This self-described 'social commentator/blogger', God love her, is a repeat mangler. I think it may be that Roget's thesauraus or 'dictionary.com' are both her best friends and worst enemies. Inanimate objects assume animated abilities, nouns often verb-up, punctuation is an optional extra, tense is irrelevant to a rollicking social event - as is person or continuity of it or us or 'oneself', cliched what?, and the Fairfax sponsored written diahorrea in the guise of 'social commentary' flows freely. Pick from any of the below examples. Gold. Where do I get me one of them social commentary jobs?
Iconic GPO hits low-key glamour
December 15, 2011
Unbridled curiosity sees Tracey Gillinder trying to construe the ‘fabulous’ dress code and walk the black carpet at the newly refurbished Republic, upstairs at the GPO, Fortitude Valley.
Who? Tanja Mrnjaus, Subfusco designer Josh Scacheri, Calexico’s Nicky and Rebel Hendrie, model and football types and a smattering of the usual suspects.
What? The VIP Opening of the GPO’s Republic bar.
Where? Upstairs, The GPO, Fortitude Valley
Seen? One woman’s fabulous is a footballer in a T-Shirt.
Heard? 'I can totally see how that (un-named footballer)’s tight T-Shirt fits the fabulous dress code. Now THAT is fabulous.’
The Verdict? Low key glamour.
The PR machine is telling us to forget everything we think we know about The GPO as new owners transform it from run-down watering hole into “Brisbane’s most aspirational nightspot, complete with a members-only secret society.”
In what was undoubtedly the biggest overstatement in 2011, the new Republic VIP Bar upstairs at the GPO was touted as “Brisbane’s answer to Chateau Marmont”, and while I appreciate the need for spin in an exhaustingly competitive market, I was happy to hear a good dash of reality from new owner Angus Cattanach.
“When we first took over it was incredibly sad to see how the previous owners had let this amazing old building go to ruins, not to mention the smell, our challenge was to bring the magic back to The GPO and that is what we intend to do. We’re not trying to be like Sydney’s invitation-only bar scene, we just want to bring a level of affordable exclusivity to Brisbane with Republic,” Cattanach tells me.
Relatively young owners, Cattanach and Matt Blyth did cite the iconic Hollywood Hills Chateau Marmont as a source of inspiration, but are adamant they never proclaimed they were setting out to replicate its infamous Bar Marmont.
Republic’s refurbishment boasts floor-to-ceiling propaganda style artwork, opulent VIP areas and a custom-made Dom Perignon chandelier.
For those of us who are old enough to remember the first award winning refresh of this pub, and subsequent grand opening, it may look as though not much has changed (the joy of taking on a heritage listed landmark), but returning the GPO to its former glory has so far been a million-dollar investment.
Republic houses two VIP curtained off rooms complete with personal cocktail waitresses and private bathrooms - all of which require a swipe of the GPO platinum card to use.
The bar staff seem incredibly well trained (and easy on the eye), mixing up mean cocktails with ease; The Artisan, credited to Fazil Bader, was hands down my favourite.
It may not be on par with the likes of Sydney’s celeb hot-spots De Nom or Level 6 at Ivy, but if low key glamour is what the owners were seeking, I can live with that.
Now to tweet Santa: Please bring me a custom-made Dom Perignon chandelier for Christmas?
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/about-town/blogs/plus-one/iconic-gpo-hits-lowkey-glamour-20111213-1ossj.html
Where to spend NYE in Brisbane
December 20, 2011
Cloudland is getting into the spirit of things this New Year's Eve.
When the last of the Christmas cocktail parties dissipate it is time to turn our thoughts to New Year’s Eve, take stock of how naughty or nice you’ve been in 2011 and decided how you’d like 2012 to pan out.
Personally, I don’t make outlandish promises to myself, or anyone else for that matter, on the eve of the previous year's close.
What I do decree each and every year is that I will be better. A better version of me than I was the year before. So far I’m doing OK with this. And what better way to motivate oneself to be better than to kick off the new year in spectacular style.
So put the good, the bad and the ugly of 2011 behind you and consider splashing out on one of southeast Queensland's most exclusive New Year's Eve parties...
- Tracey.
Cloudland
Some of Brisbane’s most discerning and exuberant revellers will be going all out and living it large this NYE at Fortitude Valley’s Cloudland. All five unique spaces will be themed to create different adventures in which you can lose yourself and kiss in 2012. From the shiny disco on the top floor Rainbow Room to the more relaxed, low-key Moon Room space, generous canapés and fork dishes will be served alongside a five hour drink package. Chez Cloudland wines, local draught beers and decadent French bubbles start from 7.30pm. If you want to get in, do it now; last year was a sell out.
Do: Get yourself some super-hot sequined stilettos.
Don’t: Carry them home in your hand.
Tickets: $130pp or $120pp for groups of 10 or more.
Book: www.moshtix.com.au
Win: Two tickets to the party here
River Quay
If standing with upwards of 50 thousand strangers is not your gig, but you love gargantuan fireworks displays, head to the newly opened River Quay, South Bank’s most inspiring dining destination located right on the river’s edge. The former Boardwalk site has been transformed into a gorgeous people friendly green space adjacent to the Goodwill Bridge. River Quay is now home to the infamous Stokehouse, whether you dine on the glorious Mediterranean-inspired menu in the restaurant or opt for a more casual affair in Stoke Bar, this is one of the best positions in South Bank. Not yet sold out but rapidly approaching so.
Do: Get on the phone stat!
Don’t: Forget to book a limo to get home.
Tickets: Pending menu selection
Book: (07) 3013 0333.
Laruche Bar and Supper Club
This flight themed Air Laruche NYE party jets off from 7pm with a five hour premium beverage and food package including spirits, cocktails and fine wines and sparkling from the Marlborough and Barossa regions.
Do: Pace yourself.
Don’t: DUI (Dial under the influence) at midnight.
Tickets: $130 pp
Book: nye@laruche.com.au
Palazzo Versace
For those wanting to put a little more glitter than usual in their New Year celebrations head to Palazzo Versace. Together with Moet & Chandon, the hotel presents the Midas Touch, six glamorous celebrations decked out in solid gold. Choose from a seafood buffet feast in the famed il Baroco Restaurant, the Moda-Centrale gold party or go all out in Vanitas Restaurant with the finest five course degustation menu including gold party access.
Do: Get a little gold.
Don’t: Go too much gold. You know what I’m saying…
Tickets: From $180 pp - $650 pp
Book: www.palazzoversace.com.au/gold
Watt Restaurant and Bar
Whether you chose the sit down five course dinner inside or the stand up alfresco cocktail party, Watt at New Farm’s Powerhouse should dazzle with its Arabian Nights themed riverside party. Promising stilt walkers, belly dancers, fire twirlers and fire eaters accompanied by resident DJs, Cool Hand Luke and Chantal, this should be an unforgettable way to ring in 2012.
Do: Consider flat bejewelled sandals, very Arabian.
Don’t: Forget the umbrella.
Tickets: From $75 pp - $99 pp
Book: (07) 3358 5464
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/blogs/plus-one/where-to-spend-nye-in-brisbane-20111213-1ostv.html
Bling and bounty at Signature ladies lunch
December 8, 2011
A glittery lunch with goodie bags worth stealing tempts Tracey Gillinder to Videre Restaurant, Royal Pines Resort, for the Label Signature Christmas Lunch.
Who? Gold FM’s Liv Scott, RACV Royal Pine’s Susan Griffiths and Eddie Ross, Label’s Kate Bennett, and Elizabeth Austin and Martine Barry.
What? The Label Signature Christmas Lunch.
Where? Videre, Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast
Seen? So much bling and Christmas sparkle I had to wear my sunglasses inside.
Heard? 'Did you see that? She just stole my goodie bag? Seriously, I know they’re good gift bags but give me a break!’
The Verdict? A festive gold star.
The gals from local Gold Coast Slim and Label magazines, Kate Bennett and Elizabeth Austin, have done it again, hosting another sold out glittery affair and goodie bags apparently worth stealing.
Following on from Babes in Business Long Spanish Lunch last week, the Label’s Signature Lunch at the amazing Videre restaurant kept the decadent year-ender theme going - a full 21 stories above the Gold Coast grounds of the Royal Pines Resort.
Though too many support poles got in the way of the gorgeous MC, Gold FM’s Liv Scott, uninterrupted views of the stunning Gold Coast skyline certainly made up for it.
Helping was a delicious three-course meal from multi award winning chef Trent Dawson, glorious cocktails on arrival and a monster Gold Coast Community Fund raffle that provided an ‘every child wins a prize’ atmosphere and raised a significantly charitable sum.
In true ladies-who-lunch style, the crowd did have to be ‘shushed’ once or twice, but what do you expect when good conversation meets a festive season fashion parade staged by the striking Anna Stokes for Marina Mirage.
You know it’s a good day when the guests linger for hours afterwards.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/about-town/blogs/plus-one/bling-and-bounty-at-signature-ladies-lunch-20111207-1oivg.html
Pool party pushed it real good
December 7, 2011
Tracey Gillinder slips on her best Camilla kaftan and dives into a flute of Moet at the third star-studded Jupiters Glisten Pool Party on the Gold Coast.
Who? American hip hop sensations Cheryl ‘Salt’ James & Sandra ‘Pepa Denton, Mick and Selena Doohan, Brynne Edlesten, Kirsty and Scott Prince, Kye Hurst, Hayley Bateup and Stephanie Gilmore.
What? Glisten Pool Parties at Jupiters
Where? Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast.
Seen? Buffed celebrities, loads of beautiful people and colossal helpings of bling.
Heard? ‘Maybe I shouldn’ta worn suede wedges by the pool, but hey, I got more if these get ruined’
The Verdict? Vegas baby!
A veritable cornucopia of buffed celebrity flesh, beautiful people dancing on every conceivable square meter of poolside floor space and a full chorus of champagne flutes - how could you not have a good time?
I’ve said it once and I am more than happy to make the proclamation again, the Jupiter’s Glisten Pool Parties are pure gold and it seems the word is out with over 1,000 revelers turning up to get their share of Vegas in Oz.
From the Big Apple to the Glitter Strip, American hip hop sensations Salt-N-Pepa rocked the crowd suitably warmed with few adult beverages and sizzling support acts; DJ Beni, Sampology, Surecut Kids and Jamie Lee Wilson.
Poolside lounges and VIP cabanas were swathed in silver, purple and animal prints with sexy but subtle lighting lacing the purpose-built stage suspended over the main pool.
Whether you choose to party with the people in the pool or lounge in the lap of luxury with VIP invitees, I suggest you get to a ticket to at least one this season. Stat!
The next one is headlined by Wynter Gordon on Saturday January 7, 2012. Tickets start at $65 available via the website.
Pool Party Pushed It Real Good
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/about-town/blogs/plus-one/pool-party-pushed-it-real-good-20111207-1oixs.html
