Where we ate: We ate again at Madrina, where we were just a year ago. The waitress spoke of their “new” chef, whom they hired in January 2025. Perhaps he wasn’t in the groove last spring, because the food was even better this time. The arancini were perfect — in particular the temperatures were perfect: inside and out. Same for the tiramisu. It was cold where it should be cold and vice versa. Anne’s Bolognese was really delicious. It wasn’t sweet but it still gave my brain the dopamine hit of candy. My cod’s sauce had many complex sour-artichoke and peppery-potato notes, but the cod was very very mild. More a texture than a taste.
What I wore: Big hoop earrings, white tank and pants, and this top which has served no purpose for six months but to wait for me to dress like a pirate.
I felt I had done well with my pirate-inspired look until I arrived and every third person went full-on pirate. There were hooks, hats, eye patches, mustaches. No parrots or peg legs. Plus, every child got a swag bag with a pirate flag and I think an eyepatch. I saw a dainty little girl in a crinoline dress and velvet bow strap on an eyepatch, hike up her crinoline, and chase her brother all over the grounds.
Friend Anne asked if I was going to dress on theme for Streetcar Named Desire, specifically in a sleeveless T-shirt, which made me roar indelicately.
A new pair to look out for: I noticed a shoe by my right ear and then a leg as a man clambered over my row.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I said, gesturing at the open aisle.
“Yes, but I did it because I could.”
His wife took the easy aisle access and added that he’d done the same thing when they went to see Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. The Rosencrantzes brought up the cicada performance and the Costume Sale where Mrs. R., like Anne and I, bought a fez.
The Family SalmonPants: Mr. and Mrs. SalmonPants attended with two small girls of about five. Nieces? Children? It’s not right to even wonder. Instead I shall be Boo Radley and keep my counsel until I need to step in.
2 responses to “Pre-opera: The Pirates of Penzance”
That is SO FUN!!! And yes, your shirt is Subtle Nod To Pirate Shirt rather than Full Costume. But it is also interesting in itself, so there is that. (was it comfortable?)
I think I would not suggest dressing up as a streetcar…
KC – it was as comfy as could be given I had tweaked my back and was wearing a back brace under it.