The Modern at MOMA: Part 1

The Museum of Modern Art in Midtown is not only home to one of the best sundaes ever, it is now home to one of the best meals of my life!

My friend Patty and I had an out-of-this-world dining experience months ago, and I kept putting off this post because I wanted to devote the time it truly deserved...and then next thing you know, the year is ending. My apologies to the wonderful staff at The Modern for taking so long to sing their praises. If you love wonderful wine, exquisite food, and stellar service, you MUST go here!

A few months earlier, Patty & I met Belinda Chang, the Wine Director at The Modern, the restaurant connected to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Belinda is such a talent and an incredibly warm person. She was super busy the day we came by, but she still took a moment to come out and welcome us, and she definitely took excellent care of us. Check out her resume on the The Modern's website--she has some impressive credentials in both Chicago and NYC.

And the first thing you must have is this: The Modern Martini. This is coming from someone who doesn't even LIKE martinis. Cilantro-infused gin. Our server told us it steeps for 3 days. Tha bomb (and the inspiration for this cocktail I made at home).

We started with the Alsatian tarte flambée, which had creme fraiche, applewood smoked bacon, and a delicious thin, crisp crust. This was HUGE--more than enough for two people to share. This was one of my favorite dishes of the day.

We also got the mushroom soup. I'm still a little freaked out by mushrooms, but this was out of this world. Creamy, earthy without tasting like dirt (or fungus), and tongue-tingling chorizo ravioli on the side. Please--on a cold day, stop in at The Modern, get a mushroom soup, share the tart. Pair it with whichever wine they recommend--You will thank me.

Patty ordered the foie gras. Me, I am just not a foie gras/pate person. I've tried it several times--the texture, the flavor, and the idea all just do not appeal to me. I tried it again with Patty, taking a small bite, but it's just not for me. Patty thoroughly enjoyed it, and if you're a foie gras fan like she is, you will love the MOMA's take on it.

With each course, Belinda had our server treat us to samplings of some of their featured wines--we started the first course with : Champagne! The Modern is the only house that sells magnum champagne by the glass. The Ayala was my favorite by far--a light, fruity aroma and soft and sippable. I loved this.

I'd never had a Cremant d'Alsace before I met Belinda, but this was my second taste. I love this! Cremant just means a sparkling wine made in a region of France that is NOT Champagne. This was lovely-crisp, dry, perfect.

I actually thought the rosé would be my favorite. I mean come on... A rosé champagne? Oui, s'il vous plait! This was nice, but of the three, it was my least favorite. That sounds mean now that I write it out--it was not bad by any means, I just thought the Ayala outshone them all.

Each sip was better than the last, and Belinda, as you may expect, did an outstanding job of pairing her selections with our menu. And it was only going to get better from here.... as you'll see in part deux!

Disclaimer: While we did receive several complimentary glasses of wine, Patty & I paid for our meal and tipped generously. I was in no way required to review this restaurant, and all opinions in this post are my own.