Day Of The Dog

Thanks to my lovely friend Faye De Lanty I had the pleasure last night BARS MARCH, Sydney’s only month-long celebration of bar culture in support of Animal Welfare League NSW, wrapped up its fifth year with a huge Mexican Inspired ‘Day Of The Dog’ VIP media and celebrity event at the new El Topo Basement in The Eastern, Bondi Junction.

EN4A9969 — Arrnott Olssen & Faye De Lanty
Nikki To Photography

Over 250 guests attended, including top media, the bar industry, key sponsors Suntory and Mambo, and pet pooches who were provided mini skull bandanas and doggy sombreros by El Topo. Celebrities included Bars March brand ambassador Dr Katrina Warren, Kate Johnson, Tali Jatali as well as doggy celebrities such as Fashion Dog and Oscar & Frank from the trendy optical brand.

BarsMarch_1.4.14_-16 — A couple of The Dog Ambassadors
by Nkki to Photography

BARS MARCH sponsor Suntory provided a selection of amazing cocktails for guests, including the Spiced Russian Mule, made with Russian Standard Vodka, Jalapenos spiced agave syrup and topped with ginger beer; Midori Margarita, a mix of Midori, Sierra Silver tequila, fresh lime juice and salt flakes; and Pedro’s Sour, made with Disaronno, lemon juice and a dash of egg white. Delicious Mexican canapés were provided by El Topo, such as Empanada de Amarillo (chicken Empanada), Taco de Cochinita Pibil (pork Taco’s), Maiz Carbonizado (corn on skewers) & Ensalada de Nopales y Garbanzos (cactus salad boxes).

EN4A9802 — Some of the amazing cocktails on offer
by Nikki To Photography

The ‘Doggies’, Bars March most coveted awards, were presented at the wrap as follows: Best dog themed cocktail went to The Alexandria for their Russian Standard Vodka 101 Dalmatians. Best use of multiple Suntory brands in one cocktail was awarded to The Exchange Balmain for their Lily St Cyr using Midori, Zubrowka and Chartreuse. Best adaptation and theming of a Suntory brand into a venue was El Topo for their Cointreau cocktail El Guacarita. Most generous donation per sale of cocktail went to The Greengate Hotel for their Licor 43 The Egg Mini where an amazing 100 percent of the price was donated per drink! And finally Best In house promotional display went to The Barber Shop for their Chartreuse Fleet Street Cocktail.

BarsMarch_1.4.14_-76 — Director Amy Cooper presenting one of the awards to El Topo
Esteban La Tessa Photography

“It’s been another epic year for BARS MARCH,” said director Amy Cooper. “Once again, Sydney’s best venues have come together to celebrate cocktail culture and raise money for Animal Welfare League. Everyone who bought a Bars March cocktail this year can feel proud that by enjoying a great drink in a lovely bar, they made a dollar contribution and helped an animal in need.”