Shortly after we sat down at Trattoria San Nicola in Paoli, our waitress delivered two complimentary Bellinis to our table. The smell of the peach liqueur and Prosecco wafted across out nostrils and we knew this would be a fun night.
We came to this Italian restaurant to check out an “Opera Evening,” in which nine talented singers entertained while we enjoyed a six course Italian meal. Within a few moments, the waitress had delivered roasted peppers and garlic bread. Cristina Giannandrea, co-owner of San Nicola with her husband Vito, stopped by and handed out the bio’s of the night’s singers, ballots and opera menus.
Cristina explained they started Opera Evenings four years ago, and it has now become a summer tradition. “Opera singers are often on hiatus in August, so this works out well for everyone.” She explained how eight singers compete each week. At the end of the night, attendees to the dinner cast votes and the top three singers are invited back for the grand finale, which this year is August 24th. Those nine contestants will compete for the grand prize: a subscription for two to the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s 2011-2012 Series and a $500 cash prize.
After the staff delivered our second course, Eggplant Involtini and Sauteed Mushrooms, we listened to a special guest singer open up the night. Ian Antsee, a high school sophomore at Haverford High School, performed a splendid rendition of “Johanna” from Sweeney Todd to get the audience prepared for the night.
Cristina announced the eight competing singers would begin after the next course was served. The Opera Evening fills two rooms of the restaurant, so each singer performs twice – one aria in each room. This works out well as we enjoyed our sampling of Linguini Pesto, Penne Pavarotti and Veal Tortellini while while listening to the first four talented singers. When the performers moved to the next room, the staff brought out our next course, a ricotta salad with raisins, spinach and a vinaigrette.
By the time the second set of opera singers began performing in our room, we had just been served Veal Involtini, succulent Grilled Tilapia and tender Grilled Bistecca Bites. The timing was impeccable.
The variety of operatic performances was quite interesting. In addition to classics such as Puccini, Mozart, and Verdi, we also heard two selections from the opera “Sephro,” which debuted at the Philly Fringe Festival in 2010 and was written by contestant Kate Quinn.
After the performances, each table handed in their ballots, choosing their favorite three performers. As the ballots were tabulated, Cristina entertained the room with Opera Trivia questions and passed out bottles of wine to those who proved they know their opera history. We finished up with dessert, a beautiful plate consisting of a cannoli and two cake slices; Amaretto Cake, Tiramasu Cake.
Following dessert, the three opera winners for the night were announced. Rick Adriano, a baritone who performed the Drinking Song from Hamlet; Mary Punshon, a soprano who performed “The Hours Creep on Apace” from H.M.S. Pinafore, by Gilbert & Sullivan; and Kevin Schlear, a tenor who performed Nessun Dorma from Turandot by Puccini.
All four Opera Evenings have sold out for 2011 and a portion of the proceeds from the Opera Evenings will benefit the Opera Company of Philadelphia. To check out Trattoria San Nicola’s menu and upcoming events, visit www.sannicola.net. Reservations can be made by calling 610-695-8990 or online at www.opentable.com.
