Queer Cocktails at Toast bar, in Paihia

Toast bar in Paihia is under new, gay-friendly, ownership and will be hosting a Queer Cocktails evening on May 1. Come check out Nic's award-winning cocktails. Nic won the 'Bartender of the Year' award by Metro Magazine and, for our event, will be offering $10 cocktail specials as well as $5 tap beers, house wines, and house spirits. Nic's regular selection of cocktails (up to 50 on the menu) will also be available for a slightly higher price. This is a private function - in other words, we will have the bar to ourselves and there will be a bouncer on the door. There will be a $5 cover charge for antipasto platters, mini pizzas, and other finger foods that will be served throughout the evening. You can also order food from Nic's regular dinner menu (extra charge). The event will run from 8 pm until 1 a.m although Nic has applied for a late liquor licence so that he can stay open until 3 a.m. Bring your own ipod if you wish.

Toast bar is located in Selwyn Mall, Paihia Ph 09 402 8684, or 021 026 22593. Selwyn Mall runs between Williams Rd (the main shopping street in Paihia, and has the Post Office on it) and Selwyn Rd. One end of the mall starts roughly opposite the Post Office.

Although not mandatory, please rsvp to me so I can let Nic know approximate numbers for catering purposes. If you're from out of town and need advice on accommodation, please email me.

Kudos to Anna-Lena for doing the lion's share of organising this event.

And the other event on May 1 is....

Pink Drinks

Pink Drinks is a social event for lesbians and gay men to get together and get to know each other. This is a great chance to network and meet your community in a friendly and relaxed environment.

The recipe is....

Pink Drinks is held every six weeks on a Saturday between 5 pm and 7 pm sharp, and at a different house for each gathering. The hosts provide nibbles, glasses, and ice. Everyone brings their beverage of choice and a gold coin donation (or more) goes to the host to help cover the cost of food. Pink drinks is a Gay and Lesbian only event. Out of towners are welcome but no kids please. There is no pressure to be a host.

Pink Drinks is already happening in Whangarei. Their next gathering is May 1, 5-7 pm, at Whangarei Heads. If you're interested in attending or would like to get on their data base, please email Carol at cazali@xtra.co.nz for details. If you'd like to host a Pink Drinks in the Bay of Islands, please let me know.

So May 1 looks to be a great night out! Why not go to both? Pink Drinks in Whangarei Heads from 5-7 pm, and then Queer Cocktails in Paihia from 8 pm onwards. Carpool or, even better, hire a minibus.

Hope you can all make it to these events.