Operatinis feature your favorite, operatic masterpieces with a dash of musical theater perfectly mixed like your favorite cocktail! The perfect blend of elegance and culinary fare, Opera Idaho artists serenade as you enjoy a chef-inspired buffet dinner, themed specialty cocktails, mocktails, and martinis: an intimate little taste of opera and perfectly paired cuisine. Get glamorous for an unforgettable date night, or stay a little casual for a relaxing opera dinner-theater experience.
OPERATINI
Venue
The Sapphire Room in The Riverside Hotel
2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City
Doors open for dinner
Thursdays 5:00 pm | 8:00 pm
Performance
Thursdays 5:45 pm | 8:45 pm
Ticket Prices
Premium: $67
Regular: $50
Includes dinner & performance
Drinks sold separately
Groups
Save 20% on groups of 10 or more. Contact the box office at 208-345-3531.
All tickets show the “all-in” price, fees and tax included.
Click map for seating chart.
View The Seating Chart for The Sapphire Room
October 8, 2026
Love and Escape
Featuring the cast of Abduction singing some of their favorite melodies from the world of opera, musical theater, and jazz.
Image is for illustration purposes only. Actual ingredients, presentation, and plating may vary.
On the Menu
Enjoy Chicken Caprese with saffron rice and lemon asparagus, followed by panna cotta. A vegetarian and gluten free option features stuffed portobello and coconut panna cotta.
Signature Cocktail:
The White Lady
Step back into the Prohibition era with The White Lady, a bright, silky gin sour made with lemon, orange liqueur, and a frothy egg white finish.
November 19, 2026
Raise a Glass
Join us to raise a glass as we give thanks to great music, delicious food, good company, and the joy of gathering together.
Image is for illustration purposes only. Actual ingredients, presentation, and plating may vary.
On the Menu
Enjoy meatloaf with gravy, garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes, and green beans, followed by cheesecake with berry coulis. A vegetarian and gluten free option features butternut squash filet and fruit skewers.
Suggested Cocktail:
Old Fashioned
Raise a glass to a classic bourbon cocktail with a touch of sweetness, bitters, and a twist of orange.
January 14, 2027
Music & Martinis
Start the new year with exceptional music, expertly mixed martinis, and great company. The perfect way to chase away the winter blues.
Image is for illustration purposes only. Actual ingredients, presentation, and plating may vary.
On the Menu
Chase away the winter blues with Chicken Florentine, rice pilaf, and a broccoli cauliflower blend, followed by fruit trifle. A vegetarian and gluten free option features a sweet potato fajita bowl with rice and coconut panna cotta.
Suggested Cocktail:
Winter Blue Martini
Bright blue curaçao and orange bitters give this vodka martini a playful splash of winter color.
February 18, 2027
Under the Spotlight
Featuring the cast of Pagliacci singing some of their favorite melodies from the world of opera, musical theater, and jazz.
Image is for illustration purposes only. Actual ingredients, presentation, and plating may vary.
On the Menu
Join the cast of Pagliacci for coffee braised brisket with rosemary new potatoes and green beans, followed by panna cotta. A vegetarian and gluten free option features butternut squash filet and coconut panna cotta.
Suggested Cocktail:
Manhattan
A timeless blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, served with a cherry.
April 22, 2027
Bohemian Nights
Featuring the cast of La bohème singing some of their favorite melodies from the world of opera, musical theater, and jazz.
Image is for illustration purposes only. Actual ingredients, presentation, and plating may vary.
On the Menu
Spend the evening with the cast of La bohème over pork medallions with apple walnut cream, rosemary new potatoes, and lemon asparagus, followed by mousse. A vegetarian and gluten free option features stuffed portobello and fruit skewers.
Suggested Cocktail:
Sidecar
Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon come together in this lively classic, served in a sugar rimmed glass.
History
Before Operatinis, a series of delightful events was initiated by then Executive Director Julie Kilgrow. The first such event, “Bellini, Puccini Martini,” was an exclusive gathering at The Arid Club during the 2006-2007 season. These events evolved through various names, including “Puccini Martini Blast” from 2008 through early 2011, and “Donizetti Down and Dirty” in spring 2011.
In 2009, when Mark Junkert took over as Executive Director (renamed General Director in 2011), these events became ticketed and open to the public. They took place a week before a mainstage production, featuring cast members performing their favorite operatic pieces while guests enjoyed heavy appetizers, providing patrons with an intimate experience.
On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, the event was officially renamed Operatini, a fitting portmanteau as a martini was always featured alongside opera performances. The inaugural Operatini, themed “The British Are Coming,” was a delightful gathering at Le Café de Paris in downtown Boise, featuring the cast from The Pirates of Penzance. Following a sold-out event at the restaurant, subsequent Operatinis moved to Beside Bardenay. The cocktail-style seating and open floor plan allowed more opera lovers to enjoy these events, but as Operatinis grew in popularity, the need for a larger venue became apparent.
On February 5, 2015, The Sapphire Room at The Riverside Hotel became the primary home for Operatinis. This move enriched the event with a full dinner buffet and signature cocktails. The events began to feature various musical styles, including musical theater, jazz, and pop songs. Initially, there was only one performance per night. However, due to soaring popularity and a growing fanbase, a second performance was added to accommodate all our enthusiastic guests. We also introduced events that were not tied to productions, showcasing talented local artists from the Treasure Valley.
In 2024, Stacey Trenteseaux took over as General Director, ushering in another chapter for Operatini. Building on the series’ tradition of showcasing local artists, Operatini expanded its reach to feature performers from throughout Idaho and beyond. Today, the series continues to bring audiences and artists together for intimate evenings of music, food, and signature cocktails.