Through its monthly Bistro Pop-Up Nights, Sarasota Art Museum has been trying to blend contemporary art and dining, creating a truly unique experience for its guests. Starting with an after-hours tour of one of the museum’s exhibitions, the evening then transitions into a four-course meal inspired by the art itself.  According to General Manager John Dangaran, the idea for the events came from a desire to enhance visitors’ connection with the museum by placing visual arts alongside culinary arts. “It’s inspiration built off inspiration,” he says. “We’re not trying to replicate the art itself. We’re trying to create an interpretation of it through food.” Dangaran describes how each of the pop-up nights is designed around a specific exhibition; they are grounded in each artist’s story and creative theme. Sarasota Art Museum’s Bistro Pop-Up Night on May 6th featured squid ink éclair, strawberry and swiss chard “collage” salad, pan-roasted halibut and Basque cheesecake—all modeled after the museum’s Something Borrowed, Something New exhibition. The chefs are allowed to experiment with the components and presentation of their dishes to be a representation of the artwork. Virginia Shearer, executive director of Sarasota Art Museum, explains that this event, “challenges our wonderful culinary artists behind the Museum’s Bistro to stretch their own creativity while allowing visitors to experience our exhibitions in new ways and through multiple senses.” While the event has become increasingly more popular, Dangaran says the dinners will remain small and limited to preserve their intimate and imaginative nature. “It’s the true encapsulation of a pop-up—temporary, creative and something people look forward to,” he says. “It’s supposed to feel special.” —O.Fanders sarasotaartmuseum.org/bistro-popup-nights