The St. Louis harbinger of spring has arrived: Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Reemerging after a long winter, OTSL will once again mark the opening of its season with song and savory small plates with its kick-off event, Opera Tastings, an annual occurrence that serves as the prelude to the official opening of OTSL’s 2022 season.
“Opera Tastings are fun unique experiences for everyone, whether they are opera veterans or brand new to the art form,” said Anh Le, OTSL director of marketing and public relations. “Each night, Opera Tastings travels to a different venue and features a different menu, creating a casual, laid-back, and deeply enjoyable evening that delights all the senses.”
Opera Tastings are held at six different sites, opening at Das Bevo on March 22, and closing at Boo Cat Club on March 31. Other locations include Mandarin House in University City, Moulin Events and Meetings, Mad Art Gallery in Soulard, and Majorette in Maplewood. Each Opera Tastings’ location features creative dishes by local chefs, designed to make your taste buds sing. Among the featured chefs and culinarians are Ces & Judy’s Catering, the caterer of choice for OTSL for its signature pre-show box suppers. Known as Picnic in the Gardens, the event has become the ultimate picnic on the lawn at Webster University’s Repertory Theatre, which is home to OTSL’s mainstage performances.
When asked about its culinary contributions and association with Opera Theatre, Ces & Judy’s co-owner Cecily Hoffius said, “Opera Tastings are exciting. This year we’re scheduled for March 29 at The Majorette. The event matches several small plates to different operas with matching cocktails and wine. It’s fun to research the operas and find food that connects in some way with the theme of the opera.”
This year marks the 39th season for Ces & Judy’s as the pre-show caterer for Opera Theatre.
“It’s amazing that this year will be our 39th season providing boxed suppers and bar service to Opera Theatre Saint Louis under the tent on the theater’s grounds. As always, we’re looking forward to the OTSL 2022 season,” Hoffius said.
Entrees on this year’s Ces & Judy’s OTSL menu include such culinary attractions as Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Cornichon and Caper Relish, Grilled Herb Mustard Salmon, and Indian Spiced Shrimp Bowl that layers rice noodles with bok choy, red pepper, goat cheese and mango.
Foodie opera fans may want to look for their special show-stopping menu entrees, an added attraction to the regular menu, which to date includes Cilantro Lime Salmon (May 21–June 5) and Al Pastor Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri (June 21–26).
Pre-show picnics are also available for OTSL matinees, which has its own menu items to consider, like the Raspberry Citrus-infused Chicken Salad, which has always earned rave reviews. Each matinee boxed picnic is packed with a side, roll, butter and a sweet treat, which – like the boxed suppers – need to be ordered in advance though OTSL.
Opera Theatre Saint Louis 2022 festival season opens with “Carmen” on May 21, followed by productions of “The Magic Flute,” “Awakenings” and “Harvey Milk.” And for those wishing to continue to toast and party, don’t miss A Toast to Opera at the Solarium at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis on March 30, where bubbles and hors d’oeuvres are hosted by Opera Theatre’s Intermezzo Society, and like Opera Tastings, are affordably priced and use a fun approach to discover opera.
Fun, affordable and accessible are exactly what Opera Tastings, A Toast of the Opera and its pre-show garden picnics are all about, echoing OTSL’s goals of making opera fun, approachable and accessible.
