Nevada Opera

NVO's Chefs and Arias was a delightful evening and a great success. The event is described below. A few photos here will show you the activities, entertainment and the "iron chefs". Click a photo to expand to full screen with a caption and scroll.

The evening began with a VIP reception. The attendees were hosted by winemaker Robert Van der Vijver, his wife Missy and Paul Aberasturi, the director of NVO's upcoming Don Giovanni.

The crowd gathered in an El Dorado ballroom. The facilities were all we could hope for to enjoy the competition, entertainment and auctions.

The first live auction was for the privilege of servring as sous chefs (assistants) to defending chefs Mark Estee of Campo and Ivano Centemeri of El Dorado's La Strada.

During the meal (excellent!) the Nevada Opera Chorus performed. At the same time, wide screen TVs showed the chefs' progress.

And now the chefs are ready. The judges will see if Mark Estee retains his title or Ivano Centemeri prevails.

A good time was had by all. The live and silent auctions sold out and guests enjoyed the many offerings. We thank all the participants and donors and especially the committee that organized the event.

Welcome to Nevada Opera’s third “culinary” event.  While the previous two events were successful and great fun, this year we’re expanding and re-designing the event with the hope of reaching out to audience who might otherwise never come in contact with the magnificent art form that is Opera.  By combining wine, food, exciting culinary themed entertainment and specially selected vocal performances from our talented local chorus members, we’re hoping to introduce Reno residents unfamiliar with NVO to the beauty and passion of operatic music.

On Friday, April 26, the doors of the Eldorado Hotel Casino Convention Center will open for Chefs & Arias

This venue allows us to expand the workspace for our chefs, add a second big-screen for a live video feed and provide stage area for our NVO chorus performers.

4:30 pm
Winemaker and trained opera singer Robert Van der Vijver will host a VIP wine and appetizer reception in Cin Cin Bar. This will be a fun opportunity to not only meet and talk to Robert who supplied the fine wines NVO’s guests at last year’s Jukebox Unhinged enjoyed, but also to talk with Paul Aberasturi, Director for NVO’s upcoming performance of Don Giovanni. Attendance is limited.

5:30 pm
Doors open - The evening’s entertainment will begin with NVO chorus members singing jazz numbers during no-host cocktail hour and silent auction .

7:00 pm
Dinner and Culinary event begins,

Our star chefs for this year’s event are returning champion Mark Estee, owner of Campo and challenger Ivano Centemeri, Executive Chef of La Strada. Guests will be able to bid for the position of sous chef for team Estee or team Centemeri and the remaining two open positions at the judge’s table. Selected Operatic numbers will be performed during dinner by members of NVO’s chorus.

There will be LOTS going on during the evening.

• An extensive silent auction will offer over 40 items valued from $50 to $500. These will include art, meals, stay-cations, a portrait session, cooking items and tickets to performances and the Reno Aces,

Talented stand-up comedian, Maureen Tappan, will be our MC for the evening and act as auctioneer for our live auction prizes which include

• A wine and food pairing for up to 16 people hosted by Robert and Missy Van der Vijver at the winner’s home.
• Four days for two at Alaska Chalet Bed and Breakfast hosted by Brigitte Humphery. Airfare is included.

Ty Martin, from Craft Wine and Beer, and Joey Trujillo, from The Hub Coffee Company, will be our announcers for the chef’s competition. We expect these two local favorites to really spice up the evening with their inquisitive, informative and witty banter. The two big screens in the Eldorado’s Convention Center will allow us to have live video feed of the actual cooking competition….slicing, mixing, sautéing, serving for all to see.

Our five judges who will include celebrity judges, Donna Amato, of Amato's Family Kitchen, Dr. Kosta Arger and Missy Ban der Vijver as well as our two live auction winners, will score four dishes prepared by each chef according to previously agreed upon rules. The food used in the cooking competition - the shared pantry items as well as the secret ingredients - will be provided by Whole Foods.