Balthazar is owned by the same Keith McNally of the trendy, meatpacking hotspot Pastis, so it’s no wonder it’s always packed with a cool crowd. One of the elite New Yorkers that frequents the French bistro in artsy SoHo is the Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas P. Campbell.

Often quoted as a “masterpiece,” Balthazar is known for its fresh baked breads, delicious brasserie cuisine, and rustic Parisian-inspired decor. Favorite dishes include the short braised ribs, Portbello mushroom sandwich (for lunch), and the proudly named Balthazar salad.

No matter what time of day or night you head downtown, this brasserie is always buzzing with social New Yorkers like Campbell. Make sure to call ahead for a reservation. But if you just want to drop by, you can go to the Balthazar Bakery and grab some of their famous grains to enjoy in the privacy of your home.

Thomas Campbell has incredible taste in haute art and tasty cuisine.

***Thomas P. Campbell is the Director of the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art. Before his role at the Director and CEO in January 2009, Campbell excelled as the Curator in the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts and was the organizer of many groundbreaking and highly acclaimed exhibits at the Met.