Tag Archives: soho

THOROUGHLY MODERN MAN: The Supreme Fabulettes, Madame JoJos Nightclub

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Meet Miss Vicki Vivacious, Miss Mary Mac and Miss Vanilla Lush.  These three fierce divas make up the latest entertainment act to smash the London scene, the Supreme Fabulettes.  I was lucky enough to be able to attend one of their series of launch performances across London, this particular one being staged in the heart of Soho, in Madame JoJos nightclub.  I was promised a night of revolutionary cabaret, and it did not disappoint.  Luckily I had a cabaret-savvy guest (www.ameliasings.com) on hand to help as well!

The night started as all great launch parties should, with a glass of champagne and canapés (delicious chicken and vegetable skewers).  This put the audience in the right mood to whoop and clap their way through what proved to be a groundbreaking performance.  I could scarcely believe it when the three ladies stormed the stage dressed in outfits that revved up the glitz and glamour and belting out the classic ‘Ain’t No Mountain’.  The unexpected twist was that these were in fact men dressed as women – the unprecedented fusion across cabaret and drag acting that followed made for a thrilling performance and a great night all round.  The singing was incredibly powerful and the harmonies were right on the money.  Some of the more spine-tingling numbers for me were Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, and mash-ups of The Supremes’ Stop in the Name of Love with Girls Aloud’s The Promise and Adele’s Rolling in the Deep combined with Tina Turner’s Proud Mary.  Their stagecraft and hilarious interludes and skits are also to be commended; showing that they are an act of longevity who will reach out to their audience beyond merely singing.

Top marks to the team working behind the scenes on this innovative new creation.  The musical and vocal arrangements by John Themis and Terry Ronald respectively, were completely genius, drawing gasps and sing-a-longs from the audience throughout.  Stevie Stewart’s costume design twinned with Eleanor Robyn Thomson’s wig styling is a highlight of the entire production and kudos to the singers also for some lightning quick changes!

Bravo all round to those involved in getting this project to press.  It was an exhilarating evening that left the crowd buzzing.  Keep an eye out for the wonderful Supreme Fabulettes!

More information here: www.supremefabulettes.com

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Man, Mark McCloskey.

The Breakfast Club, Soho

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Come rain or shine the queue outside the Breakfast Club is a permanent fixture. I have often tried to visit this popular cafe but have been discouraged at every branch (there are four: Soho, Angel, Hoxton, Spitalfields) by the wait. Sitting down in the back of the cramped Soho branch, I admired the boho decor and hippie vibe.

The menu has a variety of breakfast classics, brunch necessities and other dishes that fill in the gaps and provide for hungrier customers. I’d gone for a run that morning just so I could indulge.

A fruity, refreshing and sweet virgin apple Mojito quenched my thirst – made with mint, lime and pressed apple, it is the perfect breakfast juice option for cocktail lovers. Then I ordered a large strong cappuccino to accompany the food. My friend tried the ‘Return of the Red Eye’ smoothie jammed full of berries   (blueberry, raspberry, passionfruit, orange), it tasted wholesome and healthy though could have been a bit sweeter. Apparently this drink is a good hangover cure.

Food came quickly, and thank god, because I was starving. The Breakfast Burrito is my ideal meal, involving many of my favourite ingredients. A hefty portion of spicy grilled chorizo wrapped in a tortilla with guacamole, fried pepper, melted cheese and with salsa and sour cream on the side. Eyeing the huge portion, I never thought I’d finish it, but it was so delicious my fork automatically went back for more.

Pancakes with Red Fruits and Vanilla Cream were as wonderful as they sound, fresh soft pancakes with lightly caramelised edges. The fruit and sweet cream made each mouthful even more heavenly… another dangerously moreish dish.

Apple and Cinnamon French Toast was an innovative treat. Adding seasoned fruit to the American classic gave a spicy kick. Alternative toppings might have been heavy but the soft apple was the perfect match.

Dining at The Breakfast Club is like waking up on the right side of the bed, it is just a happy, good feeling. I am definitely adding it to my list of weekend favourites.

Brunch is served 9-5pm every day. If you don’t want a wait arrive early.

Visit the website for more information here.

Joe & the Juice, Soho

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Joe & the Juice has taken me far too long to tick off the to do list, but finally on a sunny Saturday afternoon my friend and I popped into the Soho branch in need of a refreshing drink.

The menu is slick and simple, various concoctions to remedy ailments, with a recipe for every mood. A large counter displays the fresh fruit and vegetables, an appealing rainbow of bright colours. The café itself is huge, open plan and airy, but when we left at 2pm the place was full and buzzing. There are comfy couches on which to relax, chat and use your laptop (there is free Wifi). It seems to me that juice bars are the new coffee shops, with drinks that are yummy and reviving and much more healthy.

On the menu I also spied a list of milkshakes, sandwiches, coffees and speciality drinks, of which Liquorice Latte sounded most intriguing. I love fresh juice, and after recently discovering a wonderful fruit shop near my work have become slightly addicted (my favourite is apple, orange and passion fruit). A perfect alternative for those afternoon sugar cravings in the office and always very tasty. London seems to have a shortage of juice bars, instead frozen yoghurt and endless coffee outlets line the streets… I am delighted to now include Joe and the Juice in my little black book of London cafes and I’m sure I’ll be a regular visitor on weekends.

I tried the ‘Hangover Heaven’ – a lovely combination of orange, elderflower and mint. It was fresh and fruity, with a kick from the mint, almost like a virgin mojito. My friend chose the Iron Man with strawberry, kiwi and apple, which looked equally appetising. Other juices that sound alluring to me include the ‘Sports Juice’ (passion fruit, pineapple, apple), ‘Sex Me Up’ (passion fruit, apple, ginger) and ‘Strong Bones’ (strawberry, apple, star anise). There is something for every preference and I’m sure creating your own is also allowed.

Joe and the Juice is a great place to recharge and refresh. Though with juices costing £3.85 for small (12oz) and £4.95 for large (16oz), it is not cheerfully cheap by any means.

You can experience Joe’s Juices at four branches in London: Regent Street, Broadwick Street, Old Compton Street and Kings Road.

Visit the website here: www.joejuice.com