FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                       February 7, 2017

Contact:        Gena Buhler                                                                              Craig Boleman

       970-920-5790                                                                                            972-717-5181

       [email protected]                                                             [email protected]

BUGS FOR DINNER? WHEELER OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS DINNER AND A MOVIE

Aspen, CO (February 7, 2017): The Wheeler Opera House, in association with Telluride Mountainfilm, will present an evening of film and fine dining featuring the documentary “BUGS” as part of its Aspen Mountainfilm Monday Night Docs series on Monday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m. Putting an insect-themed spin on the old adage “dinner and a movie,” the evening of film and fun also includes an optional dinner at The Little Nell at 8 PM. Single tickets to the film screening are $15; tickets to the dinner and film are $60 and are on sale now at the Wheeler Opera House Box Office (970.920.5770/ www.aspenshowtix.com). The Wheeler Opera House is located at 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO.

Film ticket prices include a pre-film Bubbles and Bugs reception at 5:30 p.m. and a Q&A immediately following the screening. Wheeler Opera House Executive Director Gena Buhler states, “When I first screened this film in Telluride, the wheels in my head started turning as to how we could make this event special in Aspen. And then it hit me – combine the Wheeler premiere with bugs delicacies at the show and a dinner to follow! We are thrilled The Little Nell was open to collaborating with us, all in agreement the concept ‘has legs’ so to speak.”

“To me, it felt like a cutting edge concept to work with the Wheeler on this film and dinner to follow in our dining room,” adds Pete Hayda, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Little Nell. “We are always seeking innovative concepts for our guests’ dining experience and our culinary team’s experience. Also, the efforts towards reducing food hunger are in line with sustainable thinking, something that’s a core value of our parent company, Aspen Snowmass.”

With an ever-growing global population, the challenges of how we feed 8, 9, even 10 billion people is going to become ever more challenging. One emerging solution to provide a readily available source of protein: bugs.

For the engaging characters in this documentary, bugs are not only nutritious but also delicious. “BUGS” follows Ben Reade, a chef, and Josh Evans, a scientist, as they journey around the world to dig gleefully into hives and under trees to find local delicacies that less intrepid gourmands might find repulsive. The film mixes this rollicking pursuit for treats into the bigger question: What are we going to eat in the future? “BUGS” promises to make audiences rethink what they eat and where they’re willing to go in terms culinary exploration.

While eating bugs isn’t uncommon in other parts of the world, Americans tend to reject the thought. At The Little Nell, the chefs like to be at the forefront of culinary trends and are welcoming this experience with open arms and mouths. The Little Nell’s Executive Chef Matt Zubrod and guest chef (and bug aficionado) Jose Carlos Redon have created a special menu featuring bugs. Redon considers the bugs he cooks with a delicacy and helped produce the documentary. If you’re not a daring eater, feel at ease. If you’re going to take the leap and try a dinner made of bugs, this dinner is the place to do it. It’s guaranteed that the food will be beautifully plated, expertly prepared, and delicious! 

BUGS Chef’s Dinner Menu*
Ants

Beef Tartare, Coffee Poached Yolk, Arugula

Grass Hoppers in the Garden

Pepita, Winter Vegetables, Soil

Crickets

Crispy Pork Belly, Cricket Mole, Collard Greens

Maguey Fried Ice Cream

Salted Caramel, Churro, Bitter Chocolate

*menu subject to change

Screening only is $15; dinner only is $47. Make a night out of it and attend both the screening and bug dinner for $60; includes a glass of wine (diners can always order more if they need additional liquid courage).

For more information about this screening, please visit www.wheeleroperahouse.com.

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ABOUT WHEELER OPERA HOUSE: 

Since 1889, the Wheeler Opera House has been Aspen’s community performance venue and has become the Roaring Fork Valley’s premiere site for concerts, movies, festivals, lectures, community events, opera, and more. In recent years, the Wheeler has been a leader in producing exceptional festivals in Aspen, celebrating the comedy arts, global issues, and the craft of songwriting.