Brothels prepared for pilgrims

Here at the Corker office, we tracked a story circulated by the media that the brothels in Sydney had to increase staff numbers this weekend in order to deal with an expected influx of work due to World Youth Day.

By Lizza Gebilagin

We assumed there couldn’t have been any truth to the rumour, but being the curious journalists that we are (and here we use the term “journalist” rather loosely), we had to double check anyway. So we called four local brothels.

ESP Erotic Massage in Crows Nest said that they didn’t increase staff numbers, but suggested that the others might have done so. Club 121 in Darling Harbour, which is located right in the heart of where many World Youth Day events took place, didn’t increase staff numbers either and high-class joint Tiffany’s in Surry Hills, located on the pilgrim path for the final mass, refused to comment. The brothel in the midst of all the media coverage, Xclusive in Bondi, confirmed that they had increased staff numbers during the week because of an increase of patrons. But then admitted, “[The numbers increased] probably because we have just opened and we advertised a lot too.”

After the excitement faded and the rumour proved to be a dud, it didn’t make much sense anyway. How could pilgrims possibly pay for prostitutes when cab drivers were complaining all week that they didn’t have any work because kids were just catching buses? The pilgrims weren’t skipping cab rides because they were saving money to pay for booty. They simply didn’t have the money to spend. No money for a cab, means no money for ladies that charge by the hour.

Verdict: This rumour has been busted. Then again, there were 3,000 to 5,000 media here to cover the event, and we all know how sex-starved journalists can be…

Additional reporting by Michael Huynh

Bungabar, Bondi

As a child of the 80s I was told by television that the best way to quench a hard earned thirst was with a big cold beer. And, that big cold beer was VB. But since I was old enough to legally drink, I’ve never had the desire to reach for a cold can. Honestly, I only drink the stuff when there’s nothing else and if it’s free.

By Lizza Gebilagin

I’d rather drink cocktails in this warm weather. Ideally, on the beach served by gorgeous waiters – exactly what you would find on the Greek Islands. It might be a while until Australia takes on that concept, but until then Bungabar in Bondi will be suffice. It’s located only a short walk from Bondi Beach and has an impressive cocktail list, plus beer for those of you who were more susceptible to those early VB ads.

The cosy surf bar fits around 70 punters and features long tables that were purposely selected by owner Yossi Zamir to encourage people to make friends with strangers. The community vibe extends all the way to the menu: you can purchase jugs of alcohol and tapas to share. We start with the Jungle Juice ($20). Zamir stresses that this cocktail is the only one in Australia that is true to its original Balinese roots. He should know – he spent two years searching for the traditional recipe. He doesn’t reveal the secret ingredients, but says that the imitators use vodka, orange juice, lemonade and grenadine. The cocktail arrives at our table in a green and orange jug, accompanied by two shot glasses. My friend and I take a sip and it goes down so smoothly we argue about whether there is any alcohol in it at all.

Next up, we order tapas: garlic prawns and fiesta chicken in orange and tomato relish ($8 each). Both are delicious, but don’t go down well with the Jungle Juice, so we order a jug of Sangria ($20). After the round of Spanish cuisine and drinks, we decide to order Bungabar’s famous beef nachos ($14). Unlike your typical pub nachos, it is served with big chunks of meat and perfectly toasted chips. For desert we have a glass of the Wildberry Caprioska ($14.50).
In sporadic spurts between our gluttonous eating and drinking, we try to finish off the Jungle Juice. The attempt doesn’t go well, but I refuse to leave the bar with a half finished jug of alcohol on the table. We eventually stumble out of Bungabar, reluctantly leaving the undrunk Jungle Juice behind. But as bloated and tipsy as I feel, I’m glad we lined our stomachs with tapas and nachos because we’re now on our way to our second round of drinks at a beer festival – which thankfully is serving more than just VB.

Address: 77 Hall Street, Bondi NSW
Phone: 02 9300 6766
Web: www.bungabar.com.au

Photo by Andy Vermeulen