The Connections Warren Watchung Edition April/May 2021

theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 44 DINING & TAKE OUT Three years ago, my husband and I were in Japan and spent time on Naoshima, a remote is- land on the Seto Inland Sea that is devoted to art. It was there we experienced rsthand the amazing artwork of Yayoi Kusama. Kusama is one of the most popular – and most Instagrammed - artists in the world. She draws millions of people to her immersive installa- tions. Her iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture has become the de facto symbol of Naoshima (see “Naoshi- ma pumpkin” online), and there is nary a visitor who leaves the island without multiple souvenir pumpkin photos and sel es. The New York Botanical Gar- den (NYBG) was scheduled to host a major exhibition of the work of Yayoi Kusama last year. Happily, it has been rescheduled for 2021. Titled “KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature,” the show will run from April to Oc- tober and re ect Kusama’s lifelong fascination with the natural world. The exhibit will include indoor and outdoor installations throughout the grounds and feature paintings, sculptures and the artist’s signa- ture In nity Rooms. Four new works including a monumental pumpkin sculp- ture will have their debut. The much-anticipated In nity Mirrored Room—Illusion Inside the Heart will be housed in a cube-shaped structure located out in the open. It will feature mirrored sides. The exterior of the piece will re ect the changing skies while the inte- rior will re ect a series of colored lights. To avoid long lines, timed tickets will be issued for the In nity Mirrored Room. In addition, the Botanical Gar- den will create special ower bed plantings to coordinate with Kusa- ma’s paintings and will wrap a sec- tion of trees in polka-dotted fabric suggesting the pumpkin and other iconic Kusama artworks. Tickets and exhibition details are available online at www.nybg.org. NYBG is easy to reach via the George Washington Bridge and the Henry Hudson Parkway North. It is located directly across the street from the Fordham Univer- sity campus. Parking is easy and plentiful, either outside the Botan- ical Garden on Southern Boule- vard (check alternate side parking signs) or in the onsite lot. NYBG is open Tuesday – Sunday and some holiday Mondays. At 250 acres and with over one million living plants, the New York Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to visit any time. The addition of Yayoi Kusama’s spectacular artworks will make it unforgettable. WHERE TO EAT The NYBG offers several on- site dining options, from casual snacks and sandwiches to a lovely farm-to-table restaurant. Stop by the Pine Tree Café in the Leon Levy Visitor Center amid the collection of rare pines – some 100 feet tall - for artisanal panini, wraps, pizza, salads, sweets and other specialty snacks. Outdoor seating is available. The Hudson Garden Grill in the Ross Conifer Arboretum across from the Conservatory offers a leisurely dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menu items such as soft- shell crabs and spring pea soup, burgers and beautiful salads, late afternoon bar service, and coffee and snacks as well. The Grill has been closed for the past year but will reopen as conditions allow. Picnicking – Outside food may be brought in to NYBG. Tables are available at the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions. KUSAMA AT THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN By Linda Seigelman At 250 acres and with over one million living plants, the New York Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to visit any time. Kusama is one of the most popular – and most Instagrammed - artists in the world. She draws millions of people to her immersive installations. Pheasant Run Shopping Center • 169 Washington Valley Road, Warren SALYGSRESTAURANT.COM 732-667-7400 CATERING AVAILABLE LUNCH & DINNER - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Come In & Enjoy Our New Extensive Wine List! Joey Gramaglia winner of the Food Network Show "Chopped"! Take Out & Curbside Pick Up Available NowAccepting Easter & Mother's Day Reservations!