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In Memoriam: "Opera James" Colabelli
As if losing Le Bec-Fin this weekend wasn't enough (check back soon for more), there's been another sad passing in the local food community.
In Memoriam: "Opera James" Colabelli
As if losing Le Bec-Fin this weekend wasn't enough (check back soon for more), there's been another sad passing in the local food community.
Once upon a time, Meritage (500 S. 20th St.), currently owned by Michele DiPietro and Irene Landy, was devoted to French cuisine with Middle Eastern and North American influences. They made a pressed duck dish daring enough to rival Paris' La Tour D'Argent. Their wine list was impeccable. Blame James Colabelli (pictured, right) for such dedication to detail.
Colabelli, former sommelier at the Four Seasons, Davio's and Ave B as well as a wine educator and Institute of Masters of Wine candidate, passed away in Ukiah, Calif. on February 19. I was informed of his death by a note from Robert Fanelli, Colabelli’s partner in the Beach Balls.
That's the other manner in which Philadelphians came to know big, booming singer "Opera James" — alterna-music fans enthusiastic about a B-52-ish cover band with operatic vocals fell in love with this clubby outfit. "James had such a colorful personality and vibrant life," says Fanelli, who will host an informal memorial at his South Philadelphia home on March 31 (friends of both gents should keep their eyes on Fanelli's Facebook). "I cannot imagine a world without Opera James."
Neither can I. Colabelli was a gentleman, a scholar, a practitioner of sartorial splendor and a guy you loved to share a joke with. He will be missed in so many ways.
Photo: Michael T. Regan
I am a good friend of James' -- I had a feeling something was wrong because I haven't heard back from him in about a month. This is so sad. He will be missed. He certainly made me laugh! I will never forget him. Christine— chrissie73
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