Rose Lawless – La Belle Chanteuse

When I heard that Rose Lawless, the original rich girl gone wrong, was performing at the Centre For Creative Practices I signed up straight away. I last saw the beautiful and the damned good-time girl at the Matchbox Theatre, this time last year, in her fabulous Cabaret Revolution show. Rose has been busy writing (and getting engaged!) so her return to stage was not to be missed.

The Centre For Creative Practices on Pembroke Street proved an intimate venue for her showcase, with comfy beanbags dotted around the room. BYOB was ideal, the place has a handy kitchen with glasses and bottle openers on hand, and I shared a nice vino with my friends. A clever dash en route to Mao on Baggot Street for a tasty curry ensured plenty of soakage for the night.

I had the chance to catch up with Rose beforehand and she was charming as ever, telling me of her delight at finding the perfect vintage wedding dress. And of her latest antics, which she puts so well into song! With that naughty glint in her eye, Rose warmed up the audience with saucy one liners and cheeky asides, singling out some lucky chaps for her special attention!

Serenading us with “Feather Boa” Rose kicked off the show in style, with Julie Cruickshank on keyboard putting melody to her every move. We were treated to a rousing version of “Man with a Moustache”, one of which there was of course for Rose to playfully tease. The show is unique as only Rose can swing from a flirty and filthy ballad to a heartfelt love song, taking us on the crest of her mood as she does.

Rose’s sense of humour is sharp as a knife with “Philosopher Man” and “The Dan Song” speaking to all of us ladies who’ve ever been in love. And of course we have! But brazen Rose Lawless can pontificate the pitfalls of her heart with such… brutal honesty! While still making it sound like great fun. “Dirty Rotten Love Song” encapsulates her ability to grant her lover a double edged tribute.

Enchanted as we were by her hilarious anecdotes, Rose had a surprise up her vintage silk sleeve. A rap song! “Up Da Pole” saw her dropping the trademark husky tone for an earthy Dublin-ese, as she assumed the role of an inner city Virgin Mary. Priceless… Our siren songstress saw us out on a delicate note, poetry and Cohen, befitting the cosy feel of the evening. Le cabaret c’est magnifique.

We drained our glasses and Rose blew a red lipstick kiss goodnight. But the buzz was still alive at CFCP with singer David Noone taking to the keyboard to play a preview of his Nick Cave set, which is happening this Thursday. Retiring to Matt the Thresher, a smart bar across the street, we had one for the road and inspired by the delectable Rose, a good old gab about wonderful terrible love.

www.roselawless.com / www.cfcp.ie / Centre For Creative Practices, 15 Pembroke Street Lwr, Dublin 2

General Practice – Gallery of Photography

Tuesday was jam packed in a good way! First stop was Rathmines to run a couple of errands, followed by a zip across to Ranelagh for lunch. I had a lovely munch in Cinnamon, a sprawling New York style deli cafe on the main drag. My charming Yankee waiter brought me a yumsters goats cheese and Portobello mushies sandwich on rye bread. This buzzy place is clearly a hit with the locals.

Since I’d managed to keep out of The 3rd Policeman and Green With Envy in Rathmines (self imposed retail embargo), a little window shopping satisfied my fashion tooth. Cup Cakes gave me a nice frill – a gorgeous lingerie boutique which stocks delicate European labels. Bow And Pearl allowed me to channel my inner French girl – filmy dresses, capri pants and chic tops. Delicieux!

A quick pit stop chez moi for tea and cake, and I was off out again to meet a mate for the opening of “General Practice” at the Gallery of Photography. The exhibition is about patients and their GPs in Ireland today and is part of a celebration of Trinity College Medical School’s tercentenary. It illustrates the day to day work of GPs and the relationship with their communities.

The Gallery of Photography hosted a packed house for the exhibition of Fionn McCann’s work. Vino in hand we listened to words from TCD Professor of General Practice Tom O’Dowd and Minister Leo Varadkar, himself an alumni of the Medical School. McCann’s mostly black and white shots capture the confessional quality of the patient / GP encounter with great sensitivity.

Favourite pictures of mine included – a six week baby check, the patient’s first visit to the doctor, a man testing out his two new hip joints and a little girl being examined for meningitis. Happily, she was fine. I also liked a shot of a doctor fixing an old lady’s eye, her ease at his expertise the essence of the exercise. And a woman taking 19 different medications left me intrigued…

“General Practice” is interesting in that we get a glimpse into a world that’s usually a closed door. A GP visit is often an anxious part of life and McCann’s pictures highlight the reassurance, understanding and trust a doctor offers their patient. Particularly touching are the situations of the elderly, many of whom have known their GP a long time or live alone and take home visits.

The place eventually filtered out and we had worked up an appetite, so Ukiyo it was. A couple of bento boxes, helped down with Asahi beer, and we were ready to meet the gang for some school night action. The Blind Pig Speakeasy. This pop up bar was at a secret location for a couple of nights only. Cocktails were the real deal, with top mixer Paul Lambert behind the bar. Nightcap deluxe.

www.galleryofphotography.ie / Gallery of Photography, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Art in Action – Farmleigh Frolics!

Sunday, Sunday, here again, a walk in the park… Ah, bank holiday Sunday! I’d been out on the razz Saturday nite. Film Fatale showed the brilliant “All About Eve” at the Sugar Club and I chased gin cocktails with pints in Grogan’s and the Exchequer. I brought my sore head out for a morning after bike ride before toasted sambos at The Barge and a nice day out in the Pheonix Park.

Me and a couple of mates spent a lovely afternoon at Art in Action, a sprawling art fair in the grounds of Farmleigh House. The three day showcase was a free event running over the bank holiday weekend and featured art, crafts, music, performance, fun and food. Art in Action celebrates the role of the artist in society and provides a great opportunity to share creativity.

We saw some fabulous art works, which were set up in little studios so we could see the artists in action. It’s inspiring for those with creative leanings and a good place to pick up some skills, for punters who fancy a dabble. Most of the artwork was for sale and there were some very beautiful pieces available at nice prices. And such unusual “where did you get that?” bits too!

There was loads for the kiddies to do – they were high on sunshine, clowns, balloons, art classes and candy floss! We checked out the Blanchardstown Brass Band, had a mooch around the market place where we saw jewellery makers and hand crafters working their magic. Then we wandered over to the Farmer’s Market for some homemade Man of Aran fudge. Mmmn…

I was feeling much better after a good muck around the Pheonix Park and was ready for some dins at last. We came out the other side of the park and took a spin over to The Twelfth Lock on the banks of the Royal Canal in Castleknock Marina. The place was packed and we tucked into burgers and fish and chips. Top nosh. Dessert was “Avengers Assembly” at the flicks – very tasty!

www.artinaction.ie / www.twelfthlock.com

Having a Laugh – The Ha’penny Bridge Inn

It was lashing rain on Tuesday and I was nice and cosy inside Rainbow Cottage, with the wind whipping the Liffey outside. But I couldn’t miss Battle of the Axe at the Ha’penny Bridge Inn, as one of my pals was a player in the open mic comedy face off. So I bunged on my thermals and stole out into the wet ‘n’ wild first day of Irish summer. Dins at Empty Pockets soon warmed my cockles!

As usual I hit the city using my unique internal sat nav – this place has gotta be near the Ha’penny Bridge, right? Up the stairs I went and into a nice parlour, full of excited cheering mates, tourists and Dubliners who do school nights. Our host for the evening was the quirky and extremely hilarious Aedin Darmody. Her natural comedic talent made for some very giggly interludes.

First up was my buddy Jerry O’Brien. I had a keen ear for Jerry’s material, as I’ve been acting as his joke judge for the last few months. I watched him at the Paddy Laughs Comedy Festival and at Anseo’s Comedy Smack Down, so it’s interesting to see Jerry honing his craft. His gags were getting a good old chuckle and I was proud to be part of the process. Tickle meet funny bone!

Other stand out stand ups included Colm Tyrrell, a down to earth Dub who does a very convincing Cork accent, and Eleanor Tiernan, a tell like it is funny lady who mines her hometown Athlone for comedy gems. New Yorker Aaron, was in Dublin on business and had us howling with his queeny barbs. And there was a fella in a shiny suit who gave a rollicking rundown of his relationship. Brilliant.

The mirth on offer at the Ha’penny Bridge was top class, and it was a tough call but alas a battle it was – the winner was Paul Bartley. He had started his set with a few sharp one liners, Tommy Cooper style, and moved on to his own brand of dry observation. Aedin had a final surprise up her sleeve in the form of Andrew Stanley, who had us laughing out one side of our mouths and squealing with the other!

www.battleoftheaxe.com / The Ha’penny Bridge Inn, Wellington Quay, Dublin 2

Exchange Dublin – Art In The City

Monday night I was all set to watch the big match when a mate suggested a trip to the Exchange for an art exhibition. Hmmm… Culture or footie? Footie or culture? I decided to hit the Exchange, with a pit stop at the Bruv’s gaff for a bit of match talk. Quick cuppa under my belt, I made a dash through Temple Bar to see Blurred Boundaries and Bara Palcik’s first gallery show.

Exchange Dublin is a unique gallery space at the more sophisticated end of Temple Bar. Billed as a collective arts centre, it provides an outlet for creative discussion, music, visual arts and performance. Run voluntarily by young people, Exchange Dublin aims to support a culture of community in the city, facilitating collaboration and providing a centre for discourse.

We started with a look at Blurred Boundaries, an eye catching textile and multi media installation created by 45 migrant women living and working in private homes throughout Ireland. The hand stitched textile piece is very striking and celebrates the contribution these women make as active citizens in their own right and as active agents of change.

The quilt is made up of three different scenarios. The top depicting workers at rest – playing cards, meeting friends, window shopping. The middle highlighting the exploitation, discrimination and isolation often suffered by these women. The bottom representing clarity and boundaries – how we can better integrate immigrant workers into our society.

Exchange Dublin is a hub of activity – all the while we were there people were working away at their own creations. Also on display were photographs which are part of the Opening Doors project, a collaboration between the Domestic Workers Action Group and artist Susan Gogan. It features some beautiful insights into the everyday work of those employed in the home.

In the adjoining room, Polish artist Bara Palcik is showing her first ever exhibition. Her paintings are exciting and lively, dotted around the room in groups. Palcik’s use of colour and multi media show a playful side to the new artist’s work. She told me that she likes to get her hands dirty and get really involved in each piece, never knowing how it will eventually unfold.

We found common ground, in that Palcik took up painting and I started writing, as we were both made redundant last year. She said that was the moment her inner artist was released, changing her life completely. The work here represents her transformation, experimental in some places and curious in others. Palcik’s love of her craft is inspiring and wholehearted.

In particular, Palcik is full of praise for the Exchange. She explained the importance of this gallery for an emerging artist like herself, as it opens her up to an audience she wouldn’t otherwise have. Part of that is the joy of seeing others appreciation of her paintings. Palcik plans to study art formally and I’m sure we will see more great work from her in the future.

All cultured out, our next stop was Dakota on South William Street for an InterNations meet up. The idea is to connect ex-pats and non nationals and we got chatting to some very interesting folk. Dublin is more culturally diverse than ever and it’s great to mix with some of my city neighbours. We left with an invite for Italian food, new friends and a big smile on our faces.

www.exchangedublin.ie / Exchange Dublin, Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

The Riptide Movement Rock The Academy

When my mate was looking for bods to go see The Riptide Movement at The Academy last Saturday, she raved about how great this band is. I must admit that I’d heard of these lads but I didn’t know their stuff. A crafty gander on Youtube and I was impressed with the tunage. Sign me up! The gang met in The Oval on Middle Abbey Street for apres gig pints and chips for dinner.

The Academy is a smart venue, anyone who was a regular of Spirit back in the day will be familiar with the layout. Old folk that we are, we got comfy upstairs on the balcony, with a nice view of the moshpit. The Academy’s stage is quite big relative to the size of the place, a bonus for bands. This gaff inspires a dream sequence of my teenage nights in the Tivoli. When I used to be down the front…

It wasn’t long before The Riptide Movement were storming the stage. Their sound is billed as folk rock but I think it’s that with a good injection of testosterone. I’m channeling Led Zep as they tore through a stomping “Shake Shake”. There’s a retro feel to The Riptide Movement that’s unstudied and feeds the type of on stage adrenalin that makes great live music. A proper man’s band.

Lead singer, Mal Tuohy, took the spotlight with his rich gravelly vocals and electric blue guitar, owning the stage during “Alive Inside”. As far as rock star crushes go, this guy has got what it takes. In spades. A cross between George Best and Jim Morrison, Mal is a good old fashioned strappin’ fella. Quite a refreshing change from the usual metro Nancy boys. And talented to boot.

The front row were seriously wigging out and it’s obvious that this is the sort of band The Academy is made for. Wall to wall sound, the band filled the room. Clapping, chanting and singalongs, The Riptide Movement know how to work their audience. They’re a natural band that fans can believe in. Honest rock ‘n’ roll. And a comedy drummer too, who can play with kit on his head!

The band got rootsy with “Oh Row the Rattlin’ Bog” a real crowd pleaser, ensuing a fantastic jam by musicians who clearly know each other inside out. The Who came to mind as they slid into a slow number, all rusty vocals and soaring guitars. Next up was a brass section and female vocalist for “Without You” and then the didgeridoo in a zen-like “Roll On Train”.

The Riptide Movement are a band who truly understand music. Soulful yet raw, they go where the energy takes them. And us. One of those unforgettable Dublin nights. That’s entertainment as Paul Weller once said. Mal took us to the heights with his voice coming from deep inside for “Hot Tramp” as the whole building got high on JPR Dalton’s sweet anthem guitar.

We promised to buy their new album “Keep On Keepin’ On” as the lads bid us farewell. Certainly this hardworking band deserve success, not just because of the pure graft in staying up all night signing sleeves, playing a matinee gig and then tonight’s roof raiser. But because they have potential to be Ireland’s next big thing. Everything about them is authentically good.

The Riptide Movement saw us out with a rip roaring “Keep On Keepin’ On”. A class act. We stayed in The Academy, in need of a few more Paulaners after our toe tapping antics. Then the dance floor started up with Propaganda and The Postman on DJ duty. We liked what we heard and decided to ditch our pipe and slippers and get down with the kids. Proper old skool choons!

www.trm.ie / The Academy, 57 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1 / www.theacademydublin.com

The Market Bar – Tasty Morsels

I was on my way home the day after a friend’s wedding, when I got an “Are you in town?” call. Well, I was nearly there! It was a glorious day, so I dumped my overnight bag at Rainbow Cottage and headed for the city centre. Me and my pal went through a list of our fave haunts, as we strolled through Temple Bar. Until I suggested The Market Bar. My girlfriend has a real thing about this place!

The Market Bar has long been a Dublin staple, with punters enjoying the din of conversation instead of music and contemporary tapas instead of Mammy dinners. It was a late Saturday afternoon and we had plenty of space in the cavernous room. And we still managed to bump into an old mucker. That’s town for ya! We settled in and took our pick from the delicious tapas menu.

Feta and Chorizo salad, patatas bravas, nachos and fish skewers. Noms! Sharing food with friends is great fun as you get the best of everything and end up trying things you wouldn’t order yourself. The Market Bar serves generous portions too. Salty bites were going a long way to soak up the excesses of my wedding, but some sugar would deffo take the edge off. Ah sweet cake…

We divided the calories of a hot saucy chocolate brownie with two spoons. Tea, natch, came in tall glasses. Very Continental. Although The Market Bar was a Celtic Tiger hotspot, the Fade Street restaurant has a timeless appeal with its communal benches, open kitchen and informal service. I didn’t require liquid refreshment, but The Market Bar has plenty on tap to wet your whistle.

The Market Bar, 14a Fade Street, Dublin 2 / www.marketbar.ie

Ely Gastro Pub – Stylish Bites

Another lunch date with my Mother was on the cards last week – don’t we love ourselves? We had a nice mill around the Grand Canal Docks, in search something salady for herself. The menu at Ely Gastro Pub got the nod, and in we went. The chic surrounds of this place always say wine bar to me rather than gastro pub, but the lunch fare is hearty enough to earn the name.

In among the suited and booted clientelle, we relaxed in comfy leather bucket chairs. Daily specials included vintage cheddar on sourdough which appealed to my carb cravings. It arrived with a cute little basket of chips. Mother went for the Ely super salad. Although rice was listed in the ingredients, we were surprised to find that most of the salad was filled out with hard white rice.

Restaurants often make the mistake of thinking that salad eaters must be filled up with extra carbs or meat. I always find that Caesar comes with mounds of unwanted chicken. But no. We like green stuff. Keep salad simple! Our waiter was such a lovely chap, but when the guy in charge came by we told him that the otherwise delicious salad was not what we’d expected.

I was quite impressed that he took our feedback on board and there was nothing negative apart from the cold rice. Having spied next door’s desserts, we decided to round off our meal with a sweet treat. Our man told us that Ely’s pastry chef, Monto, is well known for his delicate confections and he helped me with my French as I ordered the pear bavarois, and ice cream for Mama.

The desserts really did taste as good as they looked. So light and expertly flavoured. Ely is such a nice place to kick back, we found ourselves chatting away with the staff, in between our own conversation. When paying the bill we noticed that our ice cream was on the house. Making customers feel welcome is the best thing on the menu here. We’ll be back!

Ely Gastro Pub, Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2 / www.elywinebar.ie

Lost Society – Fresh As A Daisy!

Twas a bonus sunny afternoon when I met mia Mamma for lunch in town last week. Our default meeting point is the front doors of BT – a sneaky peek at their lipsticks is always on the cards! Now where to? We decided to stick a pin in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, as there’s an abundance of scoffs to be had there. So, up the stairs and into Lost Society with the pair of us.

I didn’t realise that this popular bar and club even did food, as my visits thus far have been nocturnal, but it was the yummy lunch menu that won us over. Sitting out on the terrace in the sunshine had put us in a salady mood. Sharing great taste, we both went for the roast apple and goats cheese salad and a portion of skinny fries. And tea for two, naturellement.

I’d spied some very good looking chips at a neighbour’s table, and we weren’t disappointed with our crispy little fellas! Pretty presentation in a Baroque style wrapper to boot. But the piece de resistance was the main dish. Spanking fresh mixed leaves, and plenty of them, topped with mild goats cheese, hazelnuts and tasty red apple. No dressing. That simple!

When I come to a cafe like Lost Society and experience amazing food at nice prices, I wonder why all eateries can’t do this? Good ingredients are the key. The Mothership’s fave nosh is greens and she was well impressed! We’ll be back to sample more of this most imaginative menu. Attentive service made this a lovely meal, and the guy in charge does such easy charm.

Time for a post munch browse around the Townhouse – rude not to… We enjoyed a mooch about Article, a chic homeware store with seriously covetable retro furniture, quirky objets and gorgeous gifts. Next, a leisurely scan of the newly refurbished Loft Market. What can I say? Delicious dresses, handmade hats and vintage jewellery… Dessert is served Mesdames!

Lost Society, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2 / www.lostsociety.ie

Lara Boutique – Celebrity Glamour!

When one of my girlfriends won a 200 euro shopping spree last week she had your reporter on style speed dial. The fabulous prize was from our fave shop Lara Boutique, on Dame Lane. We met up for a day of total retail therapy. Lara Boutique is the ultimate girls shop, a gorgeous showroom of glamorous gowns and party dresses as well as slinky jeans and sexy heels.

We were in another world – one of diamante, sequins, satin and feathers. Lara is such fun to browse as there’s no other store like it in Dublin. It’s the glitterati’s secret “go to” place for events. Katie Price is a big fan, indeed owner Lara Casey is her personal stylist. My pal needed special outfits for a birthday party and for her business launch night. We were spoilt for choice!

With a stash of seriously bling numbers, we got stuck in. The girls here are so lovely and helped us to select the perfect frocks. An amazing Forever Unique one shoulder mini dress with beautiful jet beading and a super cute diamante encrusted LBD by Jovani. Wow! All shopped out, we bagged the goodies and made our way to Keogh’s Cafe for a little perk up.

I had somehow managed to escape empty handed. But, passing Lara a couple of days later, I nipped in to check on the welfare of a darling Karen Cole jacket I’d spied the last time. Fash lust… Lara Casey was on on hand to style judge, telling me all about the designer and the soft merino wool. Lara clearly loves clothes and knows exactly what her customers want.

Lara started out more than ten years ago when she recognised a market for exclusive brands in Ireland. Now with three stores – Dame Lane, Terenure and London’s Chiswick – her collections are as popular as ever. Selling luxe brands like Forever Unique, Jovani Couture, Just Cavalli and Pinko, Lara told me she watches up and coming trends to source her stock.

We had a giggle as Lara explained that styling is about letting loose and enjoying the clothes. Her take on fashion is looking and feeling good, and of course going as glam as you can! As a girl who likes to add a unique twist to her wardrobe, I find Lara’s one off designs right up my street. Like the lady herself, this daring boutique has a certain je ne sais quoi!

Lara Boutique, 1 Dame Lane, Dublin 2 / www.larasfashion.com