The latest instalment of the hugely popular Shrek movie franchise premiered in Dublin last week to much fanfare. Fittingly hosted in the largest movie theatre in the land, Savoy No.1, the place was abuzz with excitement, from adults and kids alike, many of whom arrived early to meet the ogre himself.
Keith and Lisa Duffy, Marty Whelan, Niall McCrudden, Gerry Ryan and Taragh Loughrey – Grant were all in attendance and accompanied by their cute offspring. Also there were Joanne Byrne, stylist Cathy O’Connor and socialite Richard Spence, who has just launched his latest venture, www.myoverseasproperty.ie. I highly recommend it (the website - and having a property overseas).
As you would expect, Shrek the Third is full of witty one-liners aimed to please a broad audience – the aforementioned young and old. It’s funny but I thought not as funny as the first two and it would have been wise for the producers to leave it at that (but I see that Shrek 4 is already in the making). Sure to be a huge hit, it’s quality chewing gum for the brain.
One man who knows when to leave on a high note is writer, producer and actor David Coffey. He’s the brains behind the RTE hit Dan & Becs, which has been commissioned for a second series and will be broadcast in September. However, Dave has decided not to continue the series after that and wants to leave on a high note, alá The Office.
The second series has already been completed and he is now working on his next projects, he told me when I met him at a party hosted by Finlandia Vodka last Thursday. We were in top nightclub Renards to celebrate midsummer night, which apparently is a huge event in Finland and is marked as a joyous occasion. As the club was transformed from blue to green to red (to signify the changing elements of the day) we were treated to a range of different cocktails from the mixologists at Finlandia.
Society fave Avila Lipsett provided the DJ intro (she’s currently the most in demand DJ in town) with Mo Kelly and Arveen playing into the night. Trevor Musgrave (just back from Marrakesh), Rachel Kavanagh, Ivano Cafolla, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, stylist Graham Cruz, music mogul Simon Rudd and Richard Kavanagh, who is getting ready to host the Social & Personal summer party this week, also enjoyed the evening.
A party with a difference was hosted by Fragrances of Ireland last week, to launch Inis Or, the latest scent in their ever popular perfume collection - fact fans: Inis is the best selling perfume in Ireland. Apart from the new perfume itself, the bash took place on board the Jeanie Johnston, a stunning replica of a 19th century sailing ship. Very Pirates of the Caribbean.
The intimate and trés exclusive event (numbers were restricted due to the location – and girls couldn’t wear heels!) was attended by a host of style setters lead by Sophie Labbé, the French lady who is the 'nose' for Fragrances of Ireland and the person who is responsible for Inis Or.
While I'm on the subject of style setters, I have to tell you how impressed with new gourmet burger joint Jo Burger in Rathmines. These guys know about understated cool. Graffiti art on the walls, vintage comic annuals as menus, live DJ everynight. And the food! The last time I was there I saw a gang from Food & Wine magazine at the next table, and they're not easily pleased.
Jo Burger - the sauce on a bun burger.
