Showing posts with label Mardi Gras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mardi Gras. Show all posts

28 February 2010

Sydney Mardi Gras Pre Drinks, Canapés and Parade (27 Feb 2010)

Oxford and Flinders Street, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.mardigras.org.au


Drinks, Canapés & Milk Crates

One of the most colourful and gay-friendly events in Sydney is the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. If you're crowd phobic, or homophobic for that matter, then it may not be your cup of tea but for those who join the festivities it can be an interesting and fun night. Finding a spot to view the parade is usually the biggest challenge but this year I found the crowds along Flinders Street across from The Local Taphouse less crowded and thankfully much easier to see the parade. Pre drinks and yummy canapés at a friends place nearby was a blessing to fuel the stomach for the lengthy standing ahead. The Prawn sandwiches were a clever and simple idea which I'll have to remember for my next catered party. The Bruschetta was packed with delicious garlic, basil and vine-ripened tomatoes from Fratelli Fresh. Homemade Spinach and Ricotta pastries were a fantastic treat and taste so much better than prepackaged ones. I've noticed over the years the floats have become smaller and less creative but the passion and energy of the spectators and participants remains proud and highly vocal in their support for the event. Sydney's milk crates are also left behind in their hundreds after the event as well.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Free entertainment, Colourful, Gay-friendly
CONS: Crowded, Drunk people, Limited parking, Long time standing
MUST TRY: Making tasty bruschetta for my next dinner party


Bombay Gin & Tonic with fresh lime
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Canapés

Cheesy puffs with Brie and Pesto, Chef Topher

Smoked salmon with cream cheese and cucumber, Chef Topher

Prawn sandwiches with rocket and aoili, Chef Topher

Spinach and ricotta pastries, Chef Nigel

Bruschetta, Chef Nigel
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Chicken satay skewers

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!
Mardi Gras Parade 2010


Flinders Street crowd opposite The Local Taphouse

Bobby Goldsmith Foundation stand















Milk crates galore after the parade


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23 February 2010

Fair Day: Official Launch of Sydney Mardi Gras, Victoria Park (21 Feb 2010)

Victoria Park, City Road, Chippendale NSW 2008
http://www.mardigras.org.au


A great day 'out'

The sun was shining bright for this community event that officially launched the start of Mardi Gras Festival in Sydney. If you're a dog lover then there's plenty to check out including adorable ones in the dog shows. I can't believe how many competing Turkish Gozleme stalls I came across — six in total! That's ridiculous — they are literally taking over the festival world for sure. I decided to try the Seafood Paella instead for $10 a bowl which was promoting the Spanish Terrazas Restaurant. Was quite nice for festival food and somewhat filled me up for the day. I came across some interesting and well designed cakes by Gay Cakes. They are running a competition until 31 March 2010 to win a $500 voucher — check out the details online. Dykes on Bikes were showing off their amazing looking bikes and there were fun rides throughout the park being enjoyed by the crowds. The official after-party was at the Bank Hotel in Newtown.

Happy Mardi Gras!

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Fun day out, Cute dogs on show, Free entertainment, Friendly colourful characters, Fun rides
CONS: Limited parking, Limited food options, Weather
MUST TRY: Remembering to put sunscreen on

Colourful characters



Gay cakes




Dogs on show






Seafood Paella



Seafood Paella $10

Turkish Gozleme on mass
Stall number 1

Stall number 2

Stall number 3

Stall number 4

Stall number 5

Stall number 6

Dykes on Bikes
Ride with Pride with Dykes on Bikes

Victoria Park


ANZ stage – free entertainment

Enter by Donation

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