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Friday, 21 October 2016

Carluccio's Presents: Opera A Tavola

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

When you think of dinner then the opera, you don't think of both at the same time... Am I right? Well Carluccio's have some dates where both are combined and I fortunately got to experience one for myself in their Peterborough venue. Welcome to Opera A Tavola.

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

Tucked away behind the town square church, this Carluccio's venue is a mix of the old and the new with an al fresco dining area- perfect for brunches or warm summer nights. With the restaurant closed to the general public for the evening, we had the luxury of aperitifs and pre-dinner drinks outside and in the foyer of the restaurant.

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola


The food for the night was a custom set menu for the evening and promised "an evening of good food, wine and music". I wish I could tell you what exactly each dish was but in all honesty, I didn't note down what each course was! What I can tell you is it was delicious and each course was wonderfully presented, inviting you try everything. See for yourself...

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

Now onto the opera... You're probably thinking this was at the end of the evening? Oh no! Your evening was accompanied by the music which was in between the food; giving a nice break to each course and the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine.

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola
 
The singers circulated the room so every diner got a good view during the evening and each piece had a story to tell. Being a novice in opera knowledge, it was nice to hear some pieces that I actually recognised. In all honesty though, it initially felt rather bizarre to have strangers singing to me mid-dinner, never mind full blown opera. If I told you I didn't get the giggles initially, well, I'd by lying!

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

Each course was warmly welcomed by my tummy with each dish being something I wouldn't typically choose but was pleased to try. The opera grew on me as the evening progressed and it was lovely to see everyone listening contently to the music. The night was sold out which goes to show how popular it is and how much everyone enjoyed it. I would note however that on this particular evening, Chris and I brought the average age down considerably, with no one in their late 20s to early 30s being present other than us. Regardless, this shouldn't stop anyone from attending and enjoying the evening whatsoever.

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

Carluccio's Presents Opera A Tavola

We finished the night with coffees and carriages at 10:30 pm which was perfect for a Tuesday evening.

Opera A Tavola was a truly unique experience and one that I've not come across at any other restaurants. Carluccio's have certainly got it down to a tee with their exquisite food and talented opera singers for the evening, making the whole experience a delight for the senses.

If you're looking to treat an opera lover to a evening of food and music, this would be perfect! I'd also recommend that you book in advance as tickets sell out fast! Would I go again? Perhaps not. Purely because I didn't appreciate the opera as much as the other guests but as far as food at Carluccio's goes, I'll definitely be returning for their authentic Italian dishes.

Have you been to Opera A Tavola?

Monday, 17 October 2016

Boots Emporium

Boots Emporium

You may or may not have heard the Emporium now in the large Boots stores across the UK but what exactly is it? Both Emily (from Musings and More) and I were very intrigued to find out what is was all about and were fortunate to be invited to one of the launches at the Peterborough branch.



The first thing to note were all the Christmas goodies were out! Emily and I were literally oohing and arring, trying to justify getting ALL THE THINGS as we'd just been paid. There's a gift for everyone this year from coffee lovers to candle burners, bubble bath fiends and much much more. There's lots of bits that make for a perfect present.


Boots Emporium

Now the Emporium itself promises to personalise your purchases from Boots an the perfect way to do this is to get things engraved of course!


Boots Emporium

You'll be pleased to know that the engraving service isn't just for Christmas either. From Valentine's day to birthdays, graduation to an anniversary- the engraving service is a perfect way to add that personal touch. It's only £3 an engraved message which I thought was petty darn reasonable and can be produced on multiple surfaces of the product albeit the same message.

Boots Emporium

Boots Emporium

The engraving can be coloured using different types of ink. Unfortunately with my choice of product to engrave it didn't come out very well so Boots engraved another product free of charge.

Boots Emporium

With my mum's birthday being this week and her huge love of Yankee Candles, it seemed kind of perfect to get a candle engraved for her (and yes I do call her Mothership!)

To add some extra personalisation, the Emporium offers gift wrapping, with custom ribbon too. I'm be *subtly* hinting at Chris to head here as his wrapping skills are ahem,,,, interesting? This is also perfect for anyone else that isn't a gift wrap pro or just wants to add that extra finishing touch,

Boots Emporium

Boots Emporium

Boots Emporium

Onto more beauty... The emporium offers make overs and the chance for you to try out products and see how they perform unlike some of the typical beauty stands. They also have exclusive brands to peruse at your own leisure.




Boots Emporium

Beauty experts are on hand for you to try a new makeup look or trend and there were plenty of ladies looking fabulous  at the event with eyebrows on point and eyeliner on fleek! There's lots of beauty events coming up too like Halloween which are perfect opportunities to have your make-up done.


Boots Emporium

Overall the Emporium is an awesome addition to Boots, giving a more personal shopping experience that you won't find anywhere else. They've certainly upped the anti on giving the perfect gift this Christmas!!


I may have come home with just a liiiitle bit to try out after the event. Oops!

Have you visited the Emporium yet?


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