(Written before COVID-19 quarantine) I knew I wanted to sample the fare at the historic Morgan Library and Museum when I read that chef Tom Colicchio was now overseeing its dining room in the restored mid-19th century brownstone. That space used to be the Morgan family’s actual dining room.
I met some relatives for their weekend brunch menu. I started with the Cosmé McMoon, named after a Mexican-American Composer and Pianist. Liked the slightly spicy and smoky flavor of the tequila, mezcal, Cocchi Americano (an aperitif based on Moscato di Asti wine), grenadine and habeñero bitters ($15). I’d go back for that.
Our waiter came by with a tray filled with a baguette, sourdough rolls and a whole wheat raisin bun; I had one of each, lovin’ the latter best served with room temperature butter.
I began with a huge portion of their Pierpont salad ($11). That is a refreshing combo of fresh arugula, with pinenuts, grated Parmesan cheese in a lemony vinaigrette. One had the celeriac soup ($15), a creamy concoction with crème fraîche, Parmesan and black truffles garnished with a cheese crisp.
Entrees included their only omelet, a tarragon flavored lobster ($25) one with chanterelles. One dining mate said the filling tasted similar to unseasoned chicken soup veggies. Yup, that un-interesting with minuscule amounts of lobster. That and the eggs themselves were dry and overcooked. The best was the ricotta gnocchi ($25) with Honeynut squash in a sage brown butter sauce.
Dessert was described as molten chocolate cake with bourbon-brown sugar ice cream ($11). Not! It consisted of a non-molten simple chocolate cupcake with a side of ice cream.
Bottom line: An elegant setting in a quiet beautiful dining room with attentive service with mediocre food. Nice place to dine when you want to spend a couple of hours and don’t care about the food. (Sorry, Tom! I usually enjoy the food at your places!)
The Morgan Library
Murray Hill
225 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10016
themorgan.org
212-683-2130
Bonnie, Maybe Tom C will read your comments. I’m sure he wants better. It’s such an historic building with amazing exhibits and visiting shows. It is (will be) lovely to have an excellent dining destination, too. Jane
It is a lovely dining destination!
SO Elegant.
This is one place I believe will open again!
At least fingers crossed it will