On October 24, the Metropolitan Museum of Art opens a special exhibition devoted to the legacy of departing director Philippe de Montebello. "The Philippe de Montebello Years: Curators Celebrate Three Decades of Acquisitions" will include approximately 300 works of art (including that remarkable little Duccio) from a total of more than 84,000—yes, 84,000—that were acquired during his tenure. Accompanying the show are all manner of videos, podcasts, and museum events that will feature de Montebello in conversation with critic Robert Hughes and chatting with Isabella Rossellini about "The Language of Love in the Italian Renaissance." But the real coup? A de Montebello-themed dinner.

When we heard that the Met's Trustees Dining Room would be "honoring Philippe de Montebello with a 'French Classics' tasting menu offered each weekend in October," we had to get the full scoop. The woman in charge of reservations at the dining room, an elegant spread on the fourth floor that is open only to museum members, told us that the four-course menu includes black angus steak tartare, pan-seared dorado, and roasted duck breast (with butternut squash and field mushrooms). And for dessert? As if we had to ask. It's creme brulee, of course, in a Tahitian vanilla that we hear was Gauguin's favorite.

Previously on UnBeige: