The Truffle

A few weeks ago, Le Sweetie and I visited the Cloisters, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's beautiful collection of medieval art. Nestled in Fort Tryon Park, near the northern tip of Manhattan, the Cloisters is alternately sunny and strange. Outside are people lounging on the grass and walking their dogs. Inside is the closest thing Manhattan will ever have to a medieval castle, complete with illustrated prayer books and the famous Unicorn Tapestries. To Brooke Astor, the Met was one of New York City's "crown jewels," and she dearly loved the city's cultural landmarks. But her philanthropy wasn't limited to museums or zoos. Nor was she satisfied writing checks and attending charity balls. She famously proclaimed, "Money is like manure, it should be spread around." She took a personal interest in every project funded by the Vincent Astor Foundation. It could be in the middle of the scuzziest neighborhood in the city, the most drug-infested bloc...