We had the honor of catering the Seattle Opera’s 60th Anniversary Concert and Gala earlier this month, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Our longstanding relationship with this organization makes every celebration with them exceptionally meaningful. We are especially proud to be a winner of the “Best Team Effort” award through ILEA Seattle for this particular event!
The dedication to this year’s celebration was no different than those in the past. Our team was beyond committed to making this program as seamless as possible, in order to raise as much money as possible, for an organization so close to our hearts.
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This year’s dinner celebration took place on the Seattle Opera stage… literally. Our team set up 36 tables directly on the McCaw Hall stage where guests and artists alike dined after a late afternoon concert featuring the Seattle Opera chorus, symphony, and some very special singers. The glamorous birthday bash celebrated the past six decades of the Seattle Opera’s world-class production of both classic and new works. We were elated to be a part of such a grand, yet intimate evening on the stage of McCaw Hall!
This year’s menu was expertly curated by celebrated Seattle chef, Tom Douglas. Tom and his daughter, Loretta Douglas, introduced each course of his northwest-inspired cuisine on the main stage of McCaw Hall while our team worked behind the scenes to prepare, plate, and serve the dishes to all 350 guests.
The first course featured a refreshing Chilled Yakima Asparagus with a Slaw of Savoy Cabbage, Carrot, Mint, Dill, Basil, Lime, and Toasted Shallot. Then, guests had the option of a Seared Alaskan Halibut with Eight Bell's Beurre Blanc and Charred Lemon; Braised Boneless Short Ribs with Shiitake Mushrooms, Celery Root, and Fried Rosemary; or a Vegan Coconut Rice Bowl with Lentil Meatballs, Shiitake, Roasted Carrots, Bok Choy, and Scallion Gravy for their entree.
The guests ended the night with their choice of a sweet treat! The options were a Roasted Hazelnut Cake with Olive Oil, Blood Orange, and Theo Chocolate Ganache; a Tropical Curd & Coconut Cookie Stack with Whipped Cream, and Fresh Fruit; or a Vegan Cashew Custard in a Chocolate Cup with Fresh Berries.
We can’t wait to see what culinary innovations will take place at next year’s event, the bar is certainly high!
Despite the program running 20 minutes behind schedule, our team was able to make up that time by completing our plate-up for 350 guests in just 18 minutes. By keeping a focus on teamwork, one of our core three philosophies, we allowed their team to get back on track and finish the program with time to spare. Go team!
The key to a big event like this one is to treat our teammates as we treat our guests; with kindness, respect, and appreciation.
There's nothing more fulfilling than knowing we've delighted our clients. So, receiving feedback like the one below makes everything we do so worth it.
From Liz Sexton, Senior Event Producer at Tolo Events:
“Emily and Team, What an amazing job you did on Saturday! I still don't understand how you got those entrees served so fast. We made up almost 20 minutes in the program and actually ended early, and you deserve all the credit. The food was fantastic - the halibut was possibly some of the best fish I have ever tasted. Amazing, amazing, amazing. Please send our thanks to Trevor, the chefs, and everyone on the team. You guys ROCK!”
A huge congratulations to the Seattle Opera on exceeding their fundraising goal this year by $500,000, ultimately raising $2.8 million dollars to continue their mission of inspiring and educating Seattle through the shared experience of opera! We are so happy that we got to be a part of it for another year.
We’re already marking our calendars for 2025!
Event Planning & Design: Tolo Events
Venue: McCaw Hall
Client: Seattle Opera
Dinner Menu Design: Tom Douglas
Catering & Bar: Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes
Reception: Oak View Group
Cocktail Design: Maggie Early
Cocktail Wall: On the Wall Design Studio
Floral Design: Athina Floral
Decor: Tolo Events & Seattle Event Decor
Rentals: BBJ Linens, Happy Hour Bar Rentals, CORT Party Rental, Pedersen’s Event Rentals
AV: Provided by McCaw Hall & Seattle Opera
Auctioneer: Lydia Fenet
Jazz Quartet: Rayburn Entertainment
Roaming Photo Booths: City Sound Wave
Always ready to party.
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4105 Airport Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 932-1059
info@dsquaredcompany.com
