HIGHLANDS, N.C., July 3, 2009 – The Cafe at The Bascom has begun seasonal service. It is open and providing light fare for individuals, families and groups who come to the art center at 323 Franklin Road to view exhibitions, browse at the Shop and participate in education programs.

The food service amenity is new and designed for those who come to The Bascom's new campus for a casual get-together with friends or a meeting with colleagues. The Cafe is open in the atrium of the art center's new main building, with seating on the second floor and on the outdoor terrace from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The cafe menu includes seasonal fresh fare such as grilled vegetable panini, smoked turkey croissant, Oak Street Cafe's signature mushroom bisque, a grilled chicken Caesar wrap, plus coffee, pastries and more. Wine and beer will be available on the menu by late July. 

Alex Kalinin, owner of Oak Street Café in Highlands, is the vendor behind the Cafe at The Bascom, featuring Chef Rob McCarthy. He said he is proud to take the initiative with this new project.

"We're so excited to offer the Cafe at The Bascom and invite everyone to stop by and enjoy our food," Kalinin said.

"During the first season for the Cafe at The Bascom, the art center leadership feels fortunate to have such an experienced partner providing our food service," said Tommy Clark, Bascom board member. "The Cafe at The Bascom offers food that is as artistically and conscientiously presented and as flavorful as the menu at Oak Street Cafe."  

Food is served out of The Bascom's state-of-the-art Anderson Family catering kitchen, which is equipped in part with refrigerators, an ice maker, stainless steel sinks, carts and work tables generously donated by Brenda and Stuart Manning of Manning Brothers Food Equipment, Athens, Ga.

Cafe service will continue through October and resume next spring with the new season.

For more information about the cafe or other Bascom offerings, call (828) 526-4949 or visit www.thebascom.org.