This year's annual Operanation gala by Canadian Opera Company was definitely not your father's high-society fund-raiser. While the event, held at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, featured COC singers performing classic opera songs, there was also a DJ from Big Entertainment spinning modern beats and a tattoo artist from Black Line Studios offering temporary tattoos. Tami Shapiro, COC's manager of special events, said the modern music and tattoos supported the event's "opera chic" theme, which she described as "sophistication with a bit of edge." COC has been trying to make itself more appealing to young urban professionals, and "the tattoo was another hip accessory for that little back dress or that designer suit," Shapiro said.By David's catering did its part to ensure the 900 guests had a memorable evening. Drawing inspiration from classic European operas like La Boheme, Carmen, and Madame Butterfly, By David's created food stations with an international theme offering traditional cuisine from countries such as France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. The French station served French patisserie with cheeses, crusty baguettes, and pastries; the Spanish station specialized in fresh paella; the German station chipped in assorted mini wurst on egg buns with spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and curry flavoured ketchup; and the Italian station provided assorted flavours of gelato among other desserts.
In the V.I.P. space, caterwaiters passed hors d'oeuvres such as mini portions of macaroni and Gouda cheese in parmesan cups, Thai crab salad on crisp cucumber squares, and shrimp canap?s.
In the V.I.P. space, caterwaiters passed hors d'oeuvres such as mini portions of macaroni and Gouda cheese in parmesan cups, Thai crab salad on crisp cucumber squares, and shrimp canap?s.
By David's provided catering for the Canadian Opera Company's annual Operanation fund-raiser, held at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts boasts the world's longest glass staircase.
The Carmen-inspired food station served fresh paella.
Blackline Studio supplied temporary tattoos.
An original sketch of the Four Seasons Centre was among the items for sale in the silent auction.
The Henry N.R. Jackman lounge featured tables covered by chocolate brown window-pane linen and topped by lit votives, all from Chair-man Mills.
