Our holiday treat — lunch at The Modern. After a sardine ride in on Metro North and running late by 10 minutes, we dashed to the MoMA for a 12:00 reservation not wanting to lose our spot. We were pleased to know they did not give away our table. We were escorted to a leather horseshoe booth — frosted glass at our back over looking the garden. 
We ordered drinks and shortly after, a welcome appetizer — petite eggless butternut souffle with seared sage and a caramelized lentil tweel resting in a pomegranate reduction. 
Next up — first course king crab in a fish froth reduction with squid ink. 
Second course — warm grilled shrimp with artichoke hearts, roasted pine nuts in a light lemon vinaigrette + edible flowers. 
Third course — veal medallions resting on a bed of spinach, with warm mini-potato pancake and a side of kumquat chutney.
Dessert — milk chocolate and hazelnut dacquoise, raspberries, raspberry sorbet and a caramel strip. 
With the check — The Modern’s version of road chocolates.
One of the best dining engagements ever. Every course — delectable and flavorful. The service was superior — friendly, timely and smart. Available but not invasive, making the overall experience a work of art.
Images: ©Karl Heine 2010
