Riccio: I see food as a cultural map. Each menu allows us to travel — to learn, to honor, and reinterpret traditions with a modern voice. The Mediterranean is vast and layered, and so is our cuisine.

Luxe Varie: In your view, what makes a dining experience truly luxurious?

Chef Riccio: When everything is intentional, yet nothing feels forced. The lighting, the pacing, the warmth of the staff — luxury is when the guest feels cared for, completely and quietly.

Luxury is not defined by excess — it is defined by experience. Through every plate, every aroma, and every detail, these chefs remind us that gastronomy is an art form, a reflection of values, and an invitation to slow down and savor the moment.

At Luxe Varie, we believe that fine dining is not just about what’s on the table — it’s about who we become at that table.

Join us every week as we continue discovering the places where elegance meets passion, and where food becomes memory.

Until the next course.