Dream Date.

If you want to take your date somewhere private, somewhere other, somewhere magical, come to the Legion of Honor for their Cinema Supper Club. Completely unaware that they housed one of the most enchanting movie theatres in San Francisco, this quaint cinema house with hand-painted ceiling of winged horses and blindfolded maidens above, and comfy velvet opera antique seats below, made me giddy as a school girl, a Catholic school girl. That evening the screening was "The Ballet Russe" with a thorough introduction to the film by a knowledgeable and articulate programmer. The film was totally entertaining, educational, and chalk full of archival footage which brought the Ballet Russe to life. With regards to the film itself, my one critique was that I wished it included more on its originator, impresario Serge Diaghilev.

The kitchen and wait staff at the Legion Cafe have never let me down but for some reason there was a group with walkie talkies and badges at the entrance of the restaurant gathered round a cheeseplate chatting which kind of threw off the elegant ambiance of the room. Anyhow, initially trying out their restaurant for jazz brunch not too long ago, their dinner proved just as sumptuous, light and satisfying. Their aforementioned cheese plate which I was curious to try needed a bit more worldliness to it (Jack Cheese?). The menu selection is catered to an older crowd; fish and chips, but spiced up with special touches like tamarind ketchup, and meatloaf and mash potatoes were presented as a deliciously stacked mountain of homecooked perfection. I think it might give the cafe more of a restaurant feel if they painted some of the walls a richer, darker hue, because the high quality food deserves elegant surroundings. Or perhaps it's the best Museum cafeteria food, one will ever have priveledge of tasting. Next time, I might wear nice jeans and a jacket instead of a designer dress and heels?

Part of the Cinema Supper Club includes free access to the galleries without the daytime crowds. Having a somewhat private view is great as the Leibowitz exhibition takes some time to soak in with a video documentary, an entire nook of snap shots pinned onto bulletin boards, and noticing details like a Presidential belt buckle on George Bush, who stood like a proud warrior alongside Condie, Rumsfeld and the head of the FBI. The portrait was dated December 2001, shortly after the 9/11 intervention. Also on view, which is quite special to experience in the evening is a new installation of Dale Chihuly's works. Vibrant blown glass standing over 2 stories tall, the sculptures were in good company in the Rodin room and glowed outside in the courtyard. The contrast of the kinetic colorful work proves to be a wonderfully strong asset to the FAMSF collection breathing an unexpected contemporality into the classic atmosphere. Linked to an upcoming exhibition at the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, the yellow Chihuly which seems as if it's growing out of their garden fountain is spectacular from a distance, like a mustard lorax tree from a Dr. Seuss story but up close its structural support kind of gives its organic quality away.

But, please do take advantage of the Cinema Supper Club while it lasts at the Legion. And, wear a coat because it can get quite windy up near the Sutro Cliffs. Driving recommended. Check the famsf.org site for program listings to this special affair and other events. I think they're making a wonderful attempt at programming exciting ways to access art and enjoy a refined and memorable evening out. Becoming a member wouldn't be such a bad idea. I think their offerings are unique and worthwhile, not trendy.