I have to confess that since arriving in Perth I haven’t been overly impressed with the standard of restaurants, in particular the service. I went to one café/restaurant for breakfast a few weeks ago, only to be told (in a very snippy, you-really-should-have-known-better voice) that they only serve coffee and cake between 11am and 12pm. Something about getting the kitchen ready for lunch. I’m no expert, although I do eat out a lot (I hate cooking you see) but I have never been turned away from an open restaurant or café for this reason before. Even McDonalds seems to be able to manage a seamless transition between its breakfast and lunch menus. 
 
Making my displeasure known, I pressed further to then be told that I, in fact, could order breakfast but only if we ordered the big breakfast. Tummies rumbling, we decided to overlook the rude waitress and ordered three of the big breakfasts. Halfway through our meal we were asked if we wanted anything else. Hang on. So first no food, then only the big breakfast, now whatever we wanted?  The whole experience was confusing and annoying, not to mention that all of this was conveyed to us with a degree of exasperation (after all we really should have known better than to make outrageous demands such as ordering food). It would be unprofessional to mention that the establishment’s name was the Bellhouse Café/Restaurant in South Perth, so of course I won’t. 
 
So you can imagine just how excited I was when I discovered Subi’s hottest bar/restaurant, Bistro Felix. Hot really is the right word for this place. Not only is it the restaurant of the moment, but it’s also staffed by a bunch of incredibly good looking young people. Girls, I suggest you perch at the bar before being seated at your table so you can enjoy having your cocktails mixed by a very handsome young man called Tom. Umm, Ralph Lauren just called – he wants his model back. 
 
Not only that, the interior is warm and inviting, making it the type of place I’d like to snuggle down in for a long lunch during winter or a rainy arvo. But any old time will do – you really don’t want to wait for it to rain in Perth before you enjoy a meal here. 
 
Speaking of meals, for lunch we ordered the Grilled Rottnest Island Scallops on a half shell with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil to start. At $4.50 each, they were expensive, but worth every cent as they melted in your mouth. 
 
For my main I ordered the skirt steak medium rare with celeriac remoulade, marrowbone and hand cut chips. Cooked to perfection and with the most marvelous and intricate flavours, this was great value at $35.00. 
 
A side note for vegetarians; my lunch date (herself a V) ordered the Pont l'eveque and sweet potato pie, oregano and hazelnuts, pear and balsamic ($35.00) and reported that it was delicious. 
 
Afterwards we nibbled on cheese and dessert wines and unexpectedly wound up rather drunk after downing several bottles of Veuve. Heading down to the Subi Hotel to continue the festivities, I would up exceptionally intoxicated and unable to drive. Fortunately I happened to be in the company of Bistro Felix’s stylish and devilishly handsome owner, Jeremy Cariss, who let me take refuge back in the restaurant for dinner and a coffee until I sobered up.  And so it came to be that I also got to try the Magret of duck with sour cherry, carrot and baby herb salad and duck fat potatoes ($39.00). In the state I was in, I can’t be absolutely sure, but I think this dish was even yummier than the first. Clearly I’ll have to head back again to be certain – any excuse to dine there really. Bistro Felix also has a fabulous wine list  - or so people in the know tell me. Since I’m hopeless in this area, I’ll leave it well alone, but suggest you pop in and try it for yourself. 
 
Speaking of Jeremy, he’s a rather astute businessman (as well as being very well dressed. Check out his glasses when you’re there next – they’re ever so stylish). Last year, he introduced the Recession Concession Menu to tackle the GFC and it’s clearly working for him as the place is always packed.  You can order two courses for $49 or three courses for $55 and these deals are available Monday to Saturday Lunch, Monday to Friday Dinner and at lunch it also includes a glass of house wine, Kronenbourg beer or soft drink. 
 
His other fantastic business decision has been hiring Bistro Felix's Executive Chef, Helen Pratt, who honed her skills as an apprentice in a string of Brisbane's iconic French restaurants, before taking herself off to France for three years. Returning to Australia, Helen moved to Perth in May, 2008, to live with her fiancée and accepted a position as Sous Chef with Bistro Felix.  After excelling in the role for 12 months, she was promoted to the position of Executive Chef. Helen is inspired by the variety and quality of the local produce and seafood found throughout WA. Her classical training and genuine desire to please translates into a modern European Cuisine that is refined yet approachable. 
 
Bistro Felix is located at 118 -120 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco. For bookings phone (08) 9388 3077. I’ll see you there!

Download it and support!

http://www.youtube.com/wearetheworld

Recently I interviewed Caroline O'Connor for SunsetMag.com.au...

Start with six Tony Awards, add two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, throw in a couple of Academy Awards for the film version and you’ll get a little known musical called Chicago. In fact only a few weeks ago, at the 2009 Sydney Theatre Critics Awards, Chicago added another three awards to its already bulging mantelpiece – for Best Production of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical
(Sharon Millerchip) and Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical (David Bermingham). And now, having wowed audiences around the world, this spectacular and sultry show is touching down in Perth for four weeks only.

And I must say I’m excited. But then I’m a massive musical fan so it doesn’t take much to please me. Basically if they’re singing and dancing on a stage – I’ll love it. However this is a show that I would take even my boyfriend (who is not a fan of musicals) to. Clever, sexy and funny, Chicago tells the tale of the merry murderesses Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly and their high-flying lawyer, Billy Flynn. Couple the minimal set and skimpy costumes with the iconic choreography of Bob Fosse and the hit music of John Kander and Fred Ebb and you’ve got a seductive show that just about everyone will enjoy. Even my boyfriend. 

As a fan of the show, I was excited to hear that it was stopping by Perth on its national tour.  As a big fan of star of the show and Australian musical theatre legend, Caroline O’Connor, I was super excited to chat to her about her role. 

CI: First let’s talk about Chicago. You play Velma Kelly – a role that you have reprised several times throughout your career. What is it that you love about this show?

CC: Well firstly, the score, by John Kander and Fred Ebb. I love their work. They are also responsible for many of my other favourite musicals, including Cabaret and The Rink, two shows I had the good fortune to do in the West End. I have always loved Bob Fosse’s work and Ann Reinking choreographed a wonderful homage to him in this production.

I have a strangely deep connection with Velma Kelly. She is an amazing character and a demanding role to play, vocally and physically, and of course she gets to sing All That Jazz which is one of the best songs and entrances in musical theatre!

CI: You were one of the first Australian stars to appear on Broadway. And you received rave reviews for it! TalkinBroadway.com described your portrayal of Velma as one-of-a-kind, second only to Bebe Neuwirth. How does it make you feel when you hear comments like that?

CC: Overwhelmed and thrilled! To receive such a positive response from the critics and audiences in New York was a relief to say the least. Broadway is the home of musical theatre, so to be accepted and celebrated, was a dream come true. The producers later invited me to perform at the 10th anniversary concerts in both New York and London. A huge honour indeed. I felt like I was representing Australia!

CI: How did the Broadway stint come about?

CC: I was invited by the Broadway producer, Barry Weissler, the director, Walter Bobbie and Ann Reinking. They were about to celebrate their seventh anniversary at the Schubert Theatre and the movie of Chicago was just about to open in America, so it was very exciting time for me to be in the show. I played opposite Billy Zane as Billy Flynn and Charlotte D’amboise as Roxie. The producers asked me if I would like to extend my contract, and how could I refuse? So we then moved to the Ambassadors Theatre where Kevin Richardson joined me. On a personal note, I got to do a photo shoot with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere at the theatre, which was too exciting! I still get star struck. I was also invited to the movie’s premiere, where I got to meet my idol, Chita Rivera, the original Velma Kelly. It was an incredible evening.

CI: So what’s your background? Where did you come from and how did you end up where you are?

CC: I was born in Oldham, Lancashire, to Irish parents. We moved to Australia when I was four. I actually started as an Irish dancer - I came third in the World Championships. Then I studied ballet tap and jazz, continuing my training at the Royal Ballet School in London. Singing came much later! I used to sing at home all the time, in private, but I was very shy. I auditioned for Oklahoma, got in, fell in love with musicals, and the rest is history.

CI: Did you think that you would achieve this kind of success? Showbiz is a tough industry to make it in…

CC: No I didn’t and yes it is! To be honest, I would have been happy as long as I was on the stage. I had no particular goals and you’re crazy if you think you can plan a career on stage or screen. But I think in my case, hard work is what made all the difference. I was a very enthusiastic student and was dedicated to my classes. I used every opportunity I had to better myself and also challenged myself by moving to London in 1984 to work in the West End - I wanted to continue learning and auditioning. I have worked with some of the best directors, choreographers and actors in the business internationally and they have all taught me so much. 

CI: What was your first big break and how did it come about? 

CC: I didn’t get my break as a leading lady in the West End till I was 33.  I was cast as Mabel in Jerry Herman’s Mack And Mabel at the Piccadilly Theatre in London. And I was thrilled to be nominated for Best Actress in a Musical at the Laurence Olivier awards. Up to that point I was quite happy being in a musical and understudying roles. I think it happened for me when it was meant to be. I would much rather have longevity in my career than success too soon and then it’s over. 

CI: What has been your career highlight and why?

CC: That’s always a difficult one. But I would probably say Moulin Rouge. It was so unexpected and I got to play the fabulous role of Nini Legs in the Air.

Working with Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin was a joy, as was working with the fabulous John ‘Cha Cha’ O’Connell who was the choreographer. I learnt a lot about film during that experience. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in a musical film. I had watched them all my life, and thought they had gone, but I got lucky! A couple of years ago I did another musical film, De-Lovely, playing Ethel Merman.

CI: One of the things that sets you apart, I think, is that you are a superb actress as well as a beautiful singer and dancer – a true triple threat. And because of your acting skills you’ve been able to tackle some very difficult roles including playing real life legends Ethel Merman in the film De-Lovely and Judy Garland in the stage show End of the Rainbow and even Edith Piaf. What did you do to prepare for these roles?

CC: Playing ‘real’ people is a great responsibility as an actress. Research is the key. You have to find out everything you can to do justice to them. Reading all the autobiographies, watching the footage, studying their physical and vocal traits. I’m not a mimic, but I try to get as close as I can and try and find the true essence of the person. But I think I do the same with fictional characters. I try and find a voice and a body language that suits and embodies them. I like to create a character.   

CI: Do you feel there is more pressure playing someone whom audiences have known and loved?

CC: Yes, of course. Especially those ‘legends’ who have passed away. On a couple of occasions I’ve almost pulled out, but the challenge is too tempting. 

CI: Any advice to young Perth girls and boys who are looking to break into the biz?

CC:  Go to class!   Never sit down in class. Watch, listen and learn from what’s gone before you. Be realistic about your capabilities. Find an inspiration to look up to and most importantly, be yourself. 

CI: If they are heading to an audition, what tips can you give them to impress the casting directors?

CC: Find out everything you can about the show and the character you’re auditioning for, that way you can pick an appropriate song to sing. Make sure the music is in the correct key for the pianist and have a couple of other songs ready in case they want to hear more. Don’t wait till the day before to learn the lyrics! 

Dress tastefully and comfortably. Don’t be late if you can help it. It’s a bad start for you, and their impression of you. Don’t make excuses. Don’t expect to get everything you audition for and beat yourself up. There are always more people than jobs and most importantly leave a good impression.

Even if you don’t get that job - you never know when you’ll be in front of them again and you may be right for something else they’re working on. They could mention you to other possible employers. You can’t buy a reputation in this business - you have to earn it.

CI: And finally, why should Perthites come to see Chicago? 

CC: This production of Chicago has been running on Broadway for 13 years and in London for 11 years. This is the second time it’s been produced in Australia in 10 years! And that doesn’t even include all the other productions worldwide. Chicago has become a phenomenon. I have no doubt we are going to get a very warm welcome in Perth - I’ve never been to Perth and I am very excited - but for anyone who’s ‘sitting on the fence’ and can’t decide, I think they will regret it if they don’t come. They will have missed out on a very special night of live theatre. So as Velma would say, ‘Come on babe! Why don’t we paint the town? And all that jazz’.

An estimated 17 million people around the world have seen Chicago, which has played over 15,000 performances worldwide – I personally have seen more than my fair share of these performances. It’s addictive – once is simply not enough! 

So, if you haven’t done so already, I think you should book a ticket. Not only is it a fab show, but we’ve got one of the best casts in the world. The star-studded line-up includes Caroline O'Connor as Velma Kelly, Sharon Millerchip as Roxie Hart, Craig McLachlan as Billy Flynn and Colleen Hewett as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. 

BOOK NOW AT:

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=CHICAGOM10

You can follow Caroline and I on Twitter: 
www.twitter.com/cazoconnor
www.twitter.com/caitlini

HYSTERICAL HYPNOSIS

Last night I had the good fortune to be invited to see PiP's  'Hypnolarious' show at the Regal Theatre in Perth. According to his website he is Australia’s only comic magician and hypnotist and he’s fast gaining international recognition as one of Australia’s finest up-and-coming performers. His last show at the Regal sold out and so he popped back to see us all again. How glad I am that he did.


I'm guessing there might have been a few repeat guests in the audience last night because when Pip called for volunteers there was a stampede and near mass hysteria. I'm thinking it was all the people who came last time - not quite sure what to expect and who this time were determined not to miss out on the fun. I think my boyfriend and I were the only people left sitting in the audience! Pip worked his magic on everyone and we quickly found out who our superstars of the night were going to be. 


And superstars they were. My god I laughed. I laughed until my jaw hurt and I had to hold my stomach as PiP had people ballet dancing around the stage, forgetting their names and making out with mops. Actually Pip didn't make him do this (that would be indecent) the poor guy just really like the mop (in his defence he thought it was the hottest girl he'd ever seen)


I don't want to give too much away, so in short this is a bloody good show. If you’ve ever wished you could attend a party at the Playboy mansion or wondered what it would be like to be Hef, then here’s your chance. Pip has gone from pulling tricks on the streets of Sydney to entertaining the bunnies at Playboy parties in Las Vegas.

Audiences can expect a Las Vegas style show that showcases PiP's unique comedic wit, charm, mastery of prestidigitation and hilarious hypnotic skits. PiP started performing magic from the age of four and has since toured Australia, New Zealand and the US.  In 2009 he was one of the hardest working comics at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with 46 one-man shows plus guest appearances.  

For a sneak preview you can check him out on YouTube.  Don’t you just love the internet? http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=jghzG5rEt34  

Check out his website http://www.pipmagic.com/Home.html  for upcoming tour and show dates. 


Follow him on Twitter ( www.twitter.com/pipmagic ) become a friend on Facebook! 

Rock your own look with pride.

One day last week I realised, whilst idly flicking through street fashion blog www.dropstitch.com.au and then Facebook pics (thereby avoiding doing any actual work) that I have some extremely stylish friends.  Some dress like rock stars, some throw together shabby chic (and manage to look chic rather than cheap) and some love to show off in designer head-to-toe. But no matter what their look - they all rock their own individual style.  They’re a very eclectic mix of classic upper Eastsiders, sexy beach babes, vintage queens and quirky cats, but they all own it. 

So this week I thought who better to seek advice from, than these very gals and guys? So grab a coffee and absorb these words of wisdom from people who really do know what they’re talking about. 

First I talked to vintage queen, Amber Scott, who is a Senior Soloist for the Australian Ballet (and an all round awesome person I might add). She says, "Regardless of trends and eras, if it makes you feel great, wear it.” She also added (and take it from a dancer who knows) that good posture and a happy face makes everything you wear look 10 times better. Agree. Well said.

Next I chatted to designer queen, Tarra Chong (a gorgeous and lovely Sydney fashion publicist) who advises, “Be adventurous but know your limits. Don't go so crazy that you don't feel comfortable. Do go crazy enough that you love what you're wearing!” Amanda Norton (Retail Area Manager for Ginger & Smart) agrees: "Be brave and try on new things that you wouldn't usually wear... But only buy the pieces that you truly love!"

Jade Schoemen (National Sales Manager, Mink Pink) is blessed with the kind of Amazonian good looks that others (including myself) can only dream of.  She looks amazing at all times because she knows exactly what works for her body shape. When asked to divulge her secrets she had this to say; “I believe in style over fashion. Once you know what works best for you, shape wise, you can look amazing in anything.” Claire Obeid  (stellar publicist and writer) adds, “Move with the times and update your style, but don’t let the times move you so you end up following a trend for the sake of it”. No wonder Claire always looks amaahhaaazing darhhling! 

Jade also mentioned that she “likes to invest in quality.”  Fabrics over fads – I like it. “And whilst I love fashion, it’s got to be comfortable. I like garments that I can wear to work all day and then simply add a pair of heels to step out at night.”

Fashionista Assia Benmedjdoub (Editor of Ragtrader – THE fashion trade magazine) agrees. “Simply add five inches to any outfit. A killer pair of heels will work wonders on your classic wardrobe staples” Her current heel status? Nude gladiator sandals. 
It does seem like everyone is obsessed with shoes doesn’t it? Sarah Stavrow (fashion publicist - yes I know a lot of them) confirms the rumour, adding that “it’s all about the shoes, bad shoes can completely destroy an outfit.”  Sarah, for the record, is one of those girls that always looks amazing, but when you try to copy her outfit at home, it never quite works out. How does she do it, I always think? Well, she tells me not to be afraid of sparkle. Not sparklers you understand, but sequin and beads and the like. And it is true – Sarah wears sequins to breakfast and gems to lunch. I love brunching with her! A final footnote on the subject though. Sparkle doesn’t mean glitter. Leave the glitter well alone. In fact throw out any beauty products or clothes that contain glitter immediately.

And in case you ever find yourself lunching with someone fabulous like Miss Stavrow at short notice, take Diana Taranto’s advice. As the owner of fab new websitewww.fourthcrusade.com.au she knows what she’s talking about when she suggests that you “Always have a pair of cute heels, an amazing statement necklace and red lippy in your car. That way you will never have to pass on a last minute dinner or drinks invite when you are wearing jeans and t-shirt. You will suddenly look effortlessly chic and instant glam”.  Great advice – especially when you are surrounded by stylish people like I am. Packing the car as we speak…. 

But back to Sarah. She also advises young Perth fashionistas to “play around with their wardrobe to find their signature pieces and not to be scared of mixing prints. Try pairing a floral pattern with an animal print and finish it off with a turquoise necklace and metallic heels.” Sarah’s signature look? A cute dress, big watch and designer handbag. Noted. Dress, watch, bag - I’m on to it!

Next I spoke the owner and founder of www.fashionwa.com, Jacqui Brown, who had some more great advice for y’all.  She said, “If it doesn’t feel right - it won’t look right!  If your outfit isn’t working when you leave the house, it’s going to feel even worse by the time you arrive at work/ catch up with your friend/ see your boy.  Take the time and change – a non-stressing-about-your-outfit-day is always worth those few extra minutes.” How very wise. If only I had known Jacqui before I wore pants that I couldn’t sit down in to an art gallery launch. Awkward, to say the least.

Last but not least I spoke to Emma Abrahams an amazing creative director and stylist from Melbourne. Emma, incidentally, has topped the Best Dressed list compiled by The Age (Melbourne’s main newspaper for those of you wondering) so when she offers advice – I listen. In fact I take notes. Her advice? “Own at least one classic Chanel black tailored jacket. It will take you everywhere!" If you can’t afford Chanel, then look for a good cuts and fabric and invest in a tailor to tide you over until you can! Just in case you’re wondering – Emma’s husband, Justin, was also voted best dressed on the men’s list. This is a seriously stylish couple. 

And so now that you’ve had the low down. Where will you actually buy your new wardrobe?  Well in Perth I like to shop at the following:

Online

It’s important to support our local talent and you really can’t go past this website:www.fashionwa.com.au

Or hit up Ginger&Smart’s website to purchase their latest collections:http://shop.gingerandsmart.com

For beautiful accessories try: www.thisismakebelieve.com and don’t forget:www.fourthcrusade.com.au 

Perth 

Gorgeous Vintage and Collectibles
879 Beaufort Street, Inglewood
Tel: 9271 0441

Scanlan & Theodore 
36 Bayview Terrace, Claremont
Tel: 08 9385 4747

Post Emporium 
23 View Street
North Perth 
Tel: 08 9228 0373

Iridescent Sea
44 Hubble Street (Cnr George St)
East Fremantle 
Tel: 08 9438 1110

Harry High Pants
259 William Street
Northbridge 6003
Tel: 08 9328 2635

Failing that, the editor of Box Magazine tells me that best place for Perthites to shop is Singapore! I Facebooked a friend who lives there and she confirms that it is so.  The inside tip?  Head over in June to escape Perth’s icky winter and take advantage of all the sales. Or if you can’t wait head to www.lastminute.com.au and see what cheap flights are available right now! 


You can read more of my work at www.sunsetmag.com.au