Diamond Burger

Diamonds: 1. Sarah O'Connor & Elaine Roddy; 2. Yvonne & Frank Collins; 3. Shelly McGrane & Orla Brennan. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The past couple of years has seen a proliferation of specialist burger joints spring up all over town. Good food, inexpensive and a few steps above the dreaded fast food option (guilty, but only as a last resort) the high-end burger restaurant is big business. Denizens of lovely Malahide needn’t have to venture into town for a gastronomic burger experience now that the Diamond Burger Bar has opened there.

Located in the heart of Malahide Village known locally as the ‘Diamond’ the venue is already a landmark meeting point and a hotspot for light lunches and lingering dinners alike. Created subject to a demand for such a venue locally, the restaurants opened its doors some three months ago on a soft basis to gauge customer opinion of both the concept and menu. Having listened to feedback and made some adjustments the owners, The McGovern Group, decided the time was right to officially launch with a bang.

Copan

Cop on: 1. Aisling O'Kennedy & Emer O'Kennedy; 2. Janet Durkin, Valeria Orsatti & Clare Durkin; 3. Brian Kennedy & Paul Byrne. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Dublin publican Chris Kelly launched his latest venture COPAN Cafe Bar in Rathmines this week. The new South Dublin 8000sqft venue has been styled on a Mayan theme which has been created at a cost of nearly €5 million, just a bit excessive for the times we live in perhaps. The opening night was attended by a number of well wishers including fitness expert Paul Byrne and his wife Siobhan, singer Brian Kennedy as well as models Lynne Kelly and Nadia Forde.

A Little Luxury

Luxurious: 1. Florence Dowling; 2. Kevin O'Reilly & Rita Teevan; 3. Brian O’Driscoll. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Fans of Cathy Davey got a rare treat as Lexus Ireland hosted a number of exclusive concerts with the singer to celebrate the launch of the new Lexus CT 200h. The divine Ms. D performed at five venues throughout Ireland as part of the Little Luxury tour with the event at Blackrock Lexus serving as the debut.

The exclusive invite only events were an evening of music, entertainment, luxury and a chance for guests to be the first to see the Lexus CT Hybrid up close in advance of its arrival in early 2011 as well as hear tracks from Cathy’s new album ‘The Nameless’. Among the lucky guests were rugby stars Brian O’Driscoll and Luke Fitzgerald, Clodagh Egan and Graeme Slattery, stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick and Joe Kinsella.

The Lexus CT marks the introduction of the first, and only, full hybrid vehicle to the heart of the premium compact segment. Its size, full hybrid technology and ultra-low emissions are guaranteed to meet the requirements of young highly discerning, environmentally-conscientious customers while not compromising on the quality, refinement and driving pleasure which hallmark the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus.

Assets

Shake your Assets: 1. Tiffaney Stanley, Leah O’Reilly & Jody Wood; 2. Santa & Derek Daniels; 3. Alison Boyle and Leah Duff. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Ho, ho, ho my God there fierce competition on the model agency scene this year in Dublin. I think I can count about 8 agents in this modest city of ours, how there’s business for all I don’t know.

Assets have had it good for a long time but this year the agency seems to have suffered at the hands of Andrea Roche, who set up her own shop and signed most of their big, er, assets. That didn’t stop Derek Daniels and Courtney O’Hara of Assets hosting their annual Christmas party which was attended by many of the faces still with them.

Speakeasy at The Exchange

Easy now: 1. Virginia Macari & Helen O’Dwyer; 2. Laura Haughey & Izabella Chudzicka; 3. Joanna Fitzpatrick & Hazel O’Sullivan. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The Speakeasy is the latest trend sweeping the nocturnal playgrounds of the world. Representing one of the stranger exercises in nostalgia to grip society, the infatuation with the good old days of Prohibition has been seen all over the U.S. - Varnish in Los Angeles; Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco; Speakeasy in Cleveland; the Violet Hour in Chicago are just a few speakeasy haunts where fancy cocktails are being shaken for on-trend social bods.

Now The Exchange Bar at the Westin Hotel brings a whole new Speakeasy vibe to Dublin nightlife. A host of familiar faces from the social scene were at the Taittinger champagne launch including Miss Ireland Emma Waldron, Berni and Lorenzo Cafolla, Will McCreevey, Catriona Hanly and Triona McCarthy, Georgia Salpa, Brian Kennedy and Virginia Macari.

Weathergirl Nuala Carey was a popular person on the night as many wanted the low down on the forecast ahead while Romy Carroll was making everyone green with envy with talk of her upcoming trip to Jamaica.

With funky sounds from DJ Owen Clarke, live Percussion & Sax and signature cocktails inspired by forgotten recipes from Speakeasy days, the Art Deco style bar exudes old school style. Opening late on Friday and Saturday nights it is set to be the place to be pre-dancefloor.

Tron 2

Trontastic: 1. Trish Long & Mo Ryan; 2. Sandra Byrne & Emma Gavagan; 3. John Murphy & Rebecca Crotty. (Pix. Richie Stokes)

Those of you into extreme Sci-fi movies will be thrilled that the sequel to the cult 1982 Disney classic Tron has been released. Tron Legacy picks up the story after the original left off and even Jeff Bridges reprises his role. The preview took place at Movies @ Dundrum recently and many of those in attendance agreed that it’s a visual feast.

Are you lost?

Not The Saturdays: 1. Jenni Murphy & Ciara Hanrahan; 2. Gillian Hanbury & Karen Turner; 3. Eavan Fallon & Megan Dunne. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Lost Society, the new club run by Jason Denham, has launched its prime weekend offering, Lost Saturdays. Since opening last month the South William Street venue, which was formerly Spy, has been attracting big numbers. New Year’s Eve sees a Hed Kandi spectacular with lots of entertainment promised before then.

Hilfiger Denim LOUD

Loud & Clear: 1. Avila Lipsett & Elaine Stenson; 2. Megan McDermott & Aoibhinn Stokes; 3. Danielle Capral & Christian Lonergan. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Music and fashion merged as the Hilfiger Denim LOUD event came to Dublin’s Tripod.
With a line-up including the very best up-and-coming talent from America and Ireland, it was a musical feast.

Among the live performances were Kid Sister, currently taking the Chicago scene by storm, Belfast’s Yes Cadets, Dublin trio The Minutes, fresh-faced Dublin dance scenesters Bitches With Wolves, and fellow Dublin group Killer Chloe. DJ sets came from American MC Princess Superstar and pioneering Alexander Technique (DJs Are Not Rockstars – Brooklyn) and Shit Robot, a protégé of LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy.

A Lancome Christmas

Ultra chic: Nadine Wai-O'Flynn & Andrea Roche; 2. Deric Hartigan & Elaine Butler-Doolin; 3. Roisin Lafferty & Orna Cunningham. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The Lancôme Christmas Celebration is always a social highlight in the festive diary and this year’s party was no exception. The party, at the Cliff Town House on St. Stephen’s Green, served as a special preview of Ultra Lavande, the new spring collection and was also the debut event for Roisin Tierney – Crowe who recently appointed as head of public relations for the brand.

There was plenty of goodwill and cheer from the invited guests, who included renowned beauty experts Caroline Scott, Elaine Butler-Doolin, Triona McCarthy, Elaine Prendeville and Liz Dwyer. They know good beauty.

Lancôme admirers in attendance included newly crowned Dragon’s Den panelist Norah Casey, TV3’s Elaine Crowley and Debbie O’Donnell, IMAGE editor Melanie Morris. Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon were toasting the end of filming Off The Rails for the year while Andrea Roche was on the lookout for new faces for her new modelling agency.

Lancôme Managing Director Trevor Tye was the host with the most and revealed that the latest spokesperson and face of the collection is Julia Restoin-Roitfeld (daughter of French Vogue editor Carine Roitfield). The other announcement that an Irishman will be the face of Armani in 2011 set everyone guessing and wondering ….

Skechers

Skechers: 1. Peter Andre & Glenda Gilson; 2. Hayly Rock & Rosanna Davison; 3. Louis Copeland & Maria Fusco. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Singer, TV personality and all round good egg Peter Andre was in town lately to launch the new Skechers footwear store on Henry Street, the brands first flagship store here in Ireland. Thankfully Pete wasn’t in town a week earlier or he might have bumped into his ex, Jordan, who was here for a perfume gig in Clondalkin.

The beauties were out in force with the likes of Rosanna Davison, Glenda Gilson, Amanda Brunker, Virginia Macari and Sarah McGovern all there to celebrate the launch (or to check out P.A. perhaps?). The men were well represented too with Kamal Ibrahim, Louis Copeland, singer Paul Harrington and Niall Stokes of Hotpress all in attendance.

Scrooge

Bah humbug: 1. Martina & Clive Mulligan; 2. Martin King, Jenny McCarthy & son Matthew; 3. Leigh Arnold & Jessica Matthews. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The story “A Christmas Carol” is one of the most famous ever told. Made into countless film versions and TV movies, the original Charles Dickens tale is known to most. Now the record breaking, stunningly spectacular musical production, Scrooge, has opened at the Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin.

This production, direct from the London Palladium in the West End, is a heart-warming family story with stunning sets and costumes, specially created illusions by magician Paul Kieve (acclaimed for the magic effects in the Harry Potter films) and a fantastic musical score which features the Oscar nominated hit Thank You Very Much.

Tommy Steele, one of the most successful British entertainers of all time, returns to the stage for this production – his performances at the London Palladium sent him into the record books as the star to have headlined the most performances at London’s most famous theatre. Scrooge runs until Jan 2 but check for specific performance dates.

Christmas Market

In the Market: 1. Susie Headon & Martin Garvey; 2. Ana Lezcano & Sophie Smith; 3. Matthew Kelly & Ciara Wall. (Pix. Richie Stokes)

The Docklands Christmas Market was officially opened recently and coupled with the snowy conditions it was an ideal place to soak up the festive atmosphere. The market is also filled with brightly decorated wooden huts and chalets selling an array of unique Christmas gifts, including beautiful Christmas decorations, handmade arts and crafts and other unusual stocking fillers.

At the market you can warm your mitts on everything from hot cherrypunch, hot Apple Punch and hot chocolate to mulled Gluewein and creamy Eggnog. The scrumptious aroma is sure to attract gourmands for the seasonal culinary specialities including Bratwurst sausages, German breads, savoury cakes, pies and much more.

And, as if that weren’t enough, all chalets are offering a 10% discount to shoppers from Monday to Wednesday! There’s plenty of entertainment everyday too so get down to the IFSC for a dose of traditional Christmas. Check out www.ddda.ie for details.

Keith Duffy Gala

Unmasked: 1. Neil McCarthy & Arlene Bowles; 2. Sarah Devlin & Laura McKenna; 3. Alan Shortt & his wife Colette. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


A masquerade ball with a difference (the guests don’t wear masks) was hosted by Boyzone star Keith Duffy in aid if Irish Autism Action and Saplings School in Rathfarnham, Dublin. This highly successful charity event is in its fifth year and attracted a host of generous supporters to the Radisson hotel on Golden Lane.

Karen Koster was the emcee for the evening while entertainment was provided by the band The Four of Us, while comedian Alan Shortt was auctioneer on the night and helped raise over €100,000. Guests included Nadia Forde, Karena Graham, Gary and Valerie Keating and singer Brian Kennedy.

VW Passat

Car’s the Star: 1. Alana DiVito, Andrew Smyth and Leonara Smyth; 2. Brent Pope and Louise Collins; 3.Shane Jennings, Fergus McFadden and Shane Horgan. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Taste of Christmas was a recent hit with foodies and those in search of some seasonal inspiration. Volkswagen was one of the sponsors of the event and used it as a platform to launch the much anticipated new Passat car. Among the guests were a number of the Leinster rugby team, Brent Pope and Hector O’hEochagain, while celebrity chefs Kevin Dundon and Gino D'Acampo took a break from their cooking duties to check out the new motor.

Charity Lunch

Reaching out: 1. Kate Moran & Mikaela Kenny; 2. Fenella Murphy, Lisa O’Sullivan, Rachel Fitzsimons & Susan Hennessy; 3. Jackie Brennan and Louise Heneghan. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Wall 2 Wall PR hosted its annual Christmas charity luncheon in Venu Brasserie recently. This year the chosen charity was Reachout.com, an online site providing teenagers and young people with information on stress, bullying, suicide, depression and other issues that can affect mental health and well-being.

Guests were treated to a superb meal during which a selection of top Christmas gifts were showcased. This followed a raffle extravaganza where each guest received a gift ensuring no one left empty handed. Some top prizes included Louliere jewellery, concert tickets, Heaton’s products and much more. The lunch was a huge success and raised over €5,000 for Reachout.com. Guests on the day included Elaine Geraghty, Penny Dix, Joanne Byrne and Martina Fox.

Omni-Heat

Hot Stuff: (clockwise) 1. Alan Moynihan, Sibyelle Dallman & Jody Bishop; 2. Geroid Towey, Ciara Egan & TJ Bradley; 3. Noel Donellan, Vanessa Lawrenson & Benoit Bringer; 4. Torquil Fleming-Boyd & Vanessa Lawrenson. (Pix. Outsider)

Well the weather outside is frightful and some of the fashion choices at this time of year are even worse! We’re not used to such Arctic conditions here in Ireland so can we be excused for the mix and match approach to winter wear? And don’t get me started on footwear. The key accessory for party girls lately has been a carrier bag containing proper shoes, into which the snow boots go once safely ensconced indoors.

Just before the deluge of snow I ventured out to the Ski Centre at Sandyford (tempting fate perhaps?) where Columbia Sportswear launched its latest range of gear. These guys know their stuff and keeping warm is their business. The all new Omni-Heat collection is set to be the next big thing in outdoor wear and, at the moment, anything with the word ‘heat’ in it gets my vote.

From technical jackets to insulation pieces to gloves and accessories, Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology truly manages body heat for the ultimate performance in the outdoors. The technology provides an average heat boost of 20% without any additional weight or bulk, and helps regulate body temperature by reflecting and retaining the warmth the body generates.

TJ Bradley of Columbia tells me that the company is also working on a new range of apparel that actually contains micro heaters within. Imagine charging up your boots so they stay warm all day ... let it snow!

It's A Wonderful Life

Movie buffs: (clockwise)1. Toby Evans and Becky Grey; 2. Geraldine McGrath and Louise Ryan; 3. Helen and Aoife O' Brien; 4. Susan Cahill and MeiLing Ng. (Pix. Elevate)

Moët & Chandon and THE GLOSS magazine cranked up the festive feeling with a special screening of that Christmas classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at The Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield. The digitally re-mastered movie was a surprise for the last in the series of the Moët & Chandon Cinema Club screenings that have been a highlight of 2010.

Directed by Frank Capra, the 1947 film was nominated for five Oscars. It has been recognized by the American Film Institute, as one of the 100 best American Films ever made.

Caroline Sleiman, Market Development Manager for Moët Hennessy welcomed guests, saying, “We decided to finish the year with an iconic Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life as many people have never had the opportunity to see this movie on the big screen. Moët has been the champagne of cinema since the early days of Hollywood, supporting several hundred films since the 1930s including iconic films such as Love in the Afternoon, Pretty Woman, Titanic and Sex and the City 2.”