Earlier this week some of the GT staff went to lunch at Rats Restaurant. Don’t let the name fool you. The only rodent to be seen is a nearby rat sculpture beckoning visitors. This hidden gem is located at the Grounds for Sculpture near an industrial park in Hamilton N.J., not far from the train station. Its rodent-like name comes from a character in one of Grounds for Sculpture founder J. Seward Johnson’s favorite books, The Wind in the Willows.
The 42-acre space features more than 270 sculptures from American and international artists. Visitors can peruse the permanent outdoor collection and seasonal indoor exhibits and participate in workshops and lectures. I visited the Grounds for Sculpture many times but only saw the restaurant from a distance. Situated near the water among pieces of art, Rats is as charming as the sculpture garden. Here’s GT publisher and CEO Fran Gallagher with some lunch companions.
I started the meal with a refreshing bowl of gazpacho and bread with rich chive and onion butter. Next, I sampled the soft shell crab BLT, which looked as menacing as it was delicious. Dessert was a trio of ice cream; caramel corn, vanilla mascarpone and pineapple pink pepper. The meal was delightful. I plan to return one day soon for their Sunday brunch.
The Grounds for Sculpture is a great spot to explore contemporary art. Be sure to stop by Rats for a nibble.
— Katie Skrzek, advertising and editorial coordinator, eFlyer USA editor
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