The Restaurant World’s Greatest Bromance in 17 Pictures: EMP’s Daniel Humm and Will Guidara

With the news that the duo behind Eleven Madison Park, decorated chef Daniel Humm and service whiz Will Guidara, are heading for a split, it’s worth looking back at how the pair told the world that their partnership worked. For years, the two were characters in story that played out on Instagram — of a dedicated pair of coworkers and friends who worked hard at making something amazing together. The captions written by one always praised the other, while the photos themselves captured two men who were deep in it, whether the “it” was a pre-service meeting or a night partying.

Here now, a look at how the pair performed their partnership on social media.

Together in the restaurant

How do you prove to the world that neither the chef nor the manager can do their job without the other? You show the two of them together at work, as equals. This is, without a doubt, the signature Guidara-Humm photo style.

The hand-on-heart pose

Another recurring trope — especially, it seems, in “official” photos for media outlets — features Will’s hand on Daniel’s chest. It’s a familial gesture, and telegraphs the message: “this all comes from the heart” and also “I can literally feel your heartbeat.”

At work, having fun

On social media at least, it seemed like the pair loved to be together at the events that shaped their brand: the masquerade parties, the photoshoots on beaches and in yurts, the awards-show prep and wins. These photos helped tell the story of a partners in work, life, and capital-F friendship, which is defined as staring intensely into each others’ eyes whenever a camera materializes. It’s a strong “wife guy” energy.

In conclusion: Good night, sweet princes

It’s highly likely that there will be some conscious-uncoupling-style posts in our feeds soon. Never forget the good times, you two.