Sustainable Elegance and Culinary Art

Green Events in the Spotlight at the Opernredoute 2025
Alexandra Gorsche © Conny Leitgeb Photography
20. January 2025 | 
Alexandra Gorsche
20. January 2025
|
Alexandra Gorsche

When the Graz Opera opens its doors to the 24th Opernredoute on January 25, 2025, the focus will not only be on glamour and sophistication but also on a strong awareness of sustainability. Under the theme “Moonstruck,” elegance, magical ambiance, and environmentally conscious concepts merge this year to create a unique experience.

Sustainability as the Event's Guiding Principle

In 2025, the Opernredoute sets new standards by combining traditional ball culture with forward-thinking ideas. From regional ingredients in the culinary offerings to energy-efficient lighting design – every detail has been meticulously planned to minimize the ecological footprint.

One example is the collaboration with local producers. In the Moonlight Bar, designed by set decorator Mignon Ritter, guests can enjoy not only a spectacular setting featuring a three-dimensional moon and wolf figures but also drinks that highlight regional ingredients. The signature drink "Moon Berry" combines the flavors of Organics Purple Berry and Lillet, representing the harmonious blend of indulgence and sustainability.

Culinary Art with a Conscience

The Opernredoute 2025 is dedicated to sustainable gastronomy. Local and seasonal ingredients form the basis of the exquisite dishes offered at various gourmet stations. A standout concept is the "1001 Oasis" restaurant, serving international dishes such as oriental chickpea curry – always with a focus on regional quality.

Sustainability also takes center stage in the beverage selection. The wine bar powered by Morandell offers an exclusive range of regional wines, while the year’s special pilsner from Reininghaus delights beer enthusiasts. Partnerships with local businesses underscore the commitment to promoting regional value creation while delivering a premium offering.

Dance, Music, and a Sustainable Atmosphere

The musical highlight of the night, the Midnight Show, remains a closely guarded secret. However, it’s certain to enchant guests while creatively showcasing the themes of the evening – magic and sustainability.

The newly designed Moonlight Bar and Moulin Rouge offer not only musical diversity – from vinyl tracks to Cuban rhythms – but also spaces that invite conscious enjoyment. Sustainable materials and reusable decorative elements emphasize the environmentally friendly character of the venues.

Our Conclusion for the Future

The Opernredoute 2025 makes a bold statement: traditional events can be glamorous while remaining responsible. The combination of regional gastronomy, sustainable design, and an impressive artistic program demonstrates that green events are not only possible but also inspiring.

The question that remains is: how can this model be transferred to other events? The Opernredoute 2025 provides a blueprint for sustainable event planning – a concept that enriches the present while pointing the way forward.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!

Book tip: Pasta al Pomodoro

Pasta that brings people together – 55 stories of a great love

It doesn’t take much to bring people together – sometimes all you need is tomatoes, pasta, and a pinch of history. In Pasta al Pomodoro, author Ilse Fischer focuses on a classic dish that is much more than just noodles with sauce: it is a symbol of community, memory, and flavor in its purest form.

The idea came about when Fischer tasted three-star chef Niko Romito’s signature dish, “Spaghetti e Pomodoro” – simple, clear, and yet stunningly deep. “Few ingredients, simple preparation, unique taste,” she recalls. And this experience became the starting point for a project that combines culinary art, emotion, and culture.

In 55 variations, she shows how differently and yet how closely connected this classic dish can be interpreted—from Italian nonnas to culinary greats such as Heinz Reitbauer, Andreas Caminada, Johann Lafer, Norbert Niederkofler, Rudi Obauer, and Tina Marcelli. Even artists and actors such as Philipp Hochmair and Walter Grüll contribute their personal versions.

INFO
Pasta al Pomodoro – 55 variations on the Italian classic
Author: Ilse Fischer
Photography: Ingolf Hatz
Foreword: Placido Domingo
Publisher: Christian Verlag GmbH
Length: 208 pages
ISBN: 978-3-95961-958-5
Price: €30.90 (D/A)

Guest chef at Ikarus: Álvaro Salazar

A culinary journey from Andalusia to Mallorca

When Mediterranean lightness meets Andalusian temperament, the result is a menu that is more than just an arrangement of courses: it becomes a narrative about origins, freedom, and the longing for new perspectives. In December 2025, two-star chef Álvaro Salazar from VORO in Mallorca will take over as guest chef of the month at Restaurant Ikarus – and take Salzburg on a sensory journey between Andalusia and the Balearic Islands.

Book tip: Porto – The Cookbook

A love letter to flavors, the Atlantic Ocean, and authenticity

“Porto – The Cookbook” by Sylvie Da Silva brings the flavors of the Atlantic city to life in book form. The focus is not only on the food, but also on the culture behind it – from hearty home cooking to delicate monastery desserts.

The work captivates with its mixture of recipes and travel impressions. Each chapter takes readers on an enjoyable journey of discovery – including stories about ingredients, regions, and people. The balance between culinary depth and emotional closeness is particularly successful.

INFO
Porto – The Cookbook
Author: Sylvie Da Silva
Publisher: Südwest Verlag
192 pages, approx. 120 color photos
ISBN: 978-3-517-10389-1
Price: €24.00 (Germany) / €24.70 (Austria) / CHF 33.50

quick & dirty
The ballroom © Kanizaj Photography
Sustainable Elegance and Culinary Art

When the Graz Opera opens its doors to the 24th Opernredoute on January 25, 2025, the focus will not only be on glamour and sophistication but also on a strong awareness of sustainability. Under the theme “Moonstruck,” elegance, magical ambiance, and environmentally conscious concepts merge this year to create a unique experience.