How to Capture the Hedonistic Vibes of 1920s Paris with Your Mates in Sydney
Champagne, escargot, sparkles and risqué cabaret.
In partnership with 
Let's face it, we all wished we lived in 1920s Paris. The period, referred to as the Roaring Twenties or les années folles (meaning 'crazy years' in French), was a time of decadence and excess, of glitz, glamour and creativity. Artists flourished — from Hemingway to Fitzgerald, Picasso to Matisse — taking inspiration from their mesmerising surrounds. Passion flowed through the city's veins; the streets were alive with intellectual fervour and people expressed themselves freely. Who wouldn't want to live in this grandiose world?
Unfortunately, unlike Owen Wilson in Midnight in Paris, you can't just step back in time and sip Champagne with Toulouse-Lautrec. Bummer, we know. You can, however, spend the night like a true hedonistic Parisian right here in Sydney, and we've partnered with the Opera House to show you how. Our French-centric itinerary is based around Blanc de Blanc Encore, the new immersive cabaret extravaganza showing this summer at the Studios, and features extravagant activities that will transport you back to post-war Paris faster than you can say merci beaucoup.
PICK UP SOMETHING SPARKLY TO WEAR
The French are renowned for their effortless elegance and impossibly chic style. So, it's time to get a little fashion, cheris, and pick out your own showstopping number at Fabrique Vintage. A cut above your usual thrift shop, Fabrique imports clothes from Europe and has all kinds of très bien wares. But, tonight, you're looking for 'vintage white with a dash of sparkle' — the dress code for Blanc de Blanc Encore. Think shiny satins, glittering sequins, feather boas and endless fringe. Something fun and frivolous; part Daisy Buchanan, part Kidman's Satine in Moulin Rouge!. And, les garçons, we haven't forgotten about you — slicked-back debonair hair, a dapper suit and suspenders, and you're ready to go, old sport.
ENJOY PRE-SHOW VINO AND ESCARGOT
All that shopping will have you feeling famished, so head to dimly lit French diner Hubert for a pre-show tipple and bite to eat. Located in the heart of the CBD, Hubert oozes opulence with dark wood accents, splashes of red velvet and a baby grand piano setting the luxurious scene. And, while it all feel very fancy, you needn't worry about breaking the bank; the restaurant runs a daily aperitif hour (4–6pm) and serves up a whole heap of affordable dishes and drinks, including $5 glasses of wine, $10 negronis and $5 G&Ts. Grab a glass of top-notch vino, some beef tartare ($26) and roasted escargot ($26), and enjoy the high life.
GET FURTHER IN THE SPIRIT AT THE BLANC DE BLANC POP-UP BAR
Before you settle in for the extravaganza that is Blanc de Blanc Encore at the Opera House, take in those iconic harbour views while sipping Champagne or gin cocktails offerings (or both) at the show's Blanc Bar, popping up till Monday, February 4. Should you still be hungry after Hubert (or if you've decided to just head straight for the water), the French-inspired menu also features nibbles that pair with the beverages on offer. Think ocean trout with cucumber jelly, native lime and elderflower dressing or Sydney rock oysters with verjus vinaigrette. Plus, there'll be DJs on the decks all night long, so après show, you can head back to the bar to keep the opulent party atmosphere going.
SETTLE INTO BLANC DE BLANC ENCORE
Alright, les amoureux, this is what you've been waiting for: a risqué cabaret show with all the glitz and glamour of 1920s Paris. Now you're glad you bought your sparkly outfit, huh? Running till Saturday, March 9, this fully immersive cabaret extravaganza is bursting with jaw-dropping acts, including cabaret, jazz, circus tricks and comedy. Seen Moulin Rouge!? It's like that but better because you're living it. It's like an F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald party: a night you'll never forget and the closest thing to the real roaring-twenties deal.
FINISH WITH A NIGHTCAP AND CRÈME BRÛLÉE
After all that raucous fun, chances are you'll need a stiff drink to calm your nerves and set you up for a good slumber. Finish the night with a nightcap at nearby cocktail bar Kittyhawk — themed around the Liberation of Paris (okay, that was some 20 years later but you'll still find those French celebratory vibes you're after). Stocked with more than 900 spirits, Kittyhawk exudes indulgence. Whatever tipple tickles your fancy, you'll find it here. You'll also find a rather French-ified menu packed with the likes of steak frites ($28), croque monsieur ($17) and salade niçoise ($28). We suggest ending the night on a sweet note with a classic crème brûlée ($15) and one of the 'rum n rye' old fashioneds from the lengthy list.
Grab your tickets to Blanc de Blanc Encore and start planning your roaring night on the town.
