General

Social Spy** Rebirth of the Marly, Hotel Marlborough launches Garden Bar

1May 2013 Hotel Marlborough, Newtown

The Marly invites you to come play in its garden

Last night, Sydney Social was invited to the VIP opening of Hotel Marlborough’s new Garden Bar in Newtown.

As the name suggests, The Garden Bar is an outdoor courtyard (heated during the chillier months) that has been opened up and transformed, showing off an indoor/outdoor hangout like no other in Newtown. The interior hosts a wild mash of styles, from feminine and romantic, green and organic, to edgy exposed brick and providing a stark contrast to the Marly’s classic exterior.

Fun, fruity cocktails were served alongside tray after tray of backyard classics by new Head Chef, Ernie Priestley. Having previously worked at the Abercrombie Hotel, Norfolk Hotel, Keystone, Merivale and Universal, Ernie has packed the menu with classed-up pub favourite, heaps of vegetarian offerings and old school Aussie classics such as fish fingers and a cheese platter. We highly recommend the fried scallops!

The new refurb plays up the garden theme with lush greenery, a sweet assortment of candy colours and a whimsical love seat. Touches of exposed brick and pops of lipstick are part of the overall re-launch of the Hotel Marlborough. “We have respected the heritage of the venue on the exterior, restoring heritage cream tiles and specially hand blown green tiles – but new venue like the Garden Bar will sit a long way from what the old Marly offered,” said Paddy Coughlin, CEO of the Riversdale Group.

The Iconic establishment has a rich history with more than 150 years of trade. “I love the history of the Marly, and it’s a great looking pub. It lost its way in recent years though so we’re going to give it a fresh new focus, and the timing couldn’t be better. Newtown is undergoing a massive resurgence in terms of pubs and clubs and as biggest and one of the best positioned in the area we’re looking forward to leading the charge for change,” adds Paddy.

The night could not have been more perfect for a night in the new Garden Bar. A full house of media and VIPs and celebs including Roy Billing, Michelle Leslie and Adam Zammit, Sally Singleton, Callan Ward, Jon Giles, Stephen Coniglio, Dom Tyson, Phil Davis, Toby Greene, Stephen Gilham (AFL Players, GWS Giants) partied with Singo, Paddy Coughlan, Ned Kelly, Mark Carnegie and Geoff Dixon in celebrating the re-birth of the Marly.

The Garden Bar at the Hotel Marlborough is open from 12PM – very late seven days for a cheeky backyard bevvie and burger

Hotel Marlborough – 145 King StreetNewtownwww.marlboroughhotel.com.au

Movie Review** THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE REVIEW

I had seen the same trailer for this film a number of times, each time I got more excited to see the final product. I hoped this would be a funny film that reached the same level of comedy as Anchorman or 40 Year Old Virgin. Did it live up to my hopes??

The film is about two lonely young boys who become best friends over a love of magic. Years later they grow up to become Burt Wonderstone, (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton, (Steve Buscemi).

Their shows become bigger and bigger until they finally have centre stage in the grandest casino in Vegas. All is not well as they two start to drift apart over their repetitive boredom of the same tricks each night and Burt’s big headedness. In the meantime there is a new street magician Steve Gray, (Jim Carey), who is performing daring street magic. Soon the friendship breaks and they need to find a way back to the top.

It is obvious that Burt and Anton are taking off Siegfrid & Roy, while Steve Gray is meant to be Chris Angel. There are other nods to magicians like David Blaine. Carell and Buscemi are a great double act even if they don’t look like a great pairing. Carey is back to the Carey we all know, and some may love, with other the top acting, after all that’s what he is best for. He does steal the show with some outrageous over the top tricks, which I wont spoil. The first one will turn a few stomachs. The main characters are back by Olivia Wilde, Burt & Anton’s assistant (Amazing), and Alain Arkin, Burt’s magician mentor. Both characters add a lot of humour outside of the main three.

A lot of the film is predictive but most are in this genre. It is the constant jokes that you would expect from comedians of this calibre that keep the film going. I’ve noticed with a lot of comedy films recently that the jokes start to slow down about half way through as if they are out of steam, not here!!

If anyone is a fan of Steve Carell or Jim Carey, then this is them at their best and you wont be disappointed. No its not an Anchorman or 40 Year Old Virgin, but this is definitely a film I would love to see again for an abundance of funny stand out moments. I haven’t heard a cinema audience laugh out loud for so long.

Sydney Social 101 gives The Incredible Burt Wonderstone 8/10. It was reviewed by Syrus Wynne, Sydney Social’s resident critic!

What’s On: THE BIGGEST STARS JAM PACKED INTO THE BIGGEST SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL EVER!

The ninth annual Sydney Comedy Festival has announced its full program with over 150 amazing shows that will take place throughout Sydney and beyond, making it the biggest festival ever!

“With an overwhelming amount of applications and the addition of new venues including the iconic Harold Park Hotel, the Concourse Theatre, Chatswood, and an innovative new Container space at the Factory Theatre, Festival organisers have taken the plunge and rolled out 50 per cent more shows than ever before,” said festival director Jorge Menidis.

Continuing the expansion to new places, the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase will visit regional New South Wales and Queensland for the first time ever with a line-up of some of the funniest and freshest acts from the Festival.

Following the first and second announcement of stellar headlining shows, the complete Sydney Comedy Festival 2013 program has now been unveiled and includes both Festival debuts and the return of crowd favourites.

Making his Enmore Theatre debut is the irrepressible David O’Doherty, pitching their tent at the Seymour Centre is the masters of physical comedy the Pajama Men and everyone’s favourite felt-faced raconteur Randy, will complete his first Sydney solo show at The Metro Theatre.

Performing at the Sydney Comedy Festival for the first time is UK-based Kiwi Jared Christmas, YouTube sensation Alex Williamson and the masked Mexican wrestling marvel El Jaguar.

Celebrating comedy from all over the world, the program also includes Singapore’s hottest new comics in The Sons of Singapore, a United Nations line-up of comedians including Angelo Tsarouchas and Tahir in the world famous Ethnic Comedy All-Stars and from the creators of ‘From Lebanon with Love’, Two & A Half Lebs.

Alongside the seemingly endless array of solo shows, the Festival’s much-loved showcases and special events will return bigger than ever before including the Secret Show, 60 in 60 and a re-vamped Festival Awards. Due to popular demand, Sydney’s biggest night of comedy, Cracker Night, will expand from one night to two and include a second Enmore show.

Rounding out the program is the return of the Festival’s Late Night Club at the Enmore Theatre’s Yalumba Wine Bar, where every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Festival guests can rub shoulders with their favourite comedians over a delicious beverage or two.

WHAT: The ninth annual Sydney Comedy Festival
WHEN: 22nd April to 11th May 2013
WHERE: Various venues across Sydney
TICKETS: On sale now
COST: Prices are varied. Visit http://www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au or call the Sydney Comedy Festival Box Office: 02 9020 6966

What’s on: Grandmaster Flash in the Flesh at the Soda Factory

When: Friday March 22nd, 9pm-5am
Cost: $20 (on the door)

He’s the daddy of DJ culture, the ultimate decknician, the grand master himself, and he’s coming to Surry Hills’ tightest new hotspot, the Soda Factory, on Friday 22nd March.

Grandmaster Flash has been killin’ it since ’74, and is still regarded one of the greatest DJs of all time. So dust off your platforms and don’t miss your chance to catch Flash in the flesh in the intimate, vintage surrounds of the Soda Factory.

Less than a month since opening their doors, The Soda Factory is fast becoming the watering hole of choice for hot bands and celebs alike. Just recently, hit makers Bloc Party were seen kicking back behind the coke machine. With sweet old school tunes, delish dogs and killer cocktails it’s no wonder the likes of Kele, A-Trak and the other cool kids come to hang… must be something in the bubbles…

Speaking of cool kids, the Soda Factory is stoked to announce an additional ‘secret’ show for Electric Empire after the overwhelming response to last night’s gig. The indie roots band will perform this special encore show tonight, Friday 15th March. With no door charge, we suggest you take your dollars straight to the bar for a Choc Passion Martini instead.

For venue details and more events: http://www.sodafactory.com.au

What’s on: GIANT LETTERS SPELLING OUT ‘CARMEN’ NOW ADORN AN OPERA STAGE THAT APPEARS TO FLOAT ON SYDNEY HARBOUR.

The creative vision for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Carmen has been revealed with the final ‘C’ of six giant letters spelling out ‘CARMEN’ now in place on the harbour-top opera stage. The spectacular Spain-Meets-Hollywood stage will set the scene for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Carmen, which opens Friday 22 March for three weeks only.

The Hollywood-inspired Carmen letters measure a staggering 9 metres high and 25 metres wide. When the production opens next Friday 22 March, they will be spot-lit by lighting towers on and around the main stage during the production. The scaffolding supporting the letters doubles as a structure for the singers and dancers to climb and perform from during the show. The stage itself is 32 metres by 24 metres and resembles a round, blood-stained bullfighting ring. It sits on a platform supported by 16 pylons sunk into Sydney Harbour.

The Carmen letters will cut an imposing silhouette across Sydney Harbour for the duration of the production, 22 March – 12 April. It positively dwarfs Australian icons such as the Big Banana and Big Pineapple in scale!

The letters symbolise the glamorous, seductive facade of Carmen and will be seen in all their glossy glory by visitors looking across the harbour from the Sydney Opera House, by joggers around the Royal Botanic gardens, by commuters driving across the Harbour Bridge and those travelling by ferry (or cruise ship!) on Sydney Harbour. The audience will see the letters in reverse, signifying the seedy underworld in which the gypsies’ underhanded activities take place at the tobacco factory in Seville, Spain.

The Carmen set features other spectacular effects including a life-sized slaughtered bull (post bull-fight) and fireworks. Dancers will whirl about the stage in dazzling flamenco costumes, bringing colour and movement to the blood-red stage.

Some of the world’s best opera talents have converged in Sydney to perform in Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Carmen. Hailing from Sydney, Perth and Tasmania in Australia, from New York and Memphis in the USA and even from the Ukraine, this is a truly global cluster of opera stars.

When the show opens, they will have had just over four weeks to bring this brand new outdoor production to perfection, ahead of the opening night on Friday 22 March, when they will perform on Australia’s most unique opera stage atop the water of Sydney Harbour. A nightly audience of 3,000 seated at the edge of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney will enjoy tapas, paella, Spanish BBQ and cocktails in luxury, while they watch the drama of Carmen unfold beneath the stars.
http://www.operaonsydneyharbour.com.au

Social Spy** *Bondi Hardware Turns One Year Old!*

One of Sydney Social’s favourite haunts is Bondi Hardware! It was the perfect evening as Bondi’s bustling Hall Street was host to Bondi Hardware’s first Birthday celebrations!

Hall Street is home to local favourite Bondi Hardware bar and restaurant which is named after its original occupant of 30 years, a cluttered Hardware store. The restaurant pays homage to its heritage, with the interior painstakingly transformed utilising exposed brickwork, beams, high gabled ceilings and recycled timber. Last night Bondi Hardware turned one year old and to celebrate the owners, Hamish Watts & Ben Carroll threw a huge invite only bash for locals, media and celebrities.

Cocktails on arrival included Hardware Fizz and Raspberry Mules, then guests moved onto Vale Ale, Batlow Cider, wine and champagne. To soak up all the booze food served included the ever popular beef, pork and chicken sliders, lamb koftas and pizza, and the party went on late into the night with the DJ pumping out soul and funk tunes.

Celebrities who attended included SYP (PSY impersonator), Hayley Jenson (Australian Idol), Joel Chapman & Kosta Theodosis (Amy Meredith), Nacho Pop (TV Personality and dancer), Penne Dennison (TV Presenter), Sophia Hope (X Factor contestant), Tali Jatali (TV Personality), Tom Steinfort (TV Presenter) and Zoe Sheridan

The expertise of Ben & Hamish is evident at Bondi’s craftiest bar and restaurant, where the welcoming ambiance, mouth-watering food and delicious beverages combine to create a uniquely Bondi dining experience. A good workman never blames their tools, and at Bondi Hardware they’re the best in the business!

http://www.bondi-hardware.com.au

What’s on: VISIT SYDNEY’S MOST ELEGANT & STYLISH BRIDAL EXHIBITION

SATURDAY 6 & SUNDAY 7 APRIL 2013

Book your tickets online to be in the running to win a $5000 Wedding Fund

Sydney Bridal Expo is the most elegant and stylish event on the bridal calendar providing the boldest and most beautiful ideas for the discerning bride who dreams of her perfect wedding. This year 130 of Sydney’s leading wedding suppliers will be on display on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April at the Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

Brides will be dazzled by Australia’s leading couture designers including Haute Couture by Marietta Haddad, Elena Kozlova, Rosalynn Win Haute Couture, Hugs for Brides, Harts, All the Rage, Vee Love Couture and Luv Bridal & Formal.

International designer Galia Lahav Couture will be flying in with her team from Tel Aviv to present her haute couture gowns on the runway for the very first time in Australia.

And if you’re looking for new and interesting touches for your wedding, check out Ripper Hot Rod Hire and Madame Pops all natural, heart shaped ice pops!

The fabulous runway shows that have been a hallmark of the Sydney Bridal Expo will take place four times a day bringing every bride’s fantasy to life with traditional, glamorous and inspirational designs on the runway. Featured will be bridesmaids gowns, a range of elegant Plus size bridal fashion, Mother of the Bride and exclusive UK Designer Nicki Macfarlane range of bridal children’s wear from Stellino Cute Couture for Children (as worn by the flower girls) at the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton.

Runway Bridal hair and makeup will be created and styled by David Cranson from Ubeauty Agency.

Sydney Bridal Expo does not forget the groom and groomsmen with leading experts in menswear providing stylish men’s bridal fashion from Just for Him, Roger David, Ron Bennett and All the Rage plus Sydney’s newest, trend driven, affordable high street men�s fashion label Topman – appearing exclusively on the Expo runway. The guys can also check out 18 types of wedding transport including Hummers, Rolls Royce, Chevvys, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguars and much more.

Fabulous reception venues Boronia Tea Room, Intercontinental Sydney, Sebel Pier One, Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, Slide, Hunter Valley Gardens, Bella Portofino, The Glasshouse Function Centre, Sydney Motor Yacht Charters will be on display ready to provide all the information needed for the perfect wedding reception.

Visitors to the Expo have the opportunity to book their honeymoon with Select Vacations and save thousands of dollars.

SYDNEY BRIDAL EXPO DARLING HARBOUR
Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour- Hall 1
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 April from 10:00am � 5:00pm
4 Parades Daily 11:15am | 12:45pm | 2:15pm | 3:30pm
Tickets at Door or Book online at http://www.sydneybridalexpo.com.au
Adults $22 | Seniors $15 | Weekend Pass for both days $30| Children under 10 free (accompanied by an Adult)

SOCIAL SPY** ILVE LAUNCH

This week, Italian kitchen designer ILVE introduced its latest range of kitchen appliances at an event held at the Maserati headquarters in Sydney.

It was a case of Italian meets Italian, as the car showroom was transformed with ILVE’s latest products that were dotted among the sleek automobiles.

Guests were treated to all-star treatment, as a blue carpet was laid out and delicious cocktails and drinks were on offer.

ILVE has become one of the nation’s most sought after supplies, and a very popular choice for budding home cookers as well as professional chefs.

The designer brand has recently launched its wine fridges range, which features both built in as well as free standing appliances, but also on display were cook tops, dishwashers and ovens from the fabulous collection.

Ending the night Italian Opera singer Donna Cain took to the centre stage to perform two beautiful opera classical songs.

And as guests left, they were treated to a goody bag full of Italian food.

For more information visit http://www.ilve.com.au/

Movie trailer** The Hangover Part III

Hands up if you like The Hangover… No not the dreaded morning after feeling of fear and sickness… The amazing Hangover movies of course!

Here at Sydney Social 101 we’re HUGE fans!

As we’re lovely and kind folk, we thought we’d share the trailer with you, our loyal fans to give you a glimpse of what’s to come!

We can confirm that we are just a smidge *insert a LOT* excited about this one!

You’re welcome

The Soda Factory Announces – Pulp Kitchen // Every Wednesday

Have you ever wanted to taste a film? The Soda Factory have, and they wanted to taste Pulp Fiction: they wanted the taste of Uma’s iconic fringe and the taste of dress shoes twisting on the diner floor.

Join us in this gastro-cinematic multi-sensory special for Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday featuring Vincent and Mia’s favourites The Royale with Cheese, The Big Kahoona Burger, The $5 Shake (alcoholic), french fries & mayo and of course, fried chicken… and everything on the menu is only five bucks!

Head to The Soda Factory on Wednesday nights for this to celebrate all things delicious and all things Tarantino – and bring your dancing shoes, because there will be Tarantino soundtracks playing all night as well as acoustic sets from local bands.

Don’t forget that the delicious deals and cinema appreciation continue throughout the week at The Soda Factory with your favourite flicks on Movie Mondays every Monday at 7:30pm, and ridiculously cheap sausages at Dollar Dogs every Tuesday. I know well be checking it out!!!