Friday marks the opening of Opera Wilmington's performances of Bizet's Carmen in the Mainstage Theatre of UNCW's Cultural Arts Building, and the night will include food and drink for theatergoers during a Spanish-themed gala.

The gala, which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Watson School of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, will feature a menu prepared by chefs from Aramark along with chef Ryan Andress of UNCW.

The tapas menu consists of gazpacho shooters: chilled puree of roasted garlic, tomato, red pepper and cucumber topped with shaved asiago cheese and scallions; ensalada de calamar: grilled smoked paprika squid with garlic-dill marinated tomatoes, pickled red onions, lemon-caper aioli, crispy chickpeas and arugula; banderillas: skewers of house-pickled vegetables and green olives with olive oil, garlic and parsley; empanadas: turnovers of sautéed onion, chorizo, sweet potatoes, raisins and olives served with romesco dipping sauce; solomillo: crispy slow-roasted pork shoulder medallions with sherry vinegar gastrique and grilled flatbread; and flan bites: vanilla dulce de leche custard with caramel glaze.
 
Guests will also enjoy two sangrias created by local bartenders: Jake Sullivan of Platypus & Gnome (Bel Canto Blanc sangria) and Darren Mulvenna of Caprice Bistro (East Coast sangria).
 
On July 28, Opera Wilmington will celebrate a Family Night performance with Poor Piggy's food truck outside the Cultural Arts Building 6-9 p.m. A selection of craft beers will be available on site, as well as wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Theatergoers can enjoy food and drink ahead of the 7 p.m. performance or during intermission.
 
Ticket information and additional performance dates can be found on Opera Wilmington's website or by calling the Kenan Box Office at UNCW at 962-3500 noon-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Special children's/student tickets are available for the July 28 Family Night performance.
 
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