Doughnut resist – Marineve, a thing of the pastry – Leichhardt is a cabaret
• The controversial Doughnut Time, the Brisbane doughnut chain that has taken over the Inner West (as well as our arteries), had a moment of glory last week when one of its vans parked in Newtown released a flood of doughnuts…into the gutter. Spectators snapped kilos of doughy-sweetness fallen on the floor after one of the delivery trolleys ploughed out of the van onto the road. Locals lamented that the wasted doughnuts were ‘sadder than Harambe’s death’, while others confirmed that, yes, the five-second rule is alive and well.
• Another pastry misfortune is the closure of Marineve Pasticceria in Five Dock. The authentic Italian bakers have been in business for decades, but have not opened their doors for months. Marineve is now listed as permanently closed online without any warning of a shutdown. Without doubt we will miss its no-fuss deliciousness, particularly Marineve’s crostoli, cannoli and lemon sponge. A handful of cafes have moved into Five Dock over the past few years, but they don’t make them like that anymore.
• Norton Street is kicking off its heels, literally, with some novel comings and goings on the street. Shoes on Norton is leaving after 17 years of business. For the sartorially opportunistic there is a closing-down sale. Owner Ben Gullo said the Italian shoe shop was no longer viable given the area’s economic downturn. Exciting (but somewhat incredible) news is that a cabaret will be performing in the Italian Forum. The Spiegelzelt (not to be confused with the Spiegeltent but a similar idea) will be pitching up its historic canopy in Norton Street’s The Forum come November, with flame throwers, acrobats and tap dancers to boot. Maybe Shoes on Norton should have waited! Is a cabaret the sassy kick up the backside Norton Street needs? We hope the The Forum will attract more live acts (or any signs of life) in the future.
