September 14th, 2006

Vogue Entertaining & Travel Launch, Melbourne.

Frank and Sharon Van Haandel’s chic venue, Comme (on the site of the old Mietta’s in Alfred Place), was the perfect backdrop for the stylish launch of the new look VE&T. Star of the night was Amber Petty’s mum, Beverly Harper who lead an expedition of guests on a joy ride in the goods lift up to the kitchen. And proving that older women can be sexy she had Melbourne’s hottest bachelors David Briskin (sigh!) and Danny Cole (swoon!) chasing after her. You would have thought Bev was Paris Hilton holding an audition for her next video clip.

We loved the food at Comme - watermelon cubes stuffed with goat’s curd and olives (truly, they got all that in), scallops wrapped in pancetta on a pea and mint puree. Canape crisis? Certainly not at Comme on such a critical night with Simon Arkless in charge. The cocktail to match all this excess was Purple Rain - vodka, cranberry and passionfruit pulp. As for the floral decorations - they were by It foliage company, Joost.

Major puzzle of the night - what missive was the member of the Melbourne EC, texting so frantically to the EC clubhouse in Brighton. Something is definitely afoot.

Sharon and Frank Van Haandel - love the dress

Amber Petty with her mum, Beverley Harper

Danny Cole and David Briskin - dreamy

Jen (the Body) Hansen and Trent Knox

Matt Preston and Paul Wilson

Robert Buckingham and Fred Ryan

All pix by Josh Ellis.

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