Opera Returns to Osteria Maria in Front Royal

Front Royal’s Osteria Maria, an Italian gem tucked away on South Royal Avenue, is set to host a special opera event later this month. This marks the revival of a beloved tradition initiated by the restaurant’s former owner, Vincenzo Belvito, who held similar events several times before the pandemic.

Chef Biagio Vignola, the current owner of Osteria Maria, has announced that the opera will take place on August 26th and 27th. This year, the event will feature a selection of the greatest hits from various operas performed by professional singers from the Shenandoah Conservatory. Among the performers will be Melissa Chavez, who, along with her colleagues, has performed across the United States. The event is dedicated to the late John Marlow, a figure in Front Royal who never missed a single opera at Osteria Maria.

The restaurant’s intimate setting allows for just 50 guests per night, meaning only 100 tickets will be available for the entire event. Tickets are priced at $105 per person, with a $25 deposit required to secure a reservation. This helps ensure that guests who reserve a spot will attend, as the restaurant has experienced no-shows in the past despite fully booked reservations.

Chef Vignola and his team will treat guests to a four-course meal. The menu includes a late summer salad with local ingredients, house-made butternut squash tortellone, braised short ribs with potatoes and spinach, and a unique Italian-style cheesecake with a crème brûlée twist. The dishes are crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, a hallmark of Italian cuisine, which Chef Vignola emphasized during a recent interview.

The event will feature multiple 15-minute opera sets between courses, allowing guests to enjoy the performance in a relaxed and interactive atmosphere. A guide will be provided for those unfamiliar with the opera’s original languages, which include French and Italian, to help them follow along with the performance.

Osteria Maria, located across from Spelunker’s on South Royal Avenue, has a rich history dating back to 1941 when it was first established as the Blue Ridge Steakhouse and Seafood. Since taking over the restaurant, Chef Vignola, who has a background working at prestigious establishments like the Inn of Little Washington, has strived to offer an authentic Italian dining experience. The restaurant is open for lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

For those interested in attending the opera, reservations can be made by visiting Osteria Maria’s website or calling the restaurant directly. With only 100 tickets available, those interested are encouraged to act quickly.

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