NEW YORK: A GOURMET CULTURAL TREAT (c) By Polly Guerin

There’s a plethora of treats that only Big Apple venues can create to satisfy the cultural palate of discriminating New Yorkers. From the journals of celebrated historical figures to making connections with museum insiders and indulging La Dolce Vita, the gourmet treats are only in New York, my Friends, Only in New York. Here’s the scoop!!!
THE DIARY: THREE CENTURIES OF PRIVATE LIVES
Documents the practice of diary keeping by writers, artists and other celebrated figures who turned to private journals to document their days, sort out creative problems, help them through crises and to comfort them in solitude or pain. Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855) relied on her diary to escape stifling work as a schoolteacher; John Steinbeck (1902-1968) struggled to compose The Grapes of Wrath; Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) confided his loneliness and self doubt and Bob Dylan (b. 1941) sketched his way through a concert tour. Other great works on display allow us to observe the birth of such great works of art on view at The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave. at 36th St. www.themorgan.org.
CONNECTIONS SERIES OF ONLINE EPISODES
Get connected at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new online interactive feature that highlights the perspective and insights of Museum staff on works of art in the Metropolitan collection. Participants include curators, conservators, scientists, educators, librarians, digital media producers to name a few. Four episodes available later this month on January 26th feature: THE IDEAL MAN: Curator of prints Nadine Orenstein looks for the ideal man in art from ancient Rome to Hollywood and THE IDEAL WOMAN: educator Joseph Loh looks for the ideal woman throughout the Museum’s collection, from Queen Victoria to Madam X. Connections can be found at www.metmjuseum.org/connections.
FRENCH THRILLER UNREELS AT FIAF
Take an “Elevator to the Gallows,” the Louis Malle’s intriguing 1958 French thriller at the French Institute Alliance Francaise, 22 E. 60th St, tomorrow Tuesday, January 11th, with screenings at 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. It tracks the great Jeanne Moreau and her ex-paratrooper lover (Maurice Ronet) as they attempt to dispose of her banker husband with stunning view of Paris and a jazz score improvised by Miles Davis. Lino Ventura steals the spotlight as the police inspector unraveling the “perfect murder.”Members Free, purchase tickets $10. www.FIAF.org.
EATALY, GOURMET EATS ITALIAN STYLE
Welcome to EATALY where the gastronomic delights of dining al fresco inside the sprawling 200 Fifth Avenue location offers a varied menu to suit a hasty lunchtime treat to a gourmet meal. Five different locations include La Piazza, a stand up food and drinks bar serving tastings of salami, cheeses and raw bar; Il Pesce featuring Dave Pasternack’s take on Italian seafood; Le Verdure serves Italian style vegetable dishes and at La Pizza & La Pasta you can have Rossopomodoro pizza imported directly from Napoli. Manzo is the formal dining experience. Reserve: 212.229.2560, www.eataly.com.
Ta Ta Darlings!!! I plan to check out those private journals at the Morgan, get connected at the Met, see a thriller and eat Italian style. Fan Mail to pollytalk@verizon.net. For Polly’s Blog links go to: www.pollytalk.com.