An Evening in Seoul: A dinner inspired by Maybe Happy Ending
The lights dim, the vinyl spins and Seoul comes to life one course at a time. Join the AAA Four Diamond Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club for “An Evening in Seoul,” a one-night-only immersive dining event inspired by the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, appearing at Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) from Oct. 13–18.
Guests will gather in Vista Restaurant for an intimate dinner celebrating Korean fusion cuisine and the nostalgic, hopeful world of the musical, set in a near-future Seoul where two retired helper robots forge an unexpected bond. Their heartfelt journey of love, technology and human connection inspires this distinctive culinary experience, extending the magic of the theater beyond the stage.
Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and the award-winning Fairview Dining Room team have designed an unforgettable prix-fixe menu featuring a fragrant Abalone Hot Pot with langoustine, clams, daikon and matsutake, a delicate Eel course drawing on the bold flavors of ginseng and kimchi, and tender Binchotan-Grilled A5 Wagyu with aged soy, tteok and pear, followed by a rich Black Sesame Cake with red date, pine nut and honey. Each course is expertly paired with inventive cocktails or wines, including a crisp Persimmon Soju Spritz, a fiery Gochujang Paloma, a complex Black Sesame Espresso Martini and more.
Throughout the evening, mid-century jazz spun live on vinyl by Hunky Dory Durham will set the mood, while glowing décor inspired by the musical’s firefly motif, amber candlelight and vintage accents create a captivating scene. Guests will learn a traditional Korean toast and take home a special gift to remember their night.
The dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. For those attending the 7:30 p.m. performance of Maybe Happy Ending, the soirée will conclude with enough time to make it to curtain. Guests do not need a ticket to the show to attend and are welcome to join for the dinner alone or pair it with a performance on any night during the run. Tickets to the show are sold separately through the DPAC website: https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/maybe-happy-ending-2026.
Seating is limited for this exclusive event. Tickets are $225, plus tax and service charge, and may be purchased via OpenTable: https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=15346&restref=15346&experienceId=782363&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared .
Ticket sales are non-refundable. Due to the nature of this specially curated menu, accommodations for dietary restrictions and preferences may be limited.
Claire Kwon and Steven Huynh in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.