There are some days where I cannot believe just how lucky I am. Today, for example, I am sitting in my favourite café, sipping a latte, writing. I didn’t get out of bed until after 8.30, I didn’t get dressed until after 11am and I am working on a shiny new MacBook Air that despite my initial apprehensions is actually pretty spectacular.
And so in the theme of luck, it seems only fitting that I was last week invited to celebrate the launch of the Emirates Marquee at the Spring Racing Carnival – Ireland – where the luck of the Irish was the clearly in abundance.
Held at the Melbourne Town Hall, the event not only launched the theme and the entertainment, but also the food and drinks to be served in the Marquee on the main race days.
The three cocktails – The Molly Malone, Limerick Lane and Golden Fizz – bring together Ciroc Vodka or Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve with a host of ingredients to tantalize the most disconcerting tastebuds. And you know I love a cocktail!
The food too was Irish inspired, and we were presented with just a taste of the delicacies that will be on offer during the Carnival.
There was oysters two ways, a classic Irish stew and a spring chicken salad, followed by shamrock pie (lemon meringue with a touch of green) and gooseberry and elderflower fool (meringue and jelly. YUM.)
As for the entertainment? Brian McFadden crooned U2’s “All I want is you’ and Irish dancers stomped away on the custom built dance floor, sending vibrations across the room and getting everyone tapping their well heeled feet.
For the ladies, Emirates have enlisted the help of Napoleon Perdis make up who will host make up stations in the Marquee for those quick touch ups, and South Yarra stylist Conrad Mace who will be on site to assist with hat hair and scents by Bvlgari.
But with all this amazing food, drink and entertainment at the launch, my favourite moment came when Emirates VP of Australasia, Barry Brown, spoke, declaring that all anyone wants at the end of the day at the races is a party pie and some hot chips.
I for one can’t wait for a bit of Irish action at the races.
