This menu is inspired by “La Vie Boheme” as experienced by the characters in RENT.
Life Café in New York is the real life inspiration and fictional backdrop for the musicians, poets, writers, artists and other characters of RENT. It is here that they share their lives, their ideas and emotions while also eating and drinking and enjoying the simple things in life. The food is rustic, simple and highlights the poetry of the season.
The pre-performance dining experience opens 90 minutes before evening performances in the Northern Foyer of the Joan Sutherland Theatre. The space is wheelchair accessible.
Space is limited, so we recommend purchasing dinner when you book your tickets. No booking is necessary for the bar.
Overture Dining Menu
$97 per person
Entrée
“Everything” crumbed goat cheese with spring vegetables, smoked trout and croutons A simple dish quite popular in the late 80s/early 90s in cafes around the US with a New York flavour of “Everything bagels, lox and cream cheese”.
Or
Beetroot carpaccio with miso dressing and nori almonds VG, GF This dish references the beloved miso soup and seaweed salad the characters eat in the musical.
Main
Pork, spinach and wild mushroom crepinettes with lentils and mustard sauce A reference to the “meatballs” eaten by the characters at the Life Café but also a connection between humble peasant food and high cuisine that would have been appreciated by a bohemian crowd.
Or
Wild mushroom stuffed cabbage with lentils, asparagus and mustard sauce VG, GF
Dessert
525,600 layer mille feuille with roasted strawberries, rhubarb and vanilla custard A reference to one of the most iconic songs from this production.
Or
Coconut and vanilla panna cotta with roasted strawberries, rhubarb and macadamia crumble VG, GF
Reservations
To book, choose your performance ticket and then add a dining package.
If you already have tickets, sign in to your account and view your upcoming performances to add dinner.
Abbreviations:
V Vegetarian VG Vegan GF Gluten Free
Published menu is subject to change without notice.
Published menu is subject to change without notice;
We recommend you arrive 90 minutes prior to the performance start time (and no later than one hour prior to the show) to ensure you have appropriate time to enjoy your dinner service. We will not be able to service your table if you arrive less than 60 minutes prior to the performance start time;
This is a fixed menu, specific dietary requests can be accommodated on request, with a minimum of 48 hours notice;
Additional food or drink requested on the night can be paid for by cash or card;
Cancellation and no shows for reservations will not be refunded.