FABULOUS FRICK!
Frick, The Man & The Mansion
Many visitors to Manhattan are familiar with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, better known as MoMA, and also the Whitney Museum of American Art. But not everyone knows the Frick Collection. It took us longer to discover this stately mansion and its art, but once we did, we became fans.
Henry Clay Frick was a 19th century financier and industrialist involved in the early years of the steel industry in Pennsylvania. Andrew Carnegie was an occasional business partner, and he and Andrew Mellon became close friends. Frick was also a serious art collector. When in 1913, his business interests extended to New York, he built the lovely mansion at East 70th Street. Today, the Frick is considered one of the finest collections of European art in the United States.
New Renovated Frick
Closed for almost five years for a major renovation and expansion, the Frick re-opened last month. For the first time, the family’s second floor is open to the public. These small rooms are now galleries showcasing more art, and a narrow corridor is lovely with walls and floor clad in pink marble. A majestic green marble staircase was added to the building to provide a smooth flow of visitors from the upper floor down to the new shop and café level, and then on down to the main floor.
On the main level, we re-visited some favorite works. Holbein’s paintings of Sir Thomas More on one side of the fireplace and Thomas Cromwell on the other, plus the looming Fragonard series, The Progress of Love, on the drawing room walls. Lastly, we checked out the beautiful courtyard with its central fountain, the only area in which photos are permitted.
The Frick was very crowded given the pent-up anticipation for its re-opening but is still a gem. We look forward to returning at a quieter time.
ON THE PAGE: COOKING BUSINESS
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
I own several of Ina Garten’s cookbooks. I’ve also recently watched her on Facebook videos preparing chicken or fish. One might think, given her wild success, that Garten’s life was always easy-peasy and comfortable. Not so. Garten held a series of often boring jobs after college. She finally found her calling when she purchased her first Barefoot Countess store in Westhampton, Long Island. Then she opened a second store. Needing yet another challenge some years later, Garten tried her hand at writing a cookbook and later hosted her own TV show.
Garten’s style is bracing, frank, and even effervescent. Her childhood was a difficult one, with parents who were controlling and emotionally abusive. She easily made friends at school, but her self-esteem suffered. Fortunately, she met and married Jeffrey whose calm approach and supportive stance enabled her to take risks and buy the first store. Impulsive and creative, Garten made mistakes along the way, some unwise investments and trusting her staff too much. Throughout it all, she was determined and viewed obstacles as challenges to be overcome.
At times, her statements that she and Jeffrey didn’t have the necessary resources ring hollow against the backdrop of highly placed friends ready to recommend contractors and the ease with which they purchased expensive real estate. Nonetheless, I found this an enjoyable fast-paced account of how to create your own success. Recommended for Garten fans and food lovers! (~JWFarrington)
DINING FIND
Bayon (Upper East Side)
Bayon is a new Cambodian restaurant on E. 64th Street just off 1st Avenue. Ten years ago, the Chief Penguin and I spent a few days in Cambodia in Siem Reap visiting Angkor Wat. We enjoyed the food there, culinarily a cross between Thai and Chinese, but had never eaten in a Cambodian restaurant in the U.S.
We were pleased and delighted with Bayon. The space is attractive with highly polished wood tables and comfortable chairs with saffron-colored seats. The wait staff were welcoming and helpful in their suggestions. We started with some spicy fried fish cakes and cumin lamb dumplings, the latter beautifully presented on a glass snail plate. Both appetizers were delicious.
We then shared the basil rice stir fry with chicken and sampled a traditional rice corn pudding with coconut milk for dessert.
We zipped up the stir fry with some chili sauce, and the Chief Penguin enthusiastically tucked into the pudding. Bayon is now on our list of preferred restaurants, and we hope to return soon.
Note: All unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.). Header photo is of twisted cone sculptures on Park Avenue by Alma Alan.
