What's Happening?
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is bringing back its 'Taste of the Arts' dining series for the 2026-27 season following a successful run in the previous year. This program combines a multi-course dinner at a local Orange County restaurant with a performance
at the center, aiming to enhance the cultural experience for patrons. The series will feature six nights of performances, each paired with a themed dinner. The season kicks off on September 19 with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, paired with a dinner at Calo Kitchen + Tequila. Other highlights include a performance of 'The Outsiders' with dinner at Antonello Ristorante, a cabaret show with Tituss Burgess accompanied by a meal at Morton’s the Steakhouse, and a Valentine's Day event with the Takács Quartet and a dim sum luncheon from Paradise Dynasty. The series concludes with a performance by 'Wicked' star Jessica Vosk, paired with a dinner at AnQi Bistro. Subscriptions for the series are priced at $1,350 and are currently available.
Why It's Important?
The revival of the 'Taste of the Arts' series underscores the Segerstrom Center's commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Orange County by integrating dining and performing arts. This initiative not only supports local restaurants by driving patronage but also enhances the overall experience for attendees, potentially attracting a broader audience to the arts. By offering a diverse range of performances and culinary experiences, the series caters to varied tastes and preferences, fostering a deeper appreciation for both the arts and local cuisine. This approach could serve as a model for other cultural institutions seeking to innovate and engage with their communities more effectively.
What's Next?
As the series progresses, it will be important to monitor audience reception and participation levels, which could influence future programming decisions at the Segerstrom Center. The success of this series may encourage other arts organizations to adopt similar models, potentially leading to a broader trend of integrating dining experiences with cultural events. Additionally, the partnerships with local restaurants could strengthen community ties and provide economic benefits to the local hospitality industry. Feedback from patrons will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future iterations of the 'Taste of the Arts' series.
