The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin is about to spice up the museum experience by joining forces with the iconic Justine's Brasserie, famous for its French bistro cuisine and artsy vibe. Set to launch in Spring 2025, this culinary establishment will be planted right inside the museum, per an announcement.
According to CBS Austin, the new café, neighbors the museum's Check-In lobby, anticipating a flush of flavors underneath the Texas sky and Austin's recognizable landmarks. Visitors are promised a side dish of culture with their meal as the café features outdoor seating serving up views of the Capitol and the artistic "Austin" installation by Ellsworth Kelly.
Details about the café's name and menu are still under wraps, but insiders can expect a taste of French classics and a versatile selection for breakfast, lunch, and those special Saturday night dinners. A wine program will also be part of the mix, encouraging guests to unwind beneath the beams of the Texas sun after perusing the galleries.
Design maven Joel Mozersky, the creative mind behind several Austin hotspots such as Uchi and La Condesa, is at the helm of the design efforts. Peering through the eyes of art aficionados, the café is meant to infuse the chill of Parisian cafes with the distinct vibrancy Austin is known for, according to The Austin American Statesman.
Owners Justine Gilcrease and Pierre Pelegrin told the Austin American Statesman about their vision, "We originally opened Justine's to share our love of art and beautiful food in a space that welcomes everyone, and the Blanton has the same joyful, inclusive sensibility." Gilcrease further expressed her sentiments on the collaboration, linking the new restaurant's backdrop to Ellsworth Kelly’s "Austin," a piece Kelly drew inspiration from during his time in France, "makes the partnership even dreamier," said Gilcrease.
As we edge closer to the grand unveiling, the museum and Justine's Brasserie have teased that fresh updates will be spooned out on their collaboration Instagram account, @justinesxblanton. Food enthusiasts and art lovers should stay alert for a feast of updates on this appetizing merger between culture and cuisine.
