San Diego Opera Announces Return of “Taste of Opera”
San Diego Opera is pleased to announce the return of “Taste of Opera” for the third year; a series of events designed to offer an introduction to San Diego Opera’s 2011 season in informal and casual settings around creatively-themed dinners and events. Working off the successes of the 2010 “Taste of Opera”, this year offers an expanded menu of activities and events including a themed series of cooking classes at Great News Discount Cookware and Cooking School as well as “Entertaining Entrées to Opera” at some of San Diego’s hottest restaurants. American Express is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2011 Taste of Opera Series.
Chef Katherine Emmenegger from Great News Discount Cookware and Cooking School has created four cooking class menus inspired by each of our operas in 2011: Turandot (Chinese), Der Rosenkavalier (Austrian), Faust (Northern French) and Carmen (Spanish). Chef Emmenegger will once again be accompanied by sous chef (and San Diego Opera Geisel Director of Education and Outreach) Dr. Nicolas Reveles, who will entertain guests with facts and stories while these meals are being created. A complete listing of the menus, dates and times, can be found at the bottom of this release.
Continuing the popularity of last season’s events, Taste of Opera will continue to pair up a speaker with some of San Diego’s hottest restaurants for themed “Entertaining Entrees to Opera”. Dinners will be held The Palm, Vigilucci’s, The University Club, Tapenade and Café Sevilla. A complete listing of events, dates and times can be found at the bottom of this release.
“Taste of Opera, now in its third year, is a wonderful series of events that helps demystify the greatest art form in the world. By going into the community and engaging our neighbors in casual discussions over dinner, participants get their first taste of opera and a great meal at some of the finest restaurants our city has to offer. Most of all, it is fun, which is what going to the opera is truly about,” comments Risë Walter, San Diego Opera’s Director of Marketing.
For more information and to RSVP to Taste of Opera events visit online or call (619) 533-7000. Reservations to the cooking classes must be made directly with Great News at the contact information below.
Taste of Opera 2010 – 2011 Events:
- Cooking Classes at Great News Discount Cookware and Cooking School
- Registration opens September 4, 2010
- Call 1-888-GR8-Chef or visit www.great-news.com to make reservations directly with Great News.
- All of the cooking class events cost $54 per person and includes a tasting menu of the recipes prepared.
- All classes are at Great News, 1788 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109.
- Space is limited to 48 individuals and will sell-out. Reserve early.
Turandot – Friday, October 22, at 6:00PM
Five harmonious elements reside in the score of the opera Turandot. Dr. Nicolas Reveles will be on hand to explain and entertain in his effective style of opera education, while Chef Katherine takes your taste buds on a journey to China, exploring the five elements of flavor in Chinese Cuisine.
Recipes: Shrimp Pot Stickers with Chili Dipping Sauce; Hot and Sour Soup; Crispy Beef with Steamed Rice; Szechuan Green Beans; Fortune Cookies.
Der Rosenkavalier – Friday, November 12 at 6:00PM
Der Rosenkavalier takes the opera enthusiast on a whimsical adventure of forbidden love to the romantic city of Vienna. While Dr. Nicolas Reveles, master opera educator, entertains and informs on the fine points of this light hearted opera, Chef Katherine will prepare delicacies from this Austrian destination.
Recipes: “Kürbiscreme” Pumpkin Soup; Chicken Schnitzel with Riesling Braised Brussels Sprouts; “Schwammerlgulasch” Mushroom Sauce and Semmelknödel; Sacher Torte.
Faust – Friday, February 18 at 6:00PM
Dark and ominous, Faust is a story with all the elements of deception and heartache presented with beautiful music. Dr. Nicolas Reveles brings this tale to life, explaining all of the details to enhance the opera experience. Chef Katherine prepares a feast of Northern French cuisine.
Recipes: Beet and Pear Salad; Bacon, Leek, and Cheese Custard Tart; Coq au Riesling; Devil’s Black Magic Cake.
Carmen – Friday, March 18 at 6:00PM
The opera Carmen by Georges Bizet conveys emotions of passion and seduction. Chef Katherine will translate this enchanting music into the cuisine of Spain while Nicolas Reveles, will entertain the audience with stories and inside information on the opera. This is an evening of music and dining not to be missed.
Recipes: Pinchitos Morunos; Manchego Cheese, Olives and Roasted Nuts; Tuna Parsley and Olive Stuffed Roasted Peppers; Sherry Braised Chicken and Saffron Rice; “Brazo de Gitano” Gypsy’s Arm – Rolled Sponge Cake.
Entertaining Entrees to Opera
Call San Diego Opera at (619) 533-7000 or visit San Diego Opera
website to RSVP.
All events must be reserved in advance.
Vigilucci’s Ristorante- Tuesday, November 9 at 6:30 pm
1300 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Kick off our Taste of Opera Season with an evening of delicious Italian fare and Puccini’s Turandot as San Diego Opera’s Dr. Nicolas Reveles takes guests on a journey through the legendary fable. Joining him is Adrian Bean, Licensed Acupuncturist and past winner of “BEST OF” in San Diego for acupuncture centers.
$55 per person includes 1 glass wine, 3 course prix fixe menu, tip & tax.
The Palm – Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 pm
615 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Taste of Opera Season continues with Strauss’ masterpiece of love and loss, Der Rosenkavalier. Dr. Nicolas Reveles discusses the light and dark themes and the ‘presentation of the rose’ ceremony. Joining him is Landscape Architect Greg Rubin with a discussion of water conservation, the California native rose and other native plants, their drought-tolerant qualities as well as their flexibility in landscape design.
$55 per person includes 1 glass wine, 3 course prix fixe menu,
