Schokko Art Cafe

If food is art than Cameron Mitchell is our city’s premier artist, or at least the most hype. So it is natural for the CMOA to tap his concepts for their new café, a sleek white rectangle inside doors from the garden. But Cameron and café is as strange as tapping Edward Hopper to do a Family Circle comic. And just as the quizzical artophile would be drawn to such an oddity, the quizzical gormandizer wonders how Cameron’s usual upscale production translate into a venue’s cafeteria.
If my visit is any indication, it translates just fine.
It’s named after Alexej von Jawlenky’s «Schokko with a red hat,» an expressionistic painting that headlines the museum’s marketing and, if its detached Siamese-twin’s auction is any indication, may be worth up to $ 25-​million.
First off, don’t expect value. A single can of Pepsi cost almost half a 24-​pack on sale; a bottle of Vitamin water is $ 3. Beer and wine are more reasonable, but for soda and water it’s off-​the-​hook. I won’t bash though, the proceeds help fund the museum, but for those with tight budgets shouldn’t rely on this for drinks. Otherwise, go for craft, like Hanks berry soda or a ginger ale.
The menu features common café items: antipasti, salads, and soups. There is a kids menu, and sweets. Prices here are not bad. They also have thicker meals. Burgers and heavier entrees which can make a quick lunch into a full dinner.
I had a pre-​wrapped tuna from the cold case. This cafeteria standard taste like a freshly made wrap and had an unique recipe. The seating out by the sculpture garden, will come summer, be absolutely prime for the good eats here.

What a great addition to the museum! This open air café has beautiful views of the garden and is located right inside the main entrance. My family and I had a great day exploring the museum and dining here. The tomato soup was great, along with the kale and quinoa salad, it made a great light lunch. My son loved the grilled cheese as well. This is a much needed improvement over the old café, and it had added an air of sophistication to the museum!

From the outside, the upscale, almost swedish-​looking café can seem a bit off putting (maybe a bit pretentious), but don’t let that stop you from coming in. The people who work here are super friendly and the food is delicious. On one visit we had the turkey sandwich and on another we had the roasted chicken salad. Both were amazing; reminded me a bit of North Start (healthy, fresh, unique in style/​flavor). Keep it up!