I'm not about to pretend that I'm some history nut — far from it. But every now and again, I like to escape today's hectic reality by being reminded of what happened way before I was born. If you feel me, here's an event that will interest you and your appetite. Tomorrow, Ray's and Stark Bar (5905 Wilshire Blvd., 323-857-6180), located on the LACMA premises, and ArtBites team up to give art and food fans a treat.

Start the evening with an informal tour that spotlights what's known as the beginning of tourism: Grand Tours taken by wealthy Englishmen in search of art, culture, and the roots of Western civilization. You'll see the art and culinary history of ancient Rome, and 16th through 18th-century English, French and Italian paintings and decorative arts. To learn more about the dinner portion of the night, .

If you think that's fancy, wait until you see the five-course dinner prepared by Chef Kris Morningstar. It features dishes inspired by the Euro regions you just learned about: potato-leek soup; housemade charcuterie; squid-ink tonarelli, veal sweetbreads with Roman-style artichokes, Cara Cara oranges, red onion agridolce, and pine nuts; roast lamb; and strawberry panna cotta with strawberry sorbet and Sicilian almond cookie. It's $100 per person and that includes museum admission, dinner, tax, and tip. The one-hour art tour begins at 6:30, and it's immediately followed by dinner. Call 310-396-4648 to make reservations, and have fun on your cultured night.