Lunch at the museum
The great comic novelist Peter de Vries once wrote: "The food in museums is usually on a par with the murals in restaurants."
But things have changed in the last few decades. Even in Fort Lauderdale. Or perhaps especially in Fort Lauderdale.
The folks at the Museum of Art seem to have a vision of downtown and what it could be. If you've driven by on your way to work, you know that they are now serving free coffee in the morning. If you're a South Florida oenophile, you may know that they've been holding wine tastings.
And now they're serving lunch in the cafe-cum-wine bar in the lobby. They seem intent on becoming not just a great cultural institution but a gathering place in a city which is in desperate need of one.
The menu includes two soups - yesterday's were mushroom and brie and roasted red pepper and tomato. There were also a few wraps and paninis - I had the smoked turkey and swiss cheese - plus a spinach salad and an asparagus and leek frittata. Everything was under $10. Marlene Dietrich sang softly in the background (from the CD of one of the young men behind the counter).
I just wish Peter de Vries were still alive so I could invite him to lunch.
Comments
I know what you mean about Museum food. It's awesome over here! The Getty Villa and the Getty Center both have really good cafes. I seem to remember getting salads at both places, and my friend got a cheese and fruit plate. I also remember at the Getty Center they had amazing pretzel bread. PRETZEL BREAD!!!
Posted by: jen | June 3, 2008 1:50 PM
I had the spinach salad with fresh strawberries - DELISH! I loved how they served my water in a lovely wine glass, complete with freshly sliced lemon. It added a bit of sophistication to my otherwise non eventful Monday afternoon.... AND cloth napkins, not the kind that shed. LOVE THAT!
Posted by: cindy | June 3, 2008 9:20 PM
I had the spinach salad with fresh strawberries - DELISH! I loved how they served my water in a lovely wine glass, complete with freshly sliced lemon. It added a bit of sophistication to my otherwise non eventful Monday afternoon.... AND cloth napkins, not the kind that shed. LOVE THAT!
Posted by: cindy | June 3, 2008 9:21 PM
I had the spinach salad with fresh strawberries - DELISH! I loved how they served my water in a lovely wine glass, complete with freshly sliced lemon. It added a bit of sophistication to my otherwise non eventful Monday afternoon.... AND cloth napkins, not the kind that shed. LOVE THAT!
Posted by: cindy | June 3, 2008 9:23 PM