Thanks to its new restaurant, Lincoln Center ups the sophistication ante.
There’s a new maestro at New York City’s Lincoln Center—Jonathan Benno, the former chef de cuisine at the Michelin three-starred Per Se. Lincoln, housed in a glass-encased space designed by architects Diller Scofidio & Renfro, is amping up the appeal of the world’s largest performing-arts complex in time for the holidays. It’s all part of Lincoln Center’s master plan to enter its second 50 years with a bang: the $1.2 billion renovation that’s nearing completion includes a spruced-up Alice Tully Hall, as well as 10,000 square feet of public green space. Add to that Benno’s clever interpretations of Italian classics—gremolata-spiked spaghetti al pomodoro and eggplant parmigiana—and you have a destination worthy of a standing ovation. Dinner for two $160.
Here, the season’s highlights:
Don Carlo Verdi’s epic tragedy, directed by Nicholas Hytner. Metropolitan Opera House; through Dec. 18.
The Nutcracker George Balanchine’s holiday classic. David H. Koch Theater; through Jan. 2.
A Free Man of Color John Guare’s comedy set in 1800’s New Orleans, directed by George C. Wolfe. Vivian Beaumont Theatre; through Jan. 9.
American Songbook A tribute to homegrown music, featuring Barbara Cook, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and more. Jazz at Lincoln Center; Jan. 12–Feb. 20.
