As we stepped into Opelia on a crisp Los Gatos evening, the glow of candlelight and the soft hum of conversation set the perfect scene for an intimate dinner. The air carried the warmth of fragrant spices, a promise of a journey through the rich and diverse heritage of the Aegean and Anatolia. What made the evening at Opera even more special—sharing it with our dear friends, Nelson and Susie Bye, who have been our companions on multiple riverboat cruises throughout the United States. Just as we floated together through scenic waterways, savoring the charm of each port, this dinner became another beautiful journey—only this time, through the flavors of the Mediterranean right here in our own backyard.
After bringing us our drinks, our Russian waitress, Karena recommended we start with a Meze Combo as an appetizer, a delightful assortment of small, flavorful dishes that are perfect for sharing. For our entrees, Susie had Moussaka; Nelson had Eggplant and they shared a jumbo prawns dish with artichoke bottoms, capers, arugula pesto, marash, and sea salt flakes. Cecile had Lamb Lolipops with arugula, compari, yogurt and fresh lemon, and a dish of Brussel Sprouts with pomegranate molasses and kesseri cheese; while I enjoyed a braised lamb shank resting atop creamy, cheese-laced barley, that arrived like a dish straight from an Anatolian love story. The fork-tender meat melted on my tongue.
For dessert each couple shared an Elmek Kadayifi, a traditional Anatolian bread pudding filled with mascarpone sabayon with ice cream made out of goat milk that was heavenly. An evening like this isn’t just about dining—it’s about the warmth of friendship, the joy of reminiscing, and the anticipation of the next adventure waiting just beyond the horizon.
