Destination BCN Apartments - News and Views on Barcelona » nightlife

A sophisticated evening of Burlesque at Apolo

Natasha — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:34:47 +0000

Burlesque performance – the naughty elder-sister of cabaret and theatrical sub-genre of erotic dance, born in Hollywood’s über glamorous Golden age – has exploded in popularity over the last several years and is now one of the hottest tickets in town.

Perhaps it is our way of harking back towards the polished elegance of times gone by (something that many feel our society lacks, somewhat), but it is more likely to do with the simple fact that it would be difficult not to have a rollicking good time in the presence of cocktails, big-band music and and sequined lingerie. Either way, with the already thriving rockabilly and pin-up scene here, it was only a matter of time before this unique breed of feisty variety show descended on Barcelona.

Once a month the aptly named spectacle, Taboo, transforms the well-trodden dance floor of the Apolo nightclub into a dominion of golden age Hollywood sophistication, presenting us with an invigorating peek into the brazen realm of Burlesque performance – an entirely different beast to the sleazy world of stripping.

With satirical stage names like Fanny Divine and Ana Fur Laxis, the porcelain beauties come bedecked in vintage-inspired, glamorous undergarments, bringing a generous smattering of ironic humour to the stage. Between acts the magnificent Madame Taboo presents the in-house Rhythm’n’Blues and swing band, Mambo Jambo, entertaining with her own breed of Spanish sass. And then there are the magic tricks – a smorgasbord of old-skool sword swallowing, hulahooping and circus-trickery which would be incomplete without an obligatory bashful assistant from the audience.

All of this to be enjoyed with a complimentary glass of Cava, followed by a steeply-priced cocktail or Cubata (licquor and mixer) from the list, if you’re lucky enough to have secured a table with personal waiter service. Try to book in advance if you can as the event is extremely popular; tables need to be booked in advance and cost 16€ on top of the 15€ entrance fee – check website for details. Taboo usually takes place on the second or third week of the month and the next evening is on 22nd December.

Sala Apolo
C/ Nou de La Rambla, 113
Tel: 93 301 00 90
www.myspace.com/tabooapolo
www.sala-apolo.com

La Terrazza – bringing the Balearics to Barcelona

Natasha — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:12:05 +0000

For the sixteen years since its inauguration as an Atmospherical Fun Club, La Terrazza has been consistently hailed as Barcelona’s answer to the sort of free-spirited, alfresco merriment usually reserved for the naughtiest sibling of those Balearic islands, Ibiza.

Most of the greatest treasures in Barcelona tend to be tucked away, hidden from sight and/or complicated to reach. La Terrazza is curiously located in the Poble Español (Spanish Village), and the walk from the entrance to the club will see you pass through an architect’s vision of what Spain might look like in the (very real) scenario that a family from every state in the country suddenly upped sticks one day and went to live in exactly the same place. Poble Español comes complete with typical Spanish bars, although those at Terrazza have been known to lure you away with a 50% discount on drinks if you arrive at the club within 10 minutes.

This year Terrazza boasts a new sound system, and although sound restrictions apply here (due to its privileged position on the Montjüic hill), is impossible to deny the very special ambience of being surrounded by nature, enjoying the fresh summer air as you dance your way into the night. The music ranges from generic house through to more obscure electro beats, and the fact that the club is only open during the summer season each year means that it is certainly a novel experience. Each year the grand finale – the annual closing party – is held in early October as temperatures fall; check website for details.

There is a free bus service that runs from Plaça Catalunya between 00.00 and 03.00 on condition that you have a pre-paid on2one ticket (available from the website). The bus also returns between 05.00 and 07.00, otherwise expect to pay between 15€ and 25€ for a one-way taxi.

- Visit La Terrazza website

Avinguda del Marquès de Comillas, 13
08038 Barcelona, Spain

El Monasterio. Everything under one roof

Sairica — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:33:47 +0000

El Monasterio is a bit of everything: a bar, concert venue, (yummy) home-made tapas joint and musical jam hot-spot all rolled into one friendly, quirky venue down by the waterfront.

This charming underground labyrinth has two bars and regularly hosts live music and film screenings, while boasting a vibrant atmosphere loved by locals and occasional visitors alike. Anything but a monastery, if you ask us!

The El Monasterio cafeteria is open daily from 8am-2am and the downstairs lounge from 8pm-3am. Tuesdays is live jam night, if that tickles your fancy.

El Monasterio

Paseo Isabel II, 4

Tel: 93 4539414

www.salamonasterio.com

Dry Martini…The connoisseur’s cocktail bar

Sairica — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:45:46 +0000

The ritual of ambience, preparation and presentation of a cocktail is arguably as important as its content. At Dry Martini, you can expect a generous serving of each of these elements.

A hundred kinds of cocktail are served at this stylish, comfortable and kooky joint in the Eixample, which features wooden cabinets housing a 100 years’ worth of bottles and antique drinking paraphernalia.

With it’s long wooden bar, and leather seats, Dry Martini is at first glance, more of a cocktail museum than a cocktail bar. Yet settle in and you’ll soon discover the bow tied barmen are skilled and welcoming and the upbeat trip-hop soundtrack blows the dust off the decanters.
Food is served to help you soak up the excess and credit cards are (thankfully) welcome.

For the hardened Martini aficionado: take a notepad and pen: The original recipe for the classic Dry Martini cocktail hangs on the wall above the antique cash register.

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 1pm-2.30am; Fri 1pm-3am; Sat 6.30pm-3am; Sun 6pm-2.30am

Dry Martini
C/Aribau 162-166
Tel: 93 217 50 72
www.drymartinibcn.com