Museum Meals

The recent heat wave has chased me into air-conditioned movie theatres and museums. But I must shamefully admit that upon entering a museum, one of my first acts is to scope out the dining options. An empty stomach inhibits my appreciation of fine art!

However, I generally like to eat a lighter meal before strolling through an exhibition, rather than indulging in a multi-course feast. Last week, I decided to compare light meals at MOMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although I cannot offer you an informed comparison of the exhibitions, I must say that MOMA came out the culinary winner.

At the Met cafeteria, I sat down to a forlorn strip of dried-out salmon with a side of inedible pineapple salsa, tasteless asparagus and potatoes. (In the Met's defense, there was a nice smoothie bar.) But the Bar at MOMA was a more artistic experience on all levels! A hearty artichoke cream soup with Maine lobster, wild mushroom-chorizo wontons, and seared tuna provided my friends and I with much satisfaction. The only problem with such good food at a museum restaurant is that it is difficult to pull yourself away from the table!