Eau de Vie awarded 'World's Best New Cocktail Bar'

Melbournites are clinging precariously to their reputation for hiding Australia’s superior bar scene in their laneways and warehouses, as Sydney gem Eau de Vie has taken out the coveted title of ‘World’s Best New Cocktail Bar’.

Trumping a shortlist comprising of only New York venues, Eau de Vie beat the city synonymous with cocktails, exclusive bars and Manhattans at the internationally recognised Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.

“We set out to create a small cocktail bar where quality of drinks and service are king… I hope that we're helping to drive trends on a global level rather than just following whatever's happening in London and the U.S which have typically been seen as the leaders in our industry,” said owner Sven Almenning in response to the award.

Also nominated for ‘World’s Best Cocktail Menu’ and ‘World’s Best Drink Selection’, the recognition is testament to Almenning’s dedication, original design and attention to detail.   Lifeafterfive’s hazy recollection of a martini master class run by the brilliant Dr Phil led us to proclaim Eau de Vie a hidden bar full of expert bartenders, priding itself on knowing its Hendricks from its Anchor Junipero. 

Fronted by Luke Redingon, the not-so-hidden bar has attracted a loyal clientele of Sydney siders seeking quality, ambiance and style.  With an Eue De Vie Melbourne in the works for October, defensive Melbournites can hold their fears of the imminent turning of the smallbariffic tables at bay… for now.

Eau De Vie
229 Darlinghurst Rd
Darlinghurst 2010

WIN 2 x tickets to Departure Lounge at Piano Room - BRAZIL

This competition has now closed and winners have been contacted. Thanks for entering!

We are giving away a double boarding pass to Departure Lounge at Piano Room on 11 August, thanks to our friends at OurDeal.

Tantalise the travel bug lurking beneath the surface without the hassle of passports, immunisations and airport taxes.

Lifeafterfive* embraced the spirit of Africa at Departure Lounge's Zimbabwe event at Piano Room a few weeks ago.  This is your opportunity to venture to Brazil on 11 August for cocktails, dancing and tasty food.

Transforming into the departure lounge of a different country each week, the event is an initiative by the foodies and fashionistas behind Eat Drink Play and Fashion Palette. 

To win a double boarding pass to Departure Lounge on 11 August 2011, please leave a comment with your favourite Sydney winter survival strategy.

For an extra entry, link to this competition on twitter (and cc @lifeafterfive) or your own blog and let us know.

Don't forget to include your email address or twitter name so that we can get in touch to give you your prize!

Entries close at midnight Friday 5 August 2011.

Jersey Boys announces last weeks in Sydney

Jersey Boys - The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons has announced ‘last weeks’ of its successful Aussie run, and will take the toe-tapping, hand-clapping theatre across the ditch to Auckland in April 2012.

Jersey Boys tells the story of how four blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop sensations of all time. Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi joined forces to become The Four Seasons, writing their own hits to sell over 175 million records before age 30.  

Jersey Boys opened in Melbourne in July 2009 and played for 13 months. The show is currently playing to packed houses at Sydney’s Theatre Royal after breaking box office records as the highest grossing show in the theatre’s history. Over 1,000,000 have now seen the show in Melbourne and Sydney.

Book tickets at ticketmaster.com.au or call 1300 723 038.  Prices range from $39 to $165.