Tapenade: Pairing Cool Weather with Hot Events in October

While some of a lesser constitution are scurrying about to gather their blankets, slippers, and other such provisions for the big hibernation, Tapenade is embracing autumn in style. In fact, this classic French eatery is celebrating the turning of the leaves this month with more than one flavor-driven event. From a week-long affair featuring a menu titled “A Taste of Spain by a Spaniard” to an evening of culture and cuisine with a meal inspired by Oscar Wilde’s Salome, Tapenade is heating things up in the kitchen to keep us feeling fired up all through the season.

From October 11th-16th, Chef Rocio Siso Gurriaran is coming all the way from Northern Spain to join Tapenade in commemorating Spanish Week with a very special menu, “A Taste of Spain by a Spaniard.” Complete with a select number of fine Spanish wines to complement the dishes, this a la carte menu lets guests orchestrate their meal to enjoy as much or as little as they like. Sample the Shrimp Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with saffron Coulis and warm up to the Classic Seafood or Chicken Paella—these specialties are sure to keep the frigid fall breezes at bay.

Oscar Wilde’s provocative retelling of the Biblical story, Salome, is brought to life with Richard Strauss’ enchanting music this season at the San Diego Opera. Tapenade is pairing this epic tale of lust, seduction, and deceit with a similarly dramatic menu for one night on October 25th. Join Executive Director of Diversionary Theatre John E Alexander and Dr. Nicolas Reveles on an exploration of this story while savoring the inspired three-course prix fixe ”Taste of Opera” menu. Beginning at 6:00pm on the 25th, this indulgent meal satisfies the appetite and imagination with captivating cuisine and conversation—and the complimentary glass of wine colors the evening a deeper shade of opulence. Tickets to this evening of decadence and intrigue are only $50 per person, but must be purchased before October 21st.

Looking at it now, autumn doesn’t seem like the end to anything, but is the beginning of a beautiful dining season.