(Guest post by my fab editorial intern Kelly Maglocci)

The holiday season can officially begin now that the “Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker” is here! On December 9, we were invited to attend the opening night of the Cincinnati Ballet’s performance at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Such an AMAZING experience was provided by Frisch’s!

From the very first performance of The Nutcracker in 1974, Frisch’s Restaurants has been the Ballet’s primary sponsor. It is one of the longest-lasting examples of corporate sponsorship in American arts history.

The evening began at the flagship Frisch’s Big Boy restaurant in Covington where an exclusive opening night menu was served. For the first course, our plates were filled with juicy roast beef, gravy smothered turkey and fried chicken, mountains of mashed potatoes, freshly baked dinner rolls and home-style meatloaf. Chef Greg Grisanti prepared the meal and was most excited to unveil the holiday twist that was put on their timeless, classic dessert.

For the first time since the signature Hot Fudge Caked debuted in restaurants in 1970, Frisch’s best-selling dessert is now available in a special holiday flavor. Grisanti collaborated with the local company Velvet to custom make the peppermint flavor in the ice cream which was served with the rich chocolate cake. Whipped cream and crushed pieces of peppermint complete the dish and puts the perfect seasonal twist on the iconic classic. This holiday edition of the dessert will be available for a limited time, through February 17, at Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants.

After almost 50 years of the 1970s staple Hot Fudge Cake, Grisanti said it was time to switch it up! “We are under new ownership and have a new perspective, so it was the perfect time to do something new,” says Grisanti. He has over 35 years of experience as a chef, 6 of which have been with Frisch’s Big Boy. “With the new ownership, I am allowed more creative direction and freedom in the kitchen.”

Once the delicious dessert had been enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate, we were off to the Aronoff to attend the opening night of Cincinnati Ballet’s performance of Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker. Christmas trees and garland ornamented the grand entrance hall where friends and families gathered around Big Boy to take photos.

The performance was riveting. Each act was filled with color, beauty and grace as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra played the music that accompanied the dancing. The ballerinas on stage were enchanting, and the audience was spellbound by the show.

The Nutcracker is a holiday classic just like the new Peppermint Hot Fudge Cake.  Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker runs December 9-18 and you can get the seasonal cake through February 17.