In yesterday's post, I mentioned that I had a hot date with my wife.
We started our evening at Compass Restaurant, rotating high above the Phoenix skyline.
The setting was absolutely majestic. We were offered a 360°view of the city, along with a eagle's eye view of the setting sun.
The staff were very cordial, and the food was better than expected from a hotel chain setting. It wasn't out of this world, but clearly rated a solid 4 out of 5.
The only beef we had with our dinning experience is that it took them about 20 minutes to get our main course to the table. I suspect they were slammed from all the diners attending downtown events.
I suppose, to be honest, with all the incredible restaurants in our area, we likely wouldn't go back. However, with the ambiance, and their location within walking distance to downtown events, I am quite certain that we will be back for these two reasons alone.
After dinner, we literally walked out the front door of the restaurant's location, and walked into the Phoenix Symphony Hall across the street.
This was Arizona Opera's 2009 opening performance. The hall appeared to be sold out, and replete with valley residents all decked out for their special evening out.
Cossi' fan tutte, being comic light opera, was full of farcical moments which had the audience giggling as we were able to follow the Italian libretto with the English translation being projected above the stage.
I suppose, when compared to the whole world of opera, we won't see any of these performance touted around the world as earth shattering. However, the vocal prowess of the singers was most pleasing, certainly not distracting, and gave us all a few intermittent glimpses of greatness. You know, you hear a particular phrase, and you say to yourself, wow, she nailed that!.
If you have never visited the Arizona Opera, I would highly recommend it. I am absolutely certain that we will back back, many times, and furthermore, proud to support this organization in our community.
