The intriguing reason Public will be closed to the public for six days later this month

Denise Neil
·2 min read

The Ulrich Museum of Art is turning 50 later this year, and the staff has planned a rather mysterious series of dinners to help celebrate.

Starting on Jan. 29 and running nightly through Feb. 3, the museum — which opened on Wichita State University’s campus on Dec. 7, 1974 — will take over Public at the Brickyard for six fancy three-course dinners prepared by chef/owner Travis Russell that will also feature wine and scotch pairings. The restaurant at 129 Rock Island in Old Town will be closed to the public during the run of the series.

Internationally known illusionist Scott Silven will headline a series of dinners at Public at the Brickyard intended to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University.
Internationally known illusionist Scott Silven will headline a series of dinners at Public at the Brickyard intended to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University.

The title of the dinners is “At The Illusionist’s Table” and — besides the food — the highlight will be a show by internationally known illusionist and performance artist Scott Silven. His “mind-bending” show, according to the description of the event, will be “an unforgettable sensory experience weaving together fine dining, whiskey tasting, and Silven’s singular illusion.”

Silven regularly hosts dinners like this at venues across the globe. Attendees are all seated together at a long, candle-lit table and, after a toast, they listen to a mysterious story about Silven’s childhood in Scotland. Through the course of the meal, he performs several mysterious feats.

Tickets to the dinners are $175 at and include the meal, the show and a pre-show cocktail reception. Each dinner is limited to 24 people. Reserve tickets at ulrich.wichita.edu/program/at-the-illusionists-table-featuring-scott-silven/

The Ulrich Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The Ulrich Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Though the ticket price may be a bit steep for college students, the Ulrich has reserved 24 tickets for Wichita State University students, which it will randomly give away in a drawing. Those interested must have a WSU student ID and register by 4 p.m. Jan. 26 at http://bit.ly/illusioniststudentdrawing

Here’s the menu for the dinner:

COURSE 1

Diver Scallop | Saffron Lobster Soubise | Chive Oil | Caviar | Amaranth

Wine Pairing: Bouchard Beaune Du Chateau, Bourgogne, 2018

COURSE 2

Seared Duck Breast | Duck Jus | Ash Leeks Ravioli | Beet Cherry Gastrique | Duck Egg |

Sorrel

Wine Pairing: Chateau De Pez, St Estephe, 2018

Scotch Pairing: Benriach Smoky Twelve 12 Year Single Malt

COURSE 3

Champurrado Dark Chocolate | Marshmallow Cube | Graham | Ganache Tile

Wine Pairing: Henriot Brut Souverain

Scotch Pairing: Aberlour 12 Year Single Malt Scotch