In an evening brimming with fabulocity I visited the uber-chic new gay bar - Cruz which On Broadway previously occupied, met the new team behind the MCQP party - which, after last year's blow job of the worst kind, I was sworn against and dined at the delicious Haiku - the subject other than which I hear nothing.
The theme for MCQP 2005 is Circus - which was probably better suited to last year's sand-swept debacle. In fact, had the fabulous Sheryl Ozinsky not invited me personally, I would not have attend the launch. I'm very pleased I did, though, as Peter Hayes, even more fabulous than the aforementioned is creative director, and along with Raymond Bloom and his partner from Samurai; the gorgeous Igon (who looks fabulous in a grey pin-striped jacket with trousers) and runs/owns Cruz, Opium and Pulse, Henry Shields of Green Dolphin and Marimba fame will ably fill Andre Vorster's, as Hayes put it, very high heels.
The venue is Ratanga Junction which I think will be fabulous. Mandy Neale-May accompanied me to the launch - it was such fun having a woman date and an almost exclusively gay male event. With the exception of Hilary Prendini Toffoli - sporting a sharp haircut and wear camo! pants (obviously trying to fit in with the he-men and he-women) most of the crowd were way under 50 and excited to bits at the good news.
Haiku is as fabulous as everyone says it is. Philippa Cheifitz, with whom I shared Jewish New Year lunch, raved about it as did House & Garden's Sally Munro. As I said, people speak to me about nothing else. I got quite a roasting from Brian Kantor and his hunky son Daniel at the new year lunch. They queried exactly which national cuisine I was referring to when I said the congealed fish soup at Abalone reminded me of something familiar. For the sake of clarity I meant Braun and Gefilte Fish - and to avoid future roasting let me publicly say that not only is Prof Kantor a wiz at economics, but he carves a dam fine turkey. And, while on the subject of my family, Aunty Bab's chicken pie is the best I've tasted.
Haiku requires that we spend R90 minimum for lunch or R120 for dinner. I don't know when last I spent less than that, but being told to do so pisses me off. I look forward to going back - I especially loved the single-spot shaded lamps low over the table and the tiny tea-pot and cuplet. Food was delicious - we had veg dim sum, skewered salmon, peaking duck and a divine eggy tarty thing. Spring rolls filled with marshmallow, five-something (certainly not spice according to the taste) cake and self-basting choco cake followed.
I'm thinking of going to the MCQP as a ring master although still unsure what to pierce first.
Haiku is operated by Bukhara at 33 Church Street. 021-424-7000. www.mcqp.co.za