Todd Gray's Muse Menu

Today, my friend Yolanda treated me to a launch, brunch, libations, and a leisurely look at contemporary art all under one roof—the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.   It was the launch of the Sunday market brunch at Todd Gray’s Muse, the famed Washingtonian chef’s latest food experience that’s part of his reinvention of the Corcoran’s cafe.   The atmosphere was perfect—a mix of contemporary art and artistically prepared sustainable and seasonal foods from local farms including the White House garden, right across the street.

Lively with two packed seatings, the launch brunch buffet offered a fresh, healthy mix of salads, egg creations including a Quiche made with market produce from the White House and “other muses.”  Tom’s buttermilk scones made of dried mission figs and caramelized sugar and the baked vegetable frittatas with zucchini, baby spinach and fontina cheese were my favorites on the market-inspired brunch menu.

More than the great mimosas and Bloody Marys, the piano player and singer  (who had a great voice despite the poor atrium acoustics), the friendly, personal, and consciously gracious service by Chef Tom, his family and team made the launch brunch exceptional.    Look, Tom and his wife, Kassoff, are busy people serving the Greater Washington community, running other businesses as well as two top restaurants in D.C.—Equinox and Todd Gray’s Watershed.   But today they showed up and showed out, as the saying goes.  And we enjoyed it.

Todd Gray's Muse @ The Corcoran Gallery

Art fused with food was an inspiring twist to the typical, staid Sunday brunch.  Good eats followed by viewing great art including the “30 Americans”  exhibition and Chris Martin’s big paintings really awakened my muses even if the photos don’t reflect it.

"Light Brahma Stomp" by Chris Martin

 

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