Friday Nights at the De Young

This is a must-see! When we arrived at the gallery we found out that the reason these paintings could even be shown outside the Musee d'Orsay is that it's currently under construction. This really is a rare opportunity to see these paintings outside of France.

On to what makes it so fun...

From the resonably-priced carafes of Pino Noir:

To the $15 3-course Price Fixe menu (beef shortribs with polenta and summer veggies on the right. Hello, lover.):

To the rock band in the main atrium:

To the fabulous artwork:

Edouard Manet, The Fifer, 1866

Edgar Degas, The Dancing Lesson, 1873-1876

It makes for a really fun start to your weekend. I felt a small sense of accomplishment for getting some great cultural exposure before our Saturday had even started.

My only suggestion is to stay away from the wine beforehand if you've had a long day. I felt sleepy, and couldn't stop yawning in the galleries , which I blame the Pinot for (and maybe the fatty short rib? Quite possibly a lethal combination), since the artwork was certainly not boring! My gallery tour went a little like this: Ooh, the vibrant colors in that Manet really pop against the grey background (yawn). Wow, this Monet is stunning! (yawn yawn) I can't believe I'm seeing this Degas in person! (yawn yawn yawn yawwwn)

The exhibition runs until September 6th. I highly recommend you go if you are in the bay area. Go to the De Young's website for more information.