MOCA bids farewell to Patina after 15 years

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The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is set to unveil a new cafe at its main Grand Avenue location this month. But the museum’s food vendor for the last 15 years, Patina Restaurant Group, will not be involved.

A spokeswoman for MOCA told Culture Monster that the museum’s 15-year contract with Patina has come to an end. The new eatery, called Lemonade at MOCA, will be operated by Jackson Catering. The food services company was created by chef Alan Jackson, who also runs the chain of Lemonade restaurants and cafes in the L.A. area.

MOCA said Jackson Catering will provide exclusive catering services for the museum, though bidding is open for certain special events.

The switch-over from Patina started in December 2008, when MOCA began seeking proposals from catering companies and restaurant owners. After a two-month review process, the museum made its decision.

‘The appointment follows a successful 15-year contract with Patina, who presented and were also considered in the process,’ said Lyn Winter, the museum spokeswoman, in an e-mail. ‘Patina will not have a presence at MOCA from now on unless they cater for an annual gala. ‘

Lemonade at MOCA occupies 1,000 square feet -- interior and exterior space combined -- on the gallery level of Arco Court at MOCA Grand Avenue. Work on the eatery began July 1, and the cafe is set to open sometime in mid-September, according to the museum.

Patina has long dominated the food catering business for downtown L.A.’s main cultural centers, such as Walt Disney Concert Hall and Kendall’s Brasserie at the Music Center. ‘While Patina Restaurant Group no longer operates the cafe at MOCA, we are actively bidding for catering opportunities at the museum,’ a Patina spokesman said in an e-mail.

-- David Ng