What a fabulous location to host this tasty New Years Day event. Ground floor seating outside in the sun, overlooking the magnificent ocean views, a mezzanine with balcony for the smokers in between their courses, and a terrific basement style couch area for those who had overeaten and needed time out of the heat. No need for glamorous décor as each room contains its own unique style… Only at the Espy.
Entry was easy with bookings well organised and events staff well informed. Outside seating was filled immediately on arrival; giving a good impression to passers by. As the day began for many, it became plainly obvious that majority of guests were still starving from their New Years Eve as they skipped straight into the main for drum & bass with DJ Marky and Stamina MC. The Gershwin Room was eerily dark in comparison to the bright sunny rooms surrounding. Once inside there was little chance of escape for many as it became difficult for your eyes to adjust between day and night.
Upstairs the Mezzanine was quiet and comfortable, a good place for meeting and greeting prior to your meal. Maps, menus, set times and mineral water was all provided, and access between rooms was easy. Downstairs in the kitchen they were serving up a very English menu of egg and chips with their “All Day Drum n Breakfast Menu”.
Hidden away underneath everything was the Public Bar, which was open free for passers by. ‘Pre-Dinner cocktails’ were served up early by Oblivious and Hans DC, with 60s old school, 70s Motown, 80s disco and 90s electronica for anyone wanting to wet their appetite prior to their meal. Upstairs Lil MiSbreaks rolled out 2.5 hrs of ‘aperitifs’ for all newcomers on arrival. Ransom and Ooh-ee busted some hip hop and house styles in the mezzanine for ‘entrée’, as Espy staff handed out trays of watermelon to all of those still enjoying the summer light.
Back up to the Front Bar, and a picture perfect view of the breaking waves continued as Smithmonger fed the crowd a flavoursome main course of breaks, electro and dirty house. Brewster B cleansed the pallet with a couple of bevies in between, then out slid the next main course with Laidback and Robin 12Tree (aka Slyde) dishing out some delicious remixes. The audience’s senses were tantalised and the dancefloor was uplifted by the consumption of smashing beats.
With the sun now setting over the water, the Gershwin Room became more approachable as the guests dispersed themselves a little more evenly over the venue’s 5 rooms. On entry we were greeted by Keir, whilst waiting for the dawn to arrive. The pace had picked up and the restaurant had transformed into a smorgasbord. It was no surprise to be handed the specials as the menu was subject change with an energetic live showcase performance from JPS & Hooves and Dr MC Who? As the Rolling Stones would say, “You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need.” The guests rinsed the new sounds through happily with beers and a sudden desire for some hash browns back in the front bar. FreQ Nasty was settling in for the evening with a final main course of dub… watch out for the salmonella or it’ll be poison! Underground in the Public Bar guests were given a chance to Brainstorm with a coffee break provided by Deviant vs Nago.
Time for desert and another pick from the specials board, with a sweetly balanced combination of strawberries and chocolate mousse flavoured drum and bass created by Sub Focus and Grooverider. A quick nightcap with The Loose Cannons in the Front Bar was offered before the audience headed back home to bed with buttons popping and looks of blissful satisfaction. For many it had been a long new year already as they wined and dined into 2007.
In summary, the Espy has a brilliant team behind them to conduct such good quality event on New Years Day. Ticket prices were extremely reasonable considering the beachfront St Kilda location, date and the number of international acts on show. Value for money is a must with a free meal ticket provided in addition to the event – as there’ll be an encore performance by DJ Marky & Stamina MC on Thursday night. The menu in the kitchen was cheap with a $9.50 brekky pizza being the most expensive meal on it. The paperwork was well done with glossy one day menus, maps and programs providing sufficient information to avoid missing out.
Pinnies and racing games were switched on for anyone in for the long haul, the toilets were clean and fast moving and all the floors were clean for dancing! Drinks were at New Years Day prices and there was always room at the bar for a stool. The coat room didn’t open until the party was well underway which made it difficult for anyone attending the whole event. Freedom from belongings is a must on New Years Day!
There’s nothing more fun than a maze of music and friends to spend your new year with and the Espy had come up with the goods. Who needs Fabric when you can skinny dip in the ocean on a warm new year’s day!? The sounds played by various DJs gave the audience a chance to distinguish the difference between their styles, or at least just enjoy singing along to their favourite tracks. Happy New Year!
