J David H.

If you have yet to check out the Chrysler Museums new 20+ million dollar renovations than there is no time better than to bring along the kids. The newest and hottest exhibit in the country "The Art of Video Games" is featured until April. Bring an appetite however, because the new Wisteria is bigger, brighter and better than ever. Hours of operation are the same as the museum. Cuisine & Company aka Wisteria has always been a spot my children adore coming to even before the renovations took place over two years ago. It was a quaint little cafe located by the auditorium in the back. The all new bistro is located right up front by the gift shop and has prime time real estate. Don't be afraid to throw some nicer clothes on the young ones either, this place is classy, but still offers a casual dining feel. If you prefer to be more casual check out the garden side cafe outside. Upon walking past the gift shop step to the left to see the inviting cafe with it's large glass windows and doors. Walk inside to the check-in area and either find immediate seating, or now make a reservation if you prefer to browse the galleries first. The front space was previously a gallery and the rear an add on. The decor is upscale in keeping with the museum theme of wood floors and concrete arch way. Wooden tables, chairs and a long booth is placed to the exterior of the front room. You may get to know your neighbor as the placement is somewhat cozy. There is now a small refrigerator to buy drinks and snacks by the counter. Walk through the elegant arch way over a marble slab to the back space of the restaurant . Enjoy the new built out portion that is larger than the front accommodating large groups. Two elegant stain glass panels provide a classy ambiance The cafe's operation is outsourced and remains in the capable hands of Cuisine & Company. They offer some of the same sandwiches that regulars will fondly remember. But there are new additions too. I did not recognize any of the staff from before, but understand there are some. I was not surprised that they were slow around 1:30 PM on a frigid Norfolk day with the roads being in poor condition. My kids were starved with it being a late lunch and took no time at all when John greeted us and already had waters in hand for the three of us. Now that is what I call being on top of it. My daughter chicken fingers which came with side of house chips off the kids menu and my son a pasta meal with tortellini and prosciutto in a cheese sauce. It usually comes with peas too, but they graciously said they could remove which was terrific. I ordered a short rib sandwich with cheese, house chips and Caesar Salad. Prices for kids meals are around $8, for adult meals $12 and deserts are not to be missed if you have time. It took around 20 minutes for the food to arrive and it all came out at once which was perfect. A water refill was completed and a larger bottle left on the table which had not been done before and was appreciated. Everyone enjoyed there meals that came out to the table hot and tasty. I sampled the chicken and it was not greasy and was quite yum. My sandwich had tons of meat on it, but was kinda meh, but house chips delicious. The best dish on the table was my son's by far and priced at around $9 a bargain for the huge bowl. Desert was skipped this time, but usually it never can be with my kids. We needed to get going and do some touring of a couple of new exhibits. Our waiter John had the check on a timely manner and total bill $29 without tip. A little price for an adult and two kids meals without beverages, but it is in a museum. Also a discount was applied for being a museum member. If you have leftovers and still need to browse the galleries they will hold them for you. I would recommend Cuisine & Co under the name Wisteria to anyone visiting the Chrysler Museum, or just wanting to pop in for a meal. On another visit it might be cool to enjoy a meal at their garden side cafe once it warms up. The bonus is dining in such beautiful atmosphere of stunning galleries only a few feet from your table. Our family has loved the combination of food and the viewing of many offerings of Chrysler for several years. Make it a point to check them out with the kids and get your culture on in a big way. You will be glad you did.