Photo credit Stuart DeSpain
In many ways, it’s hard to believe we’ve only been gone three days. So much has happened, all of it fun, that it seems so much longer. It’s even more incomprehensible that we have over a month to go. I’m thinking I can get used to this (but not, to be clear, without the dogs).
Today was museum day. MOMA has been a destination for us both as timing on previous visits did not work out. This time, however, we had tickets in hand and we were set to see the Tim Burton exhibit (on the last day -- lucky us).Â
But, first, breakfast. I had read about Michael’s on various sites. Ostensibly this was a hangout for celebrities and moguls. While it was priced as if that were true sadly no sightings. Michael’s was perfectly nice, and the service was excellent, but the atmosphere was staid and the menu was too spendy for what it offered. Twenty bucks for two scrambled eggs? Really? Well, it was around the corner from MOMA in a neighborhood with few restaurants -- so it worked out. Plus we sat next to some fashion movers and shakers (from Brooks Brothers I would guess).
MOMA was great but overwhelmingly crowded with people from all over the world (mysteriously, though, mostly French). We’d thought that, perhaps, it was a free day. But, no, just a record crowd. Perhaps it was the Burton that drew them in. I’ll never know.
The Burton show was, honestly, very cool. It put the man in a perspective that would otherwise be eclipsed by his mainstream success. The show covered his history, from an ambitious and talented high school kid to an animator at Disney. His influences -- from Seuss to Gorey to Lewis Carroll -- were in full display. He even included private paintings -- which were surprisingly good. In the end, I’ve rethought my view of Burton. He’s clearly a talented artist with a whimsically macabre vision -- and I respect that. Even when he’s failed I can see the art that drove the project. It was nice to reconnect with someone I once admired. I think I see him more as a person, now, and that’s the mark of a good exhibition (or talented PR agent).
The permanent collection was also very enjoyable, if not overwhelming (especially with the aforementioned crowds). We saw De Chirico, Ernst, Klien, Tangay, and so many favorites. After three hours, though, it was time to take a break. After a brief visit to the museum store (me, a watch; Tina, nada).
We cabbed it to the upper east side for a few slices of Two Boots pizza. Google maps had led me to believe there was one in 30 Rock, but Google maps lied. Serves me for using that instead of Bing. Don’t be evil my ass. Good thing there was a Two Boots by the Guggenheim. I’ve not reviewed them but, trust me, the pizza there is tops.
The Guggenheim is a destination for me no matter what. As Tina noted, it’s one of the few museums you’d want to visit even if it were empty. I’m a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, which makes the Guggenheim something of a religious experience. There was a special exhibit built around Paris and the Avant-Garde. We even saw a Picasso of the restaurant we’d be dining at on our first night in Paris. That’s cool!
The Guggenheim was also showcasing modern photography. It was hit-and-miss, but one artist really stood out. Christian Boltanski’s Le Lycee Chases was a moving multimedia piece combining photography, lighting, and sculptural elements. Cindy Sherman was also part of the show, which was a nice surprise.
After a quick visit to the museum shop (me, dada; Tina, cool necklace) we head back to the hotel to rest our weary feet. After an hour refresher, we’re off to BLT Steak. It was another five-star experience and a restaurant that we would highly recommend (even if it’s a boutique chain). As you know well, by now, my restaurant review has all the gory details.
What never ceases to amaze, however, is how indifferent diners can be. To our left and right were parties that just didn’t seem to notice how freakin’ awesome the food was. I wonder if they could just as easily went down the street to Applebee’s for all the difference it made. Suffice to say we cared -- and the staff seemed to recognize that. Whether real or imagined, there does seem to be an unspoken camaraderie between foodies and restaurant staff. Or, at least, it’s nice to think so.
To close the night off, please enjoy a small sampling of today’s snapshots: