Burlesque Brunch (by Lola Lust)
Burlesque brunch, two words that seem almost paradoxical, yet in a city so dedicated to their brunch, Flazeda floored us all by adding a new twist to the concept that worked so well. No one will ever be satisfied with a normal brunch again, not unless they can get a side of tassel twirling with their tea. From the moment you walk in, you’re immersed in the fantasy. The mouth-watering smell of baked treats combined with subtle mood lighting and music all complement the matching tea sets and tiered tea trays full of the most delicious baked treats you’ll ever see. The tables were meticulously laid with towers of French macarons, tartlets, cupcakes, and cookies as far as the eye can see, and a large selection of gluten-free and vegan goodies for those of us who take special pleasure in making caterers lives difficult.
The bar was stocked not only with a fun variety of tea and coffee but also with the most creative and delicious tea-infused cocktails and mocktails that would tantalize the taste buds of even the fussiest of drinkers. A special mention to my personal favourite, the Lavender Earl Grey Sour, Bastian the bartender really outdid themselves with that one.
Our host for the event was none other than the venue owner herself, the effervescent Jazida. Dressed aptly as what could only be described as Canberra’s answer to the great cupcake shortage, Jazida was fun, warm, and full of more energy than any adult should be expected to produce on a cold Sunday morning.
The format of the show was so well done without being overly complicated. Divided into equal parts entertainment and socialising, we were treated to a performance every 15 minutes followed by some fun and interactive games, think dramatic readings of W.A.P. and dance battles to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”. It was a subtle mix of the elegance of burlesque and the absurdity of 30 grown adults screaming the lyrics to Britney Spears's “Crazy” at the top of their lungs. The performances themselves were stunning. All the way from Melbourne, opera singer Piera Dennerstein, entranced us all with her renditions of “Musetta’s Waltz” and “Lady Marmalade”, while delighting the entire audience with her cheeky charisma and charm.
A Canberra local, Sara Martini, not only teased and twirled with the most beautiful set of green feather fans you’ve ever seen but sent us all into a frenzy when she literally took her act to new heights by dancing on the bar itself.
A delightfully cheeky Christmas in July number saw Sara and Jazida have us all questioning, how many pasties IS too many pasties only to finish with a fan display that had us all wanting to taste the rainbow.
And finally, Jazida herself brought so much sass, attitude, and character to the stage as she showed off just why she is Canberra’s finest as she teased, twirled, and tantalised the entire room. Showing a tremendous array of talent and confidence on stage she had us wrapped around her fingers.
This event was so delightful and well done I really couldn’t fault it, other than to say it needs to happen more often. The staff at Flazeda were so helpful and friendly, the performers so talented and the food so delicious that I’m genuinely considering whipping out a tassel next time I have a cuppa.
Written by Lola Lust
