Gates restaurant in Meadows Museum offers artful food (Photo courtesy of Meadows Museum of Art)

With a seasonal menu of fare from around the world, the marvelous new Gates restaurant, located in the Meadows Museum, is well worth visiting. International Executive Chef Timothy Shaub creates edible works of art that rival the beautiful museum surroundings, while pastry chef LeeAnna Archer fashions luscious and delectable deserts.

While enjoying their meal, diners can admire beautiful works of art, including a Goya painting and the large gates from which the restaurant takes its name. There are also two spectacular views of the Meadows Museum’s gorgeous gardens. Despite its old-world décor, the Gates has an elegant yet modern feel with its café-style silver and orange chairs. The restaurant’s ambience is as artful as its incredible cuisine.

The entrées, which include specialties from Spain and Italy, are delicious and well portioned. At the Gates, a couple can eat for around the same price as less prestigious restaurants surrounding the campus. Among the dishes are several choices for vegetarians, including the grilled vegetable quesadilla, which incorporates an amazing pico de gallo. The salads are large enough to feed two, and the desserts are rich and colorfully presented. The seasonal menu allows diners to experience a variety of new choices. When ordering tea, be sure to specify whether you prefer plain or tropical; while their tropical tea might be a favorite with some, it is not for everybody.

Though the name would suggest otherwise, the Gates has a casual attitude, with most diners preferring to wear shorts and tank tops in the heat wave the Metroplex has been experiencing. However, the restaurant is available to rent for special events during non-public hours. The artistry and sophistication of the world-renowned museum provides a superb background for any occasion.

The restaurant, located to the right of the main Meadows Museum entrance, is open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The Gates also offers Sunday brunch served in the Gene and Jerry Jones Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. With its wonderful atmosphere and the eclectic menu options, the Gates is likely to fill up fast, so reservations are recommended. You can find out more information on the Gates at www.meadowsmuseumdallas.org or by calling 214-768-3928.