The Restaurant at the Norton Museum of Art Launches New Menu Inspired by Modern Mexican Cuisine

The Restaurant at the Norton returns to full capacity dining as the eatery looks towards a new exhibition, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection, which will be on display at the Norton Museum of Art from October 23, 2021 to February 6, 2022. In addition, the museum restaurant, operated by Constellation Culinary Group, has appointed Jair Solis Mendoza to executive chef and he has crafted a new menu with a selection of entrées and signature cocktails inspired by fine, modern Mexican cuisine.

Mendoza, an accomplished chef with 20 years of experience, is infusing his global influences into an exciting new menu. Throughout his career, he has held positions in notable kitchens along the East Coast, including Troquet on South in Boston, NIOS at the Muse Hotel in New York City, and Area 31 in Downtown Miami. He also held the position of Lead Chef Brigade at The Breakers in West Palm Beach.

As the museum prepares for the highly anticipated exhibition focused on Mexican Modernism, Chef Solis and the expert team at Constellation Culinary Group have conceptualized an entirely new menu, with a special section inspired by Mexican icon, Frida Kahlo. Highlights include the Chilies y Salmon ($28), a pan-seared salmon filet with Oaxaca cheese-stuffed baby bell peppers, black bean muneta, cilantro crema, and charred scallions; the Oaxacan Mole Chicken Breast ($23), a combination of buttered baby corn, caramelized pearl onions, king trumpet mushrooms, red mole, and Hearts On Fire; the Calabaza Bisque ($8), a mixture of agave, ancho chilies, toasted pepitas, and lime crema; Guacamole ($12), avocado, onion, cilantro, lime, and tajine served with crispy corn tortillas; and Grilled Shrimp Tacos ($17), with guacamole, charred poblano peppers, roasted corn, lime crema and flour tortillas.

The main menu features savory favorites such as the Grilled Chicken Club ($18), a stack of smoked bacon, beefsteak tomato, bibb lettuce, and rosemary aioli on sourdough; the Tuna Niçoise ($25), a mixture of baby gem lettuce, hard boiled egg, fingerling potatoes, french beans, grape tomatoes and niçoise olives served with a mustard vinaigrette; Norton Burger ($19), a sky-high stack topped with Norfolk sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, bibb lettuce, shaved red onion and pickles on a brioche bun. Those craving a satisfying brunch are invited to try The Restaurant’s Quiche ($16), filled with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and chives with an heirloom tomato and basil side salad; or the fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes ($15), including lemon curd, blueberry compote, fresh whipped cream and powdered sugar.

The menu also includes a collection of classic cocktails with a Mexican twist such as the Oaxacan Old Fashioned ($12), featuring mezcal, Cointreau, walnut bitters and a burnt orange garnish. Other notable libations include the Jane Daly ($14), a flavorful combination of organic Meyer lemon vodka, honey lavender iced tea, and fresh lemonade. For those looking for a low ABV cocktail, guests can try the Seasonal Bellini ($12), a mixture of Charles Lafitte sparkling wine and seasonal nectar. In addition to the creative cocktail menu, The Restaurant also offers a carefully selected wine list featuring old world and new world wines offered by the glass and bottle.

As the restaurant opens to full capacity, diners can sit within the 165-seat, indoor and outdoor dining room, and enjoy stunning views of the Pamela and Robert B. Goergen Garden. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden, the natural light and foliage are seamlessly integrated into the space including works in the garden such as Le tournesol (The Sunflower), 1952 by Fernand Léger. The dining room itself also showcases a collection of art, in addition to mid-century modern decor infused with soothing natural elements.

The restaurant also boasts a private dining room that can seat both small groups of 12-15 and large groups up to 50. The room is separated from the main dining room by three large wood panels with two separate entrances.

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, seven days a week, and they stay open late serving dinner on Friday nights for Art After Dark with the last seating at 9pm. Museum admission is not required to dine at The Restaurant. Norton Members receive a 10% discount at the restaurant; sign up for membership and receive a 20% discount on your first visit.

For reservations at The Restaurant at the Norton, call (561) 268-0500 or reserve a table via OpenTable. To book a group tour of The Norton Museum of Art, please email colemank@norton.org. For more information, visit https://www.norton.org. - Photo by The Restaurant at the Norton Museum of Art