Cornell Cafe

Cornell Cafe Restaurant Review:

Many think of museums as rainy day diversions, but the extensive gardens at the Morikami make this museum just the opposite---something to save for a fun-in-the-sun day. That goes for those wishing to eat at the indoor-outdoor Cornell Café, too. The food's fine, though the sushi selection is unimaginative and extremely limited (basically ahi, salmon and hamachi), and most makis are cooked. For a more unique meal, try one of the chef's specialty entrées, some of which are Japanese-inspired, others Pan Asian. The best bets are marinated roast duck with ginger sauce and sautéed vegetables; firm Asian eggplant with garlic sauce; and marinated fried shrimp and tofu in a tangy-sweet red sauce. Sampler-size portions of the latter two dishes plus teriyaki chicken and salmon, sushi, and gyoza comprise a bento box lunch that's an elegant intro for Japanese food novices. Note: Guests coming just to dine needn't pay museum admission.