MoMA PS1 Welcomes Symone: A New French-African Culinary Experience by Chef DeVonn Francis
MoMA PS1 is preparing to unveil its latest culinary offering, Symone, a French-African-inspired restaurant conceptualized by the esteemed chef DeVonn Francis. This new establishment, slated to open its doors in early October, promises to transform the museum's dining scene with its unique fusion of flavors and an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The upcoming NY Art Book Fair in late September will provide a sneak peek of the menu, stirring anticipation for what is expected to be a vibrant addition to Long Island City's gastronomic landscape.
MoMA PS1 Unveils Symone: A Culinary Journey Rooted in French-African and Caribbean Influences
In a significant culinary announcement, MoMA PS1 in Queens, New York, is poised to introduce "Symone," a new restaurant headed by Chef DeVonn Francis. The establishment is scheduled to commence operations in early October 2026, with an exclusive menu preview slated for the Printed Matter's NY Art Book Fair between September 24th and 27th. Symone will offer daytime dining, aligning with the museum's operational hours, and will be Francis's inaugural restaurant venture. The menu will showcase French-African-inspired dishes, utilizing fresh seasonal produce and reflecting Francis's rich Jamaican and Caribbean heritage. This follows Francis's 2017 success with Yardy World, a company renowned for its immersive dining experiences centered on Caribbean cuisine.
Diners can anticipate an array of "elevated comfort foods" that prioritize seasonality. Highlights are expected to include curry chicken salad sandwiches, various patties, refreshing soft-serve ice cream, and a comforting cod and rice porridge. The culinary offerings will also feature a rotating selection of pastries. Francis expressed his vision for Symone, stating, "I believe that the extension of food in a museum fortifies it as a cultural center, giving visitors a reason to return again and again." He further elaborated that the restaurant is named in honor of his beloved niece, symbolizing the profound connections and evolving familiarity that develop over time with a place.
Beyond the culinary delights, the dining area at PS1 will undergo a significant renovation by the architecture firm Marsollier Villacorta. The redesign aims to revitalise the historical elements of the PS1 building, incorporating warm, natural materials. The plans also include the addition of al fresco dining options on the museum's terrace, a feature designed to complement Francis's innovative approach to hospitality.
MoMA PS1 has a rich history of distinguished dining establishments. From 2012 to 2019, the space housed M. Wells Dinette, a celebrated revival of a beloved Long Island City diner. Following this, Mina’s, a Greek-inspired restaurant by Mina Stone, graced the museum until its closure in 2023. Since then, the space has functioned as a café, providing coffee, tea, and pastries.
Connie Butler, the director of MoMA PS1, conveyed her enthusiasm for the new collaboration. "We are thrilled to welcome DeVonn Francis back to MoMA PS1 and to partner with him on the opening of Symone this fall," Butler remarked. She lauded Francis as a "distinguished chef and talented creative" who expertly weaves together food and storytelling, establishing him as a distinctive voice in the culinary world. Butler expressed her excitement that Symone would become a gathering point for museum visitors, local residents, and staff, offering memorable meals, a welcoming atmosphere for coffee, and fostering new connections within the community.
The introduction of Symone at MoMA PS1 signifies a thoughtful evolution in how cultural institutions engage with their visitors. It highlights the growing recognition that food can be an integral part of the museum experience, enriching cultural exploration and encouraging repeat visits. Chef DeVonn Francis’s personal touch, from the menu rooted in his heritage to the restaurant’s namesake, adds a layer of intimacy and storytelling that transcends mere dining. This venture not only promises exquisite flavors but also reinforces the museum’s role as a multifaceted cultural hub, where art, community, and culinary innovation converge to create memorable experiences.