We had a leisurely start on Friday morning, then head out for a bite to eat before our museum stops. A friend of Kate's had suggested Cafe Osage at Bowood, so that's where we went. What a wonderful place! Very open and light, with huge windows… We both remarked that it was my mother's kind of place — she'd have loved it — and noted that 90% of the clientele reminded us of her, too! Nana-types!
We had to have a beverage with breakfast/more like brunch, so it might as well be something fun! I chose "Cherub's Cup" (north shore #6 gin, st. germain liqueur, adami prosecco, strawberry simple syrup) and Kate had "Rosey Bee" (barr hill raw honey infused gin, rose liqueur, rose geranium, lemon). We shared a plate of Roasted Cauliflower (pickled grapes, tahini, breadcrumb) because how could we not?? Kate had Poached Eggs with Lox and I had the Artichoke Omelet. It was all so good!!
Kate overheard a woman at the next table giving the waitress what-for about a few things, including that the music was overpowering. Feedback is great and everyone has their opinion, but the music was NOT overpowering and everything was wonderful — and I felt bad for our waitress. When she brought our check, I made it a point to tell her that everything was perfect — the drinks, the food, the service, and the music! She laughed and it was as if I could see the earlier unwarranted criticism falling from her shoulders. It made my day, and I hope it made hers a little better, too.
Anyway, the Bowood Garden/Home/Gift shop that Cafe Osage is a part of was so fun, and there was a special Holiday Shop open in a building across the street, too. So we did a little poking around and shopping.
Then it was off to the main event. Ruth Asawa: Life's Work at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. I think the Pulitzer is one of my favorite places ever. The exhibit is breathtaking and, without apology, I'm going to post a ton of photos because it's all just so fascinating and mesmerizing… each individual piece, each part of each piece, the pieces as they hang together and relate to each other, apart and layered, the spaces, the shadows… It's ethereal and indescribable and… just so beautiful.
Fascinating.
Still fascinating.
And still fascinating.
I just couldn't get enough.
I want to live there.
This lovely children's book, Ruth Asawa: A Sculpting Life, was waiting when we got home and I can't wait to read it to the kiddos!
We caught our breath and walked next door to the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.
Sanford Biggers, Shepherd, 2016; glitter, tar, acrylic, spray paint, assorted textiles, antique quilts
Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled panel, 1980; oilstick, graphite pencil, latex on board
It was a bit early for dinner, but not enough time to go back to the house, so we went to Sophie's Artist Lounge & Cocktail Club, located at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation.
And we had some more delightful drinks! This was a combo of gin, thyme liqueur, basil simple syrup, and cava — it was the thyme & basil components + plus the sparkling wine that I found irresistible! Cheers!!
For dinner, we went to the brand new Grand Tavern by David Burke in the Angad Arts Hotel, and that was another incredible meal! We shared some emotional lobster dumplings, and then Kate had black linguine with clam sauce and I had branzino (with artichoke hummus, black olive, vegetable vinaigrette). Two Nana-types at the neighboring table (a mother & daughter, actually) had couch potatoes and clothesline bacon, and offered a piece of the bacon to us (they were big pieces and super-thick). The bacon is actually served on a little "clothesline," held with clothespins, and caramelized with a little torch right at the table. Yeah. It was crazy (and good — it can be crazy if it's good)!! Oh, and we had some flame action at our table with an old-school baked alaska for dessert.
Then it was across the street to the Fabulous Fox and the Hip Hop Nutcracker… and you know the rest of that story!
