The Connections Warren Watchung Edition June July August 2021

theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 38 DINING & PROVISIONS As New York City restau- rants, attractions and institu- tions reopened, I found one of the places I was most look- ing forward to visiting was The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Teeming with mas- terpieces and housing great works of art from just about every culture in the world, The Met is a balm for the soul. It is a truly remarkable place at any time, but now even more so as it is hosting a fantastic exhibition of the American artist Alice Neel (1900–1984). Alice Neel: People Come First is the rst major retro- spective in New York of Alice Neel in twenty years. In close to 100 paintings, drawings and watercolors, The Met highlights Neel’s humanist point of view and the intense eye she brought to people in all walks of life. From victims of the Great Depression to the melting pot of post-war New York City, Alice Neel captured remarkable slices of life, up close and personal. “For me, people come rst,” she declared in 1950. “I have tried to assert the dignity and eternal importance of the hu- man being.” Alice Neel was a champion of social justice in her art and her life; this ex- hibition of her work is a par- ticularly timely one. The Museum has reduced hours and is currently open Thursday to Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Advance tickets and reser- vations are required, as are masks and social distancing. Check www.metmuseum.org for the latest updates. Alice Neel: People Come First runs until August 1. Es- cape the summer heat and spend a few special hours at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with Alice Neel. WHERE TO EAT AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART There are many dining choices in the area, especial- ly along Madison Avenue, as well as a number within the Museum itself. At publica- tion, two of The Met’s ve restaurants were open, but check the website for the latest openings and informa- tion. American Wing Café, 1st Floor at the Charles Engel- hard Court – located in the center court of the American Wing, a light- lled atrium overlooking Central Park, daily selection of freshly-pre- pared snacks, sandwiches and irresistible desserts, an inviting spot for a quick cof- fee or break while contem- plating the nearby stained glass. The Eatery, Ground Floor – recently redone, a casu- al culinary marketplace with locally-sourced ingredients, freshly-made sandwiches, salads and seasonal dishes, kid-friendly options, drinks and desserts; it has some- thing for everyone. ALICE NEEL AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART By Linda Seigelman WHERE TO EAT AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART There are many dining choices in the area, especially along Madison Avenue, as well as a number within the Museum itself. Alice Neel: People Come First runs until August 1. Escape the summer heat and spend a few special hours at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with Alice Neel. O PEN 7 D AYS A W EEK L UNCH & D INNER R ESERVATIONS A CCEPTED W ALK -I NS A LWAYS W ELCOME Private Room for Parties (20-80 people) 1979 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville 732-563-1717 • www.martinsvilletavern.com LOBSTERFEST MONDAY Three-Course Dinner $33 per person Choice of Soup or Salad Twin Lobster Tails Choice of Lemon or Mango Sorbet PRIME RIB SUNDAY Starting at 2:00 pm $34.95 (Boneless 1 lb. - 16 oz) Your Neighborhood Tavern featuring a Euro Pub Menu & Best Tasting Burger Jersey Choice Awards. Dinner & Wine Tasting June 16th Five-Course Dinner with 5 Wines $89.00 Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday from 3-7 pm weather permitting Tiki Bar now open! LIVE MUSIC!! Outdoor Dining