Off we went again this evening, to see Nabucco in the University Concert Hall, Limerick. We ate first, and having had a not great experience at the Castletroy Park Hotel last time, we thought of eating in Ristorante del Arte in the Crescent shopping centre instead. And that's what we did.
Despite all the warnings on the approach roads about roadworks, naturally there was little sign of them. Typical. Never believe Irish warning signs. They go up when needed (maybe), then stay up until some student nicks them for their flat. Unless they're too big and heavy, or positioned out the country, far from students, in which case they stay there indefinitely, heeded by nobody save nervous tourists, who are probably already phased at having to drive on the wrong side of the road. If the council needs them somewhere else, it just goes out and buys new ones. And they wonder why the country is broke.
The restaurant in the Crescent sc is located right beside the cinema, which makes parking awkward. Luckily, I got what must have been the last space in that section. We were shown to our table by a very smiley waiter with an accent. She was quite insistent that we take that one, although I knew my mother would have preferred a quieter table. She explained that it was because of the type of seating - the tables over there had low chairs, and the chairs at the other tables weren't as comfy - she made my mother sit in one to try it out. So we sat where we were told, and it was quite fine! She then explained that she knew, by looking at people, which they would prefer.
Pity she didn't pay as much attention to our order for starters. Really, all we wanted was garlic bread. First, we got it with cheese, then we got it with bruschetta! Well, the rest of the order went ok. She had the fish, I had the chicken marsala, which I usually do, we both had mash, and all was gorgeous. We both wanted wine, so our waiter got us a 500ml jug. I do like that touch at this chain. We went for the house wine - I could see no evidence of a wine list. And, of course, we would have to have desserts - I went for the ice cream Napoletan, which is delectable and easily the chocolatiest thing there. My mother went for creme brulee, which she enjoyed very much. We came away happy, and very stuffed. I was on a chocolate rush that lasted all night! And we did a smidgeon of shopping - my mother found a top she liked in Carraig Donn. She doesn't get out much to go shopping.
We got to the concert hall in good time, and found a great parking space - naturally, since for once it wasn't raining. Not all night did it rain, except for a squall while we were eating. Which was fine. The opera had three intervals, which was great for people watching - some nice outfits were spotted. Again, it was an Ellen Kent production with the Chisinau National Opera and National Philharmonic Orchestra. So their outfits were also a matter of interest! They're known for having elaborate costumes.
For my money, between this and Aida, both of which are spectacular productions, Nabucco shades it. It's based on the biblical story of Nebuchadnezzar (Nabucco for short), who defeats the Israelites and brings them as slaves to Babylon. Things don't go quite to plan, however.. Again, there were kids on stage, but purely as extras this time. The singing was wonderful, with the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves the highlight. But the music overall is sublime. A highly deserved standing ovation finished off the night.
Nothing else planned for the weekend. Monday is looking like a film - I'll spend the weekend deciding which. Of course, I might be moving into a new place on Monday! so I'll play it by ear..
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