For years, Vivalon’s special luncheons have been a place to mark the seasons with holiday meals, familiar traditions, and moments of celebration shared around the table. In 2026, we’re building on that sense of connection in a new way by introducing a Special Luncheon Art Series that brings food, music, and visual art together into a single, thoughtfully curated experience.
Each luncheon is inspired by a celebrated artwork from across history, chosen to reflect the season and the mood of the moment. From there, our chefs, musicians, and café team collaborate to create an experience that feels immersive but still warm, welcoming, and unmistakably Vivalon. The menu takes reflects the art. The music echoes its emotion. Even the café décor shifts to set the tone. The result is a luncheon that engages the senses while leaving plenty of room for conversation, laughter, and community.
Why Art Matters
Across cultures and generations, art has long been a way to slow down, reflect, and connect—both with ourselves and with one another. Research shows that engaging with visual art can support emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and spark memory and conversation, particularly for older adults. Taking time to look closely at a painting, listen to music, or talk about what we notice encourages curiosity and presence—qualities that are just as important to healthy aging as nutrition and movement.
At Vivalon, we see art not as something distant or academic, but as something deeply human. It invites us to share stories, exchange perspectives, and experience moments of beauty together. This new luncheon series is designed with that in mind: approachable, sensory, and rooted in the simple joy of noticing something meaningful in good company.
“As an artist and as a food service professional I often think about how those two things overlap,” says Ali Dalsing, Vivalon Cafe Supervisor. “I think with this series that we can kind of break art out of museums and enjoy it in the same way we can enjoy art in our homes, we see it while we eat and spend time with our loved ones and it becomes a part of the context of our lives. This art maybe isn’t in our homes year around, but we can weave it into our experience by pairing it with food and seasonal celebrations that are always there and enjoy it more deeply.”
“I hope it will be an enjoyable experience for people who already know a lot about art and for people who maybe don’t,” Ali added. “It can be intimidating to learn about art, but the luncheons will include a short speech about the artwork to explain it a little better and the food and decor can hopefully help demystify the artwork. It should feel comfortable and close to our hearts. Art is a byproduct of the human experience, and it exists in all of us and calls to us all.”
February’s Luncheon: The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
Our February luncheon draws inspiration from The Kiss, one of the most recognizable and beloved paintings of the early 20th century. Created during Klimt’s famed Gold Period, the work is known for its rich metallic tones, flowing patterns, and intimate sense of closeness, qualities that feel especially fitting as we gather this winter.
On Thursday, February 12, guests will enjoy a menu designed to reflect warmth, comfort, and a touch of romance:
- Starter: Roasted squash soup
- Entrée: Traditional French beef bourguignon with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes
- Dessert: Strawberries with chocolate and whipped cream
- Special drink: Ginger Rose Fizz
Live love songs performed by musicians from Bread & Roses will accompany the meal.
More Than a Meal
What we hope guests experience is that this luncheon reflects not just a meal, but the care, creativity, and collaboration behind it.
At its heart, this series is still about what our luncheons have always been about: coming together, staying curious, and sharing good food in good company.
Join Us
Thursday, February 12 | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
$18 members | $23 nonmembers
Registration is open January 22–February 9 (or until sold out).
To register, call 415-456-9062.
We hope you’ll join us at the table—and experience art in a way that’s meant to be savored, together.
Learn more here.
