In a continuing effort to put more than classic Italian cuisine on the plates of its patrons, Trattoria San Nicola invites guests to partake in an evening of fine art as part of the restaurant’s ongoing Plein Air Evenings series. On Wednesday, October 19, at 6 p.m., local artist Jennifer Frudakis will work with ceramic clay to sculpt a masterpiece before the eyes of dining guests.
Over the course of the evening, patrons will be able to watch Frudakis create a sculpture as they dine on a five-course meal featuring traditional Italian fare. This particular Plein Air Evening is unique to the series, as Frudakis is the first sculptor that Trattoria San Nicola has featured.
During the dinner, Frudakis will also briefly discuss her background and experience as an artist, which has spanned nearly three decades. As the evening concludes, her finished artwork will be put up for silent auction. In the weeks following the event, guests will have the opportunity to bid on the sculpture. A percentage of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to a local charitable organization.
Frudakis, who is the niece of prominent Philadelphia-based sculptor Zenos Frudakis, primarily sculpts figures of people and animals out of bronze. Some of her recent work includes the 4-foot by 6-foot tiger at the entrance of Holy Family University, bronze sculptures of Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame Members Ron Hextall, Dave Poulin and Dave Schultz, as well as a 12-foot tall sculpture honoring the 100th anniversary of the Atlantic City Press.
“We are thrilled to have Jennifer as our spotlight artist for the upcoming Plein Air Evening,” said Trattoria San Nicola co-owner Cristina Giannandrea. “It’s great to be able to use our restaurant as an outlet to showcase local talent within our community, while at the same time providing a unique and intimate dining experience for our guests.”
For this special evening, guests can choose from Chef Vito Giannandrea’s full menu of Italian classics, including Bruschetta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella, Linguine Veneziane and Scaloppine di Vitello Siciliana. The event is open seating, but space is limited—guests should make their reservations early to ensure they receive the best seats in the house.
Reservations for the Plein Air Evening can be made by calling 610-695-8990. Additional information on this and other events can be found at www.sannicola.net.
