DJ Dimitri from Paris @ Alumbra (27 June 2009)

Published on inthemix and Members section of Alumbra’s website

Dimitri from Paris, the Legend of House music is back for a special encore performance this Saturday at Alumbra on Melbourne’s Central Pier. DJ Dimitri took some time out to share his musical insights and talent with Monica Buch…

Q. What do you have in mind for your encore performance at Alumbra this Saturday night?

A. Everybody always asks questions like that but there would be no element of surprise. I wouldn’t be a DJ if I prepared my sets, I would be a tape machine, so I never prepare the sets. I always improvise depending on the people I have in front of me. People know me for House and Disco, but every other day of the week when I’m not DJ-ing I’m in the studio preparing new mixes and new edits.

Q. You have released Night Dubbin’ which is an exclusive collection of dubbed out dance music from the 80s. Can I use the word ‘dubbed’?

A. You can say that.

Q. What’s the difference between dubbing and remixing?

A. The difference between a remix and a dub is that remixing is a compilation of music from the 80s. This was the beginning of remixing and it was a very creative time mostly technological because a lot of DJs were gaining access to technology and were able to get their hands dirty with songs. Before [this time] it was all very safe. The beginning of the remix as we know it was complete construction of the original song. The difference between a dub and a remix back then was that the remix was a very safe, slightly longer club version of a song that you’d hear on the radio, whereas the dub was totally different and they were really getting crazy with the actual material and at times you wouldn’t be able to recognise the original song. They were called dubs because they would use a lot of dubbed out effects like echoes, which are now very usual, but back then it was the beginning of that. By doing this compilation I wanted to show that these were the origins of a lot of the remixes we hear today.

Q. You recently were involved in Claude Monnet’s Back to Fundamentals project in Paris. How did the crowd react to your entry of this new foray of music mixology?

A. I always play a mix of things. I try to see how far I can go in playing a variety of things. A lot of DJs stick to one type of sounds like electro, old minimal or house, whereas I don’t like to play the same tracks of the same sounding material. I like variety and if possible I don’t like to play more than three tracks of the same sounding tune. I like to mix sounds and for the texture to be different all night and if I can, and if the crowd will let me, I’d like to slow down the tempo for a little while because it makes for some up and downs, highs and lows because I find that a little bit more exciting than just a massive highway, straight up in your face beats. I find that after a while, even if it’s effective, too much of one thing, even if it’s a good thing becomes a bad thing.

Q. Do you then think that you will take a break from the Playboy Mansion tracks for a little while now with this new style of dubbing?

A. No, a good song is always a good song, but it’s good to mix up something like a techi-House tack with something totally acoustic disco and then back to something that’s vocal House and then move onto something that’s funky House all while keeping the people entertained. It’s very easy to mix the same five tracks but then it all sounds the same so that’s why I like to mix textures and sounds up from the 60s, 70s, 80s or something that hasn’t yet been released. It all makes for a different vibe.

Q. What does Dimitri from Paris do to relax, do you stay in or do you head out?

A. I’m very much a stay in person. I have my own studio at home. Weekdays are mainly my studio days and that’s where I prepare all the special stuff I like to play in my sets. I have to lay my hands on the original tracks and make them a little more special. That would [involve] reediting a lot of my songs, adding effects to them and making them a little more exciting. I have things that actually excite me and that I want to play so I’ll listen to it and go back into the studio and tweak things, which makes it never ending. Music is my life so when I come back from the club I put my case in the cupboard and move onto something totally different.

Q. What were your musical influences?

A. I was more influenced my classical music which my dad was a big fan of.

Q. Since your career launch back in the days of Radio 7 to now, you have carved out for yourself the title of Legend of House Music, what advice would you offer to budding DJs out there who see you as their inspiration?

A. It is more difficult now than it was back then to stick out from the masses so the advice I can say is the one I have used is to make yourself heard as much as you can. The other thing is don’t try and follow even the people you like and don’t try to follow a trend because if you sound like a gazillion others, chances are it’s going to be hard for you to stick out even if you think you’re better. Try to sound different enough for people to notice. Once you’re there, make your difference your uniqueness, which is what makes us special. When you’re different and you sound unique, there’s always room for you. I have carved out a niche for myself; I don’t follow trends and I always stick to things that are unique.

Q. You have progressed through the decades with your music, starting at the 60s and 70s with the Playboy Mansion compilations through to your current project of dubbing 80s music. Can we next expect you reworking 90s music?

A. With history being what it is and repeating itself it could very much be the case. Today’s technology is so easy to access for most people can everyone can take songs and mash them up into something. So there are always going to be influences. We could assume that the next possible main trend would be the 90s and that would be a big return to the original House which hasn’t arrived so far. It looks like it could very well be so.

Dimitri from Paris tour dates:
Fri 26th June – Trademark Hotel, Sydney
Sat 27th June – Alumbra, Melbourne

A Day at the Mornington Peninsula …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

Feed all your senses this spring exploring the Mornington Peninsula. Just over an hour’s drive south-east of Melbourne, spend at least a day serving your gastronomic indulgences and soaking up the scenic hills laced with vineyards, gourmet restaurants and fresh produce.

Plan a day to remember by visiting the following places:

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
15 Shoreham Road, Shoreham (Mel Ref 256 E4)
(03) 5989 8387
http://www.ashcombemaze.com.au
Open 7 days, 10am to 5pm
Home to Australia’s largest and oldest hedge maze and stunning lavender labyrinth. The maze is lined with over 1,200 fragrant rose bushes within 25 acres of magnificent woodland style gardens. Get lost or follow the old trick of running your hand across one wall until you reach the end.

Red Hill Baker
Shop 5, Corner Point Leo & Shoreham Road, Red Hill South (Mel Ref 191 A2)
(03) 5989 2733 or (03) 5989 0067
Open Sunday-Thursday 8am to 6pm; Friday & Saturday 8am to 10pm
Traditional baking methods using a stone oven floor are used for all breads including Sourdough, Ciabatta and their unique wine bread! All pastries are trans-fat free and the gourmet pie fillings are slow-braised then oven roasted. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday lunch, as well as live jazz on Sundays from 1pm-4pm.

T’Gallant Winery
1385 Mornington Flinders Road, Main Ridge (Mel Ref 190 E12)
(03) 5989 6565
http://www.tgallant.com.au
Cellar door open 7 days a week, 10am-5pm; La Baracca Trattoria open everyday for lunch; Spuntino bar open weekends, 12pm-5pm
Surprise your tastebuds with cutting edge styles of wine that winemaker Kevin McCarthy is renowned; an ambient shed filled with exclusive cellar door purchases and limited releases. Favourite pick: Beechworth Sangiovese 2005 ($42) – an exclusive cellar door release that is reserved for that special indulgence.
La Baracca Trattoria captures the rustic Italian feel and the essence of Italy with its surrounding fig trees and evergreen gardens. The menu is Italian farmhouse cuisine using seasonal Victorian produce.
The Spuntino Bar allows visitors to unwind to music that is played on weekends by a live band while also enjoying the Italian-inspired food of crisp pizza served on wooden boards and a sumptuous variety of gourmet tapas that changes seasonally.

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
Corner Mornington Flinders Road and Shands Road, Main Ridge (Mel Ref 190 E12)
(03) 5989 4500
http://www.sunnyridge.com.au
Open November to April 7 days, 9am-5:30pm (strawberry season) and May to October, weekends 11am-4pm
Home of Australia’s largest strawberry producer, Sunny Ridge is nestled in the beautiful Mornington peninsula Hinterland and is famous for producing some of the finest strawberries in the world by a third generation family since 1964. You can pick your own strawberries, raspberries and cherries fresh from the fields as well as unwinding with scones and Devonshire tea at the Strawberry Café.

Ellisfield Farm
109 McIlroys Road, Red Hill (Mel Ref 191 E1)
(03) 5989 2008
http://www.ellisfieldfarm.com.au
Open December to January, 9am-4pm and February to November by appointment
Ellisfield Farm operates as a pick-your-own fruit farm. Enjoy your authentic fruit farm experience as you pick your own Morello (sour) cherries in January, quinces in autumn and sweet cherries from late November to early January. On the property is a rose covered, self-contained guest cottage for two.

Red Hill Cheese
81 William Road, Red Hill (Mel Ref 190 C4)
(03) 5989 2035
http://www.redhillcheese.com.au
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays, 12pm-5pm; open daily from 27th December to end of January; caters for groups up to 8 people; private tastings by appointment.
Situated in a secluded bushland location, Red Hill Cheese produces award-winning artisan cheese from cow’s and goat’s milk. View maturing cheeses in the cellars and purchase a cheese platter, picnic pack or treats to compliment local food and wine. Home cheese-making workshops are regularly held by appointment on the premises.

Mornington Peninsula Chocolates
3494 Frankson-Flinders Road, Merricks (Mel Ref 192 E10)
(03) 5989 8490
http://www.mpchocolates.com.au
Open Thursday, Sunday & Public Holidays, 12pm-5pm; Bookings necessary for groups of more than 6 people; No bus access
Using the finest Belgium, French and Swiss Couverture and made with the freshest local and imported produce, Mornington Peninsula Chocolates offer a truly unique experience for the most discerning connoisseur. Watch the artisans of chocolate-making at work through the viewing window where chocolate delicacies are made from 100% natural ingredients.

Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival – Fashion on the Field …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

With the Spring Racing Carnival in full swing, it is necessary to step onto the field in style and that doesn’t mean spending more than you can bet on the horses!

Keep the following simple steps in mind when putting together your racing outfit:

Dress for your shape and not necessarily what’s on the catwalk …
For those with a slim physique, it is thought that you can wear almost anything. True, but be careful that your body doesn’t look boyish or shapeless. Instead, focus on an area like your legs and wear a dress that is feminine and chic. This doesn’t necessarily mean frills and lace. Instead, opt for a hemline just above your knee and a fabric that is light and breathable like cotton or even a blend of poly-cotton so to avoid creases. If your waist needs some defining, add a slim belt that adds as a contrast to the rest of your outfit.

Hourglass figures should either opt for dresses that are not figure-hugging or made from clingy fabrics. Opt for an A-line dress that contours your bust with a v-neck or yolk neckline for those with a long face, or a two-piece suit of cropped ¾ sleeve jacket and A-line skirt that sits just above the knees or mid-calf. If your dress can be complimented with a belt make sure that if sits under your bust, but avoid wearing a belt at your waist if your hips are wider than your shoulders.

Accessorize – but only in moderation …
Bling is definitely in but not from head to toe. If your outfit is made from embellished material, then think simple and understated. Opt for a classic, slim watch with delicate earrings and bare neck.

If your outfit is made with plain material or looks a little bare then accessorize with understated in mind, but allow for a necklace and bracelet. Try to avoid looking like a Christmas tree with decorations and do not wear watch, bracelet, necklace, earrings and rings as this will take away from your outfit.

If the shoe fits …
It is true that a heel will make the world of difference in making your outfit ‘work’, but make sure that your shoes fit – literally. It has happened to all of us at one stage where we spot a truly divine pair of heels and after trying to squeeze out feet in we can already imagine the blisters and sores that will eventuate. Stop! Avoid this trap of temptation and in the shoe store, try to walk in the shoes on hard floors instead of carpet. If your little toes are turning red take those Cinderella shoes off and try again.

Avoid stilettos unless you are used to pin-thin heels. A heel that is more than ten centimetres high will take its toll so opt for the lower kind, or even wedge heels that will stabilize your step as you walk along the green. Steer clear of chunky, heavy looking heels as bad shoes can ruin your outfit. What’s worse than a beautiful dress that is complimented superbly with accessories but spoilt with ugly shoes! If you tower over everyone’s head, choose some metallic flats or shoes with a small heel.

Hats or fascinators? …
This is really a personal choice but remember that big and bold à la Carmen Miranda is not necessarily the look you want to go for. Instead, choose a hat or fascinator that matches the colour of your outfit or one that adds a little sparkle with the addition of diamanté’s. And don’t forget that if your outfit is colourful to start off with then wear a hat or fascinator that finds the balance between understated and stylish.

For the creative out there or the milliner in you, start off with a clear hair clip, sinamay and feathers that are all available from craft stores.

Shoes and handbag to match …
Not necessarily true. If you are fortunate enough to find shoes and handbags made from the same fabric then snap up your window of fashion opportunity, but for the rest out us out there, there is an abundance of handbags that will match any shoe.

It is true that black goes with everything but watch out for your shoes overpowering your outfit in a bad way. Generally, black and metallic shoes will go with most outfits and can be matched with the same colour bag or to the same or similar colour of your outfit.

Clutch or strap? Bear in mind whether you will be seated with a glass of champers or standing in a marquee with food and drink at the ready. If you fall in the latter category it’s best to have a clutch with a strap so that you can hold your wine and pick at finger food with free hands. Although, if you choose to carry a clutch, make sure that it can be tucked under your arms as you enjoy your cocktails!

Avoid taking a handbag that you wear everyday with half of your kitchen sink in it. Select the necessities: money, only necessary make up, compact Jiffies for sore feet at the end of the day, and perhaps a compact umbrella for Melbourne’s unexpected weather.

For the gentleman …
Guys, you really can’t go wrong with a suit, a crisp shirt, a colourful or artistic-looking tie, clean shoes and plain socks – that’s right, match your socks to the colour of your suit and make sure that they are long enough when you sit down so not to reveal your legs! Avoid short hemlines that sit an inch above your shoes and reveal your socks.

… So remember, simplicity with a hint of style and sophistication will prep you well for Fashion on the Field this spring.

Melbourne’s Best Creperies …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

If you’re in the mood for French but can’t afford the steep prices associated with this cuisine, why not indulge in a crêpe or two? Crêperies in Melbourne have received a popular following, after all, who can resist the supple, tender and delicate flavours of the crêpe – sweet or savoury.

Here are my favourite Crêperies that I’m sure will make you lick your plates clean – Bon Apetit!

Fräus Crêpes & Chocolat, 345 Victoria Street, North Melbourne 3051, (03) 9328 8999, http://www.fraus.com.au
When sisters Alex and Sonia Marciano traveled to Tuscany, Fräus was discovered. With a passion of serving dishes with quality ingredients, the Fräus experience is definitely memorable. Choose from a selection of wheat and gluten-free galettes (savory) and crêpes (sweet), and not to mention their chocoholic’s dream – thick, traditional Italian hot chocolate.

The savoury dish of choice is the smoked salmon galette filled with melt-in-the-mouth salmon, rocket, capers and sour cream. And if you can stomach dessert, the apple and cinnamon crêpe is simply delightful.

Choix Crêperie Café, Shop G22, Liberty Lane, 620 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000, (03) 9629 1883
If you’ve never been to France but have reminisced about the day you wonder down a cobbled laneway towards a chic eatery that serves an abundance of fresh crêpes, then Choix is for you – but good luck finding it! Nestled in a hidden laneway, this cozy crêperie is adorned with kitsch décor from a bygone era and a handful of wooden tables.

The best dish in this petit salon is the duck galette, where succulent pieces of Peking duck are encased in soft decadent silk-like dough and garnished with plum sauce and a sprig of spring onion. Très bien!

Breizoz French Crêperies, 139 Nelson Pl, Williamstown 3016, (03) 9397 2300; or
Cnr. Gertrude and Brunswick Streets, Fitzroy 3065, (03) 9415 7588, http://www.breizoz.com.au
Bringing you a selection of buckwheat and wheat crêpes from recipes that originated from Brittany, Breizoz offers an authentic menu and atmosphere at two buzzing Melbourne locations. As owner and pastry chef Jean-Marie Blanchot suggests, his crêpes are best enjoyed with a glass of apple cider à la Brittany and Normandy.

For those with a grumbling tum, look forward to the selection of nearly 50 crêpes, not including their daily specials. My favourite is choosing one of their half a dozen les crêpes flambées varieties including: Grand Marnier, chestnut and rum and the delicious praline and Cointreau … a flaming experience that definitely lingers on the taste buds!

Roule Galette – French Crêperie, Scott Alley, 241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000, (03) 9639 0307, http://roulegalette.com.au
Let Michel and his staff bring a little bit of France to you as soon as you step foot in his très chic crêperie. If you are fortunate to indulge in a crêpe on a sunny Melbourne day then sit outside in the laneway and enjoy the sounds of Michel singing French or playing French music as you watch the passers-by.

The menu is nearly all French but don’t despair if you are not up to scratch with your pronunciation as Michel will relay your orders in his ‘typically’ French accent. The chêvre galette is do die for, filled with farm goat’s cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and covered with fresh spinach. The escargot galette is simply that, a traditionally Bretagne buck-wheat flour crêpe filled with eight snails and smothered in a white sauce with garlic and parsley – that’s one to build my strength up for!

Ichipan Crêpes, L1, Shop 148 Knox Place, Melbourne Central, Melbourne 3000, (03) 9654 9775
Although Ichipan may stick out like a sore thumb in terms of not being typically French cuisine, it is definitely Japan’s take on the crêpe! Situated in one of Melbourne’s newest laneways in Melbourne Central, Ichipan brings back my happy memories of Tokyo’s Crazy Crêpes – a tiny booth fronted by display cabinets filled with plastic models of every crêpe variety you can possibly fathom!

Ichipan Crêpes is just as quirky and colourful as its Japanese counterpart and even serves the myriad of crêpe varieties – strawberries with nuts, chocolate and cream; Nutella with chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce and nuts; banana and chocolate; and not to mention the savoury crêpes including chicken, cheese and virtually any other combination you want to concoct.

Paris Cat Jazz Club – all that jazz …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

Inspired by the 1930s French bee-bop era, this new addition to Melbourne’s jazz culture is in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it venue. Between Little Bourke and Lonsdale Streets and parallel to hardware Lane is a short alley called Goldie Place. Head to the entrance of this cozy abode and take the stairs to the basement where you will feel as though you have visited this memorable 1930s era at Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Dimly lit and very laid back, the main jazz area in the basement can accommodate an intimate group of up to 100 guests. The exclusive Gallery Room is perfect for private functions of between 20 and 40 guests, and can be fully catered for with a selection of finger food and beverage packages.

Both local and international jazz artists play from Tuesday through to Sunday. A regular favourite is Gianni Marinucci and up-and-coming artists who want to break into the jazz industry.

Although the menu is limited to four snacks of marinated olives, assorted gourmet dips, a cheese plate and an antipasto plate, as well as their sole dessert of ice cream with a shot of Baileys, they are the perfect accompaniment to their extensive list of wines, champagnes, cocktails, martinis and beers.

As you tap your feet to the wonderful and diverse sounds of jazz, don’t forget to look up. The ceiling boasts an array of jazz artworks to peruse, not to mention the collection of original works in the Gallery, also available for purchase.

With live jazz performances five times a week, it is best to arrive before the show starts at 9.30pm or perhaps reserve your table in advance.

And for the up-and-coming jazz artists out there, The Paris Cat hosts the Annual Jazz Award, which includes a record deal funded by The Paris Cat and awarded to the most talented original music performer.

The Paris Cat is ideal for music, film, creative industry functions, launches and after parties, or an excuse to get together with some friends for an appreciation of jazz.

Be a part of the club with an Exclusive Paris Cat membership key for an annual fee of $550. What a fine way to enjoy all that jazz!

Take a piece of The Paris Cat home with you by purchasing their unique stemless wine glasses with logo, exactly like the ones served in the club! ($59 for ½ a dozen).

The Paris Cat Jazz Club
Basement, 6 Goldie Place, Melbourne CBD, 3000
Phone: 03 9642 4711
Website: http://www.pariscat.com.au
Email: info@pariscat.com.au
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm ‘til late

Silk Road – MSFW Modern Odyssey Official After Party …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

As the name suggests, this glamorous new venue located in the ‘New York end’ of Collins Street draws its inspiration from the historic Silk Road and fuses European, Middle Eastern and Asian influences.

Silk Road - opulent, indulgent, extravagant

Opting for all-out excess and indulgence, this much anticipated new bar from the creators of the Long Room has redefined the notion of ‘opulence.’ Visually stunning décor includes jaw-dropping chandeliers, onyx bar with LED lighting, classical statues as well as oriental-style dragons and long, lush lounges.

Friday nights prove very popular; welcoming suits and well-dressed individuals to this grandiose abode. Upon entering this chic new nightspot in Melbourne’s CBD, a large sculpture of a lion faces Collins Street, as if something out of a Batman movie.

Choice is definitely on your side, where all you have to do is decide which area of the Silk Road you wish to start your journey. Choose from the Dynasty Room, Shahashah Lounge, St George Wine Room or the Venetian Bar where you can try one of the many exotic cocktails or wine from their rather extensive list.

If an after work bite tickles your fancy, have a bite to eat at the Chinese Chop Shop, European Mezze Table, Sushi Counter or Teppanyaki Grill. Freshly shucked oysters teamed with a local Japanese beer or sake proves a favourite amongst the regulars. Or if bite size samples are more your thing then it’s definitely worth trying the mouth-watering tapas.

Encompassing massive ground and mezzanine levels in a heritage listed building, there’s a myriad of rooms, spaces and enclaves, each as devastatingly sumptuous as the other. A premium wine and cheese room and Remy Martell room (serving only premium spirits) will keep the discerning drinkers happy, while the more moneyed lot may opt for a VIP membership and make use of the two exclusive members’ rooms with private lift access.

Silk Road is not the place for a quiet drink or the venue to tap your feet to soft music. Instead, the musical sounds of jazz and swing lay the foundations for this über cool space.

A word of note is that there is a strict dress code of no denim or sneakers, with guys turned down for not wearing a collared shirt. It’s better to play it safe and dress to the nines at this swish abode.

Silk Road
425 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Ph: 9614 4888, http://www.silkroadoncollins.com
Open: Wednesday to Saturday 4pm-3am
Payment: Visa, AMEX, Mastercard, Diners Club