Indulging in Exquisite Cuisine During the Opera Intermission

Indulging in Exquisite Cuisine During the Opera Intermission

If you’ve ever thought that dining during an opera intermission was an impossible feat, then you probably haven’t heard of the Grand Tier restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Here, you can savor gourmet dishes while gazing at the magnificent artwork by Chagall that graces the walls. On my visit, I found myself mesmerized by a crab cake, with a stunning painting of flying goats overhead.

The Artistry of Manager George Krpeyan

George Krpeyan, the longtime manager of Grand Tier, shared that serving a full menu during an opera intermission is quite a challenge. With over two decades of experience in the high-pressure restaurant scene, including renowned steakhouses in New York, it’s no wonder he skillfully navigates the hustle and bustle of hundreds of diners in just 30 minutes.

Guests at Grand Tier typically need to place their orders 48 hours in advance, either online or over the phone. But don’t worry if you didn’t plan ahead; the bars in the opera area are ready to serve you drinks like espresso martinis for a reasonable price, with simple options like a Black Forest ham sandwich costing around $12.

The 'Velvet Curtain' Menu: A Taste of Opera

The menu at Grand Tier is steeped in classic elegance, featuring appetizers such as white asparagus soup, duck rillette, and a seafood platter. For the main course, you can choose from roasted chicken, sheep's milk agnolotti, or king salmon. To top off your meal, indulge in Russian honey cake and a seasonal sakura mochi dessert, delicately crafted with raspberries, chocolate, and peach.

For those with enough time to enjoy both intermissions, the prix-fixe menu—including an appetizer, main course, and dessert—is the perfect choice. This tradition feels reminiscent of writing a letter to Santa Claus as you fill out your reservation form. However, Krpeyan assured me that simply showing up and enjoying the feast is all that’s required.

Planning for a Brief Intermission

We had a well-thought-out plan: rush to Grand Tier as soon as the intermission began and ensure we didn’t indulge too much to avoid the dreaded ‘pause’ during the show. Our table was beautifully set with bison carpaccio, crab cakes, and vegetables on labneh—like unwrapping a Christmas gift.

The atmosphere here isn’t as noisy as you might expect from a bustling restaurant. The sparkling Sputnik lights, plush carpeting, and low murmurs create a cozy and relaxed ambiance. Many diners savor their main courses or desserts in a gentle conversation, as if time itself has come to a standstill.