Cur-ATE: Cooking American

Ray's & Stark Bar, in conjunction with Maite Gomez-Rejón of ArtBites and LACMA, is bridging the gap between culinary arts and fine art. Beginning in July, visitors can experience intimate gallery discussions tracing the role of food in a historical and social context through art. Immediately following each tour, executive chef Kris Morningstar will present a three-course meal inspired by the evening's theme.

Explore the growth of American dining habits with Gomez-Rejón as she leads a tour through the museum's American art collection. Leaf through historical cookbooks that show how Native American, African, and European traditions influenced art and food and helped shape the nation. The cultural tour will conclude with a dinner at Ray's and Stark Bar, featuring classic comfort foods indicative of the nation's culinary landscape.  A California wine menu by sommelier Paul Sanguinetti will be available for pairing at additional cost.

BP Grand Entrance  | $90 members; $100 non-members | Price includes tour, dinner, and parking | Reservations required | Reservations: 323 857-6010 or purchase online.

Image: Severin Roesen (Germany, Magdeburg, worked in U. S.), Fruit Still Life in a Landscape, circa 1862-1872, Oil on canvas, Gift by exchange of Jo Ann and Julian Ganz, Jr. and Mary and Will Richeson, Jr.