Fans of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis have more to look forward to than its usual seasonal slate of stellar productions. They can indulge in gourmet fare seasoned with selections performed by OTSL’s finest sopranos, tenors and baritones during its annual Opera Tastings.
Each venue presents a unique menu driven by location, which are inspired by operas and the culinary creativity of their chefs.
“I am doing the shrimp and grits, pan-seared shrimp Cheddar grit cake with a Carolina Creole sauce,” said Moulin sous chef, Darin Since. “I was inspired to create this dish because the opera ‘Porgy and Bess’ is set in Charleston, South Carolina, in a dockside area called Catfish Row. I figured you couldn’t get more southern. This dish is my take on the classic Charleston shrimp and grits.”
Tenacious Eats Chef Elizabeth Schuster is no stranger to pairing dinner with a show. She has created a multi-course feast around several opera classics. Consider the savory mix Carmen’s Toreador Song with a first course plate of Spanish stuffed peppers with chorizo, green olive, saffron, garlic, bread crumbs and sherry. Or, in homage to Mozart’s “Pa-pa-pa” duet from the “Magic Flute,” one of this year’s OTSL productions, Nested Quail Eggs, a dish featuring heirloom potato nests filled with radish microgreens, lemon aioli, topped with quail eggs. For the finale, a Buttermilk and Pecan Tart, paired musically with “When You’re Good to Mama,” from “Chicago.”
Another first-time venue is Ces & Judy’s newly opened The Venue at Maison du Lac.
“We’re so excited to host Opera Tastings at The Venue at Maison du Lac,’’ said Judith Bellos, co-owner of Ces & Judy’s. “Ces & Judy’s has had such a long relationship with OTSL, and we’re consistently blown away by the talent and artistry of the performers and staff. To be able to experience the voices in an intimate setting with delicious food sounds like the perfect Sunday afternoon.”
It’s not too late to grab a seat at an Opera Tasting. This year’s venues where tickets are still available include Mandarin House Banquet Center, Moulin Events, Friends: A Meeting Place, Hofbrauhaus and the Mad Art Gallery. experienceopera.com/operatastings
