This was my first time attending The Dallas Opera‘s First Sight event, an annual luncheon and fashion show the day before opening night. This year’s event featured CH Carolina Herrera and catering by Wolfgang Puck.

My friend Wendy Darling and I were greeted with champagne brandy cocktails with blood orange slices. A string quartet played classical music as we ogled the fashion. If you’ve never been to Dallas, let me tell you something: the women here know how to dress. To go to a society event in Dallas is to see some of the best fashion in the country. Wendy and I could barely carry a conversation at first – we were too distracted by the couture all around!

The doors to the Winspear Opera House soon opened, where we were treated to a quick operatic performance from one of The Dallas Opera’s 2018-2019 shows, Carmen. Models then walked across the stage and through the theatre aisles to showcase the CH Carolina Herrera line. Much of the fashion looked quite comfy and wearable, which I don’t always find to be true of fashion show looks! My favorite piece was a fabulous red plaid capelet that I was so enamored with, I didn’t even get a photo of it!

After the fashion show we headed back out to the lobby for a catered lunch. I’m told this is the first year that the lunch was in the lobby and the fashion show was in the theatre. The color palette reminded me a bit of A Midsummer Night’s Dream: purple, green, and blue. The tablecloths were so soft and the floral arrangements were lovely.

The menu itself was inspired by Carmen, which tickled me. My regular readers know what a huge fan I am of themed meals! Focaccia and Mediterranean olives were on the table when we sat down – such a friendly entertaining move. The first course was something I’ve never had before: a cold spanish potato torte served with Romesco Valedon Cheese (an ashy bleu cheese) and a deliciously spicy tomato sauce on the side.

The main course was roasted chicken served with preserved tomatoes, sherry and currant couscous. So often the side dishes are an after thought but this side dish sung.

The dessert was a Spanish caramel flan with poached apples and marcona almonds with coffee service served in the most beautiful gold plated cups and saucers.

The Flying Dutchman opens tomorrow with the glamorous First Night red carpet premiere. For more information about The Dallas Opera season and special events, visit http://www.dallasopera.org.

Thank you to The Dallas Opera for hosting me today!

Cheers,

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