On Saturday, December 7, during the occasion of the Prima della Scala, a Gala Dinner was held, featuring a menu entirely dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi, prepared by chef Andrea Aprea. Here’s a look at how the evening unfolded and what was served at this highly anticipated social event. Every year, on December 7, the day dedicated to Saint Ambrose, the first performance marks the beginning of the 2024/2025 season at one of Italy's most prestigious theaters. However, the Prima della Scala is more than just an opera event; it's a celebration of the entire city. Traditionally, the evening concludes with a Gala Dinner at the Società del Giardino, where art and cuisine intersect in a unique experience. This year, the culinary offerings were crafted by Andrea Aprea, the chef of the two Michelin-starred restaurant located at Corso Venezia 52. He created a menu that pays homage to Giuseppe Verdi and highlights the flavors of his homeland.
The Gala Dinner at the Premiere of La Scala is more than just a social gathering; it is a performance within a performance. This event captures the essence of the opera presented on stage while also honoring the theater and its significance to the city. “As the administrators of Caffè Scala for the past thirteen years, we have consistently woven a common thread between the chosen opera and the Dopo Scala gala. For us, the dinner table becomes a stage where we showcase every detail, from the menu to the custom setting, much like theatrical furnishings,” explains Salvatore Quartulli, the administrator and general manager of Caffè Scala, whom we interviewed last year. The dinner welcomes over 500 guests at the Garden Society. Every element of the gala is carefully designed to create a connection with the inaugural opera. This year, the spotlight was on Giuseppe Verdi's "Forza del Destino."
"The menu I envisioned highlights the connection between Giuseppe Verdi and the authentic flavors of his homeland,” Aprea explains. “I conducted thorough and fascinating research on the maestro's habits and personal tastes. It was captivating to discover how deeply he appreciated the genuine flavors of his region and his love for good company. Verdi particularly favored Grana Padano, boiled meats, and tomato mushrooms—ingredients I wanted to incorporate into the dishes on the menu to honor his culinary connections. This exploration was not only a creative endeavor but also a chance to immerse myself in Verdi's life as a person, as well as a composer, translating his passion for food into a sincere and respectful culinary tribute.” The menu is a classic selection with some contemporary twists: “I also aimed to include contrasting flavors that reflect modernity, showcasing an evolution from past tastes.”
The gastronomic offerings include four finger food options: creamed cod with soft potato, yellow tomato, lard, and crunchy bread; bread soup with San Secondo shoulder; and focaccia with fennel seeds and Piacenza bacon. These will accompany guests throughout the meal.
The menu begins with a risotto creamed with Grana Padano Riserva, mushrooms, and underbrush, evoking the scents of Verdi's homeland. This is followed by boiled veal glazed with black pepper, served with Cremona mustard and sprouts, adding a contemporary twist to a classic dish cherished by the composer. To conclude the meal, the dessert pays homage to the Milanese Christmas tradition with Panettone 2.0, a sweet icon of Milan In parallel to the dinner at the Società del Giardino, Caffè Scala will organize a large buffet for over 500 people dedicated to the workers of the Teatro alla Scala. A dinner within a dinner, set up in record time behind the scenes during the final applause, which represents a tribute to those who work tirelessly to make every show possible.
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