La Boca - A Little Bit of Argentinian Flavour in the Heart of Belfast

 Restaurant Review

- La Boca

Where?

Situated just a few minutes walk from Belfast's City Hall, this little Argentinian restaurant/bar/café is perfect for lunch, dinner, and everything in between. There's also Voodoo bar straight across from it for those oh so important after dinner drinks...

Food

La Boca offers a lunch and a dinner menu, both of which are available to view on their website. I recently went for lunch as I found a great deal on Living Social for 2 main courses and two wine/beer/soft drinks for £13 and the food was delicious. I definitely recommend the La Boca Burger which is served on an amazing ciabatta-style bun with hand-cut chips and choice of home-made salsa. The lunch menu also offers such Argentine style delicacies as: El Guacho Steak Sandwich, Choripan (a sort of chorizo sausage burger) and Pescado y Papas Fritas (or fish and chips to you and me).

For dinner, the choices include a range of Argentine steak, tapas and a series of daily specials. A true taste of Argentina. 

3rd September also sees the launch of both new lunch and dinner menus, so their's even more to come!

Drink

Most wines on the menu are either Argentinian or Chilean, with a few from Brazil and Italy as well. There's a fairly good selection with a glass of house wine costing £4 and a bottle £14.

Beers and ciders look like this: Krombacher (a German beer), Traditional Ales, County Apple Cider and Quilmes (Argentina's favourite beer). Personally, I would recommend a cool bottle of Quilmes, it's light and crisp and is unique in Ireland to La Boca.

Spirits available are a selection of vodkas, rums and a clear Chilean spirit made from grapes called 'Pisco'.


Décor

La Boca is named after a vibrant, colourful barrio in Buenos Aires which is known for it's houses with primary coloured exteriors.

It's clear to see that this was the inspiration behind the décor as the inside of the restaurant itself reflects this perfectly; simple, sturdy wooden tables, shutter-style doors which open out into the street and a brightly coloured Argentine style wall.

The layout is simple, the room is bright and there's even a few tables outside for when the sun decides to shine.


Verdict

La Boca is a lovely restaurant, which really delivers on its promise: real Argentine style food in a relaxed, Argentine atmosphere. It's great for parties, large groups of people or just a romantic dinner.

La Boca offers something a bit different, for when you're tired of eating Italian or American and you should definitely try it out soon.


Also they just got Twitter! - @LaBocaBelfast

Opening hours:

Monday & Tuesday 12:00pm - 8:00pm

Wednesday & Thursday 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday & Saturday 12:00pm - 10:00pm

By Laura Caldwell

PWU Proving Grounds at Malone Rugby Club

It was about this time last month (29th July to be precise) that my brother and I were sat in Malone Rugby Club getting ready to watch PWU’s “Proving Grounds” event.  It had been a few years since I last caught any of the PWU shows, back when they were held in the Wellington Hotel, and I was ready to get stuck back in. 

I’ve been a wrestling fan myself for as long as I can remember - bar a few years at secondary school when it dropped off my radar - I’ve always enjoyed it. From sitting in the Kings Hall chanting for Big Boss Man and the Undertaker, to proposing to my wife at Wrestlemania 21 in Los Angeles (yes this is a true story), the big time wrestling of WWE and not TNA is a great spectacle for all. But let’s not forget the smaller organisations, the local ones. Well this is where PWU comes in. All tickets were priced at £5, a bar and screaming and shouting welcome. 

The Massive Giant "Tron"

“Proving Grounds” is a yearly show that is used to showcase new and emerging talent alongside the existing stars of Pro Wrestling Ulster and what a great show it truly was.  We’re sat in the Rugby club and before us is a 20”x20” ring squeezed in the corner, it’s the same size as the WWE use and it’s huge! There’s a crowd of between 70-90 people, a mix of couples, kids, parents and groups of friends.  It’s a good atmosphere with the majority really getting into it.

The Battle Royal under way!

Tonight we’re getting 6 matches and a battle royal. We begin with the biggest guy on the roster, standing somewhere over 7 feet and having spent a while in WWE development, it is easy to see that the guy has come on leaps since the last time I saw him years ago. He has a look, he can talk and by god he can wrestle! He has a lovely opening match verses Bonesaw with the crowd and especially the kids really enjoying this classic good versus bad match-up (or in wrestling speak – Face vs Heel).  Then just before the 20 minute break is my favourite match of the night - Darren 'Blue Guy' Andrews vs 'All Ulster Champion' Christopher Tiberious Banks III. A really quick, crisp and (as much as the low ceiling will allow) high flying affair.  These two really put on a show and I would thoroughly look forward to seeing them again.

Throughout the night we get a triple threat with some wrestlers from south of the border, a tag team bout with Vampires and Mexicans and then we round it all off with all the competitors in the Terry Thompson invitational Battle Royal.  For those not familiar, Terry Thompson is the Vince McMahon of PWU, he’s the money, he’s nefarious and he’s the man in charge. So it was only right that at the end of the battle royal as he went to hold the “winners” hand aloft, he quickly revealed that he was in the battle royal too and threw him over the top rope to declare himself the true winner!

 

The timing of the show was spot on, 2 hours with an interval. It held my attention the whole time and it brought me into the storylines as well as the action.

PWU have an upcoming show on Sunday 26th August at the Balmoral Hotel. It will have the re-match between Darren 'Blue Guy' Andrews vs 'All Ulster Champion' Christopher Tiberious Banks III. This time for the belt and my money is on it stealing the show once again!  Unfortunately we’ll not be in attendance due to previous commitments but we’ll be doing our best to catch all the shows going forward.  It’s a great way to spend a Sunday night regardless of your age and at £5 it is a bargain for live home grown entertainment, oh and there’s a bar so there really is no excuse!

Skrillex Launches Belsonic

Wednesday 15th August saw the first night of the 10 day musical extravaganza that is Belsonic and we at PastieBap were very excited to be seeing Skrillex for the third time.

Arriving at 6.30pm, the time that Dillon Francis started, we thought that we’d miss most of the queues, and that Custom House Square would be full to bursting with dub-step fans. Yet, as we walked towards the Square, the queue was around the block – people of all ages snaked their way around the Albert Clock, swigging on vodka and goldschläger (my personal drink of choice, but since when did drinking cinnamon schnapps become cool?). Perhaps a result of the on and off torrential rain throughout the day, which undoubtedly would have delayed a few people’s plans.

After a brief frisk search we were allowed into Custom House Square and were confronted with Belsonic’s trademark domed stage, which would later make a striking silhouette as the sun set. On-site facilities included a bar, which sold Absolut cocktails alongside the usual suspects, a sweetie van, and a fancy philly cheesesteak slash chippy van. Not bad, Belsonic, not bad at all.

Around 7pm the Square was about a quarter full - with the hard-core fans pushed all the way up to the front, and the more laid-back music-lovers strewn around the middle. The resulting view from the back was merely a sea of arms as Dillon Francis got the crowd onside.

Next up was Kill The Noise, who kept the crowd going until Knife Party got underway. Then, just as the dusk set in, a timer counted down and at around 9.30pm the skies darkened, the lights went up and Skrillex came at us with everything he’s got.  If you thought that Knife Party was well received, that was nothing compared to the reception that Sonny Moore and his space ship-esque stage got. You could feel the bass in your toes as Skrillex played his hour and a half long set, complete with lasers, smoke and even some fire. On more than one occasion, the heavens opened, but everyone was either to absorbed in the music, or simply too drunk to care. In the end the rain just added to the drama of the music and it certainly didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

For such a tiny human-being, Skrillex dominated the massive Belsonic stage with ease, however he did have a little help from two screens on either side of the stage, which displayed an array of images from videos for the songs to lyrics, and even at one point an Irish flag (suffice to say, a near riot ensued, with the crowd boo-ing heavily until the image was removed from the screen). Rookie mistake when you’re in Northern Ireland Skrilly.

There was something for everyone, and highlights were Bangarang, Ruffneck and even a few old favourites: Rock 'n' Roll and my Name Is Skrillex. It was also nice to hear a few nods to Dub's Jamaican roots with a few reggae tunes mixed in.

As a 19-year old, I felt either extremely old or extremely young to be at this concert, with the typical clientele seeming to be either 15 – 17 or 25 – 30, but saying this everyone who attended got into the festival atmosphere and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Skrillex gave it stacks and with a cigarette in hand, he certainly opened this years Belsonic with a bang. We look forward to seeing what the rest of Belsonic will bring. 

The line-up looks a little like this:

By Laura Caldwell

Big Gay Day Out - Gay Pride 2012

As a massive gay myself, I was seriously excited to attend this years Pride Festival in Belfast. Spanning from Friday 27th July all the way to Saturday 4th August, Belfast Pride Festival 2012 is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender festival in Ireland and this years was one of the biggest ever (it also ranks in the top ten largest pride parades in the UK). 

According to the Pride Guide, Belfast Pride costs around £60,000 to run (raised by sponsors, advertising and donations), with around 6,000 hours of volunteer service. 

Belfast Pride isn't all about being gay, it's about being proud of who you are, and there were tons of events and activities throughout the week to help keep you occupied. From the Out 'n' About Pride Walk, to the Lark in the Park, there was something for everyone. There was also a number of lectures and workshops, including the Amnesty Pride Lecture 2012 on The Dangerous World of Gay 'Cures' at the Europa Hotel and the LASI Confidence Building Workshop at the LASI Community Space. 

On Saturday 4th August, the Pride Parade took place. The parade itself is the highlight of the Pride Festival and thousands took to the streets of Belfast to join in the fun. The Parade left Custom House Square at 12 noon and made its way through the streets, up past City Hall and then back to the Square. This year's theme was 'Pride at Sea', and everyone really camped it up by getting into the nautical spirit of things! We saw floats decorated like boats, with fish and octopi galore, we saw sailors and Navy men and to add to the stereotype: a hell of a lot of men with little puppies wearing real-people clothes. To be perfectly honest, no gay man or lesbian woman or transgender stereotype was left unfulfilled. 


This year's Parade was top notch, lasting at least 40 minutes and as the sun shone on us, everyone could really feel the party atmosphere as the crowds, colour and noise passed us by. People from all walks of life participated, with political parties, charity groups and even the girls from Belfast Roller Derby dropping by!

Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves and there was no trouble from what I could see (apart from the traditional religious groups who stand at city hall with their loudspeakers shouting damnation). But, let's face it, that's to be expected.

Then, as the afternoon wore on, the crowds headed back to Custom House Square, where they filled the streets and even for five or ten minutes, stopped traffic as they crossed the road to the Albert Clock. After a few drinks outside McHughs, we headed inside Custom House Square for the 'Party in the Square' which ran from 11am to 7pm and had a variety of entertainment. The bill consisted of Kitty Brucknell, Tina Cousins, Ryan Jagger, Kezi Silverstone, Ryan John, Diva Dolls, Tommy Shots, Ajenda Mister Underground and much much more! 

The Pride Festival was a really fun way to pass a week for young and old alike. It was a chance to meet new people, experience new things and when it comes down to it celebrate who we are and have a massive party in the sunshine. All in all, this seemed like a fantastic Pride Festival and we hope that next years will be even bigger, better and camper!

By Laura Caldwell

Film Devour 8 at the Black Box

Two short film festivals in two days, what a great time to be a film fan in Belfast! Having to decide between this and Joe Lindsay's "Shower of Cults" film night across town at the Hudson Bar showing Grind House Star Wars was a tough choice. So, having promised myself I'd go to the last Few "Film Devour Short Film Festival" and not quite making it I finally made it to number 8. As I arrived at the Black Box I noticed a huge crowd gathered before the doors, this is always a good sign. Soon we filed in paid our £4 and were ready to see some of Northern Irelands finest shirt films.

With 20 films in all covering many Genres - Horror, Drama, Thriller, Comedy, Sci-Fi...I could go on-it's safe to say there was something for every one. We started off with a film I'd heard a lot about but never seen "Looking for Al" essentially a documentary about 4 lads from Northern Ireland travelling down to Dublin trying to meet Al Pacino at the premiere of his latest film. An absolute geg with much banter included it's a great way to kick off the fast and a welcome opening 15 mins it's worth saying at this point that these films area lot longer short films than the ones shown last night. Where the longest film shown there was 3 mins 30secs these films range from 5 mins to 15.

"The Beach" is a wonderfully shot black white horror film about a man finding himself on a lonely island where he encounters a not so friendly apparition. The Portrush backdrop makes this a beautiful film to watch and the black and white adds a touch of gravitas. We have a few technical difficulties as Intermission is called after 7 films but after we're all refuelled were back for the long haul an date last 13
McKeever and Jones have 2 films shown here tonight. Both filled with classic Belfast humour and the 2 extremely likeable characters. The shorter of then2 was my favourite "McKeever and Jones Dreams Come True" filmed outside Victoria Square in the Cornmarket it features a chucklesome almost dance sequence about a man whose every wish comes true as he walks by the world, from nicking a chicken burger to swooping in for a snog with his dream girl and with a fun ending that everyone creasing with laughter.

Other mentions would be "Nuts and Robbers" by Aiden Gault and Marty Stalker. A very black comedy about bungling robbers that's worth a watch. Special effects mention of the night goes to Chris Thompsons "Skyhawk". With SFX that would look at home in any Hollywood Bloackbuster it's really surprising what the guys working in their bedrooms can come up with. "Spiderland" ended off the night with an usual ode to the muppets via the festive imagination of Paul Currie. A tale of spices in Belfast and their camp Rottweiler this was a dark slice of twisted comedy that finished off the night perfectly.

The main thing if notice tonight was the quality of all the films shown and the sell out crowd that came to pay in, while the Olympics are on, on a sunny day, to come and support these films. As I left the black box having been in there for over 4 hours I did quip that it was the longest Short film festival I'd ever been too, but long may it continue. Vive la Film Devour!

By Chris Caldwell

Hansel of Film at The Black Box

Last night as part of the Olympic Festival and the Belfast Film Festival, 'Hansel of Film' came to the Black Box. Basically a bunch of short films are going on a relay, being carried by real people from Shetland to Southampton and back again, making 24 stops along the way. One of those stops was Belfast. Being curated by film critic Mark Kermode and film historian Prof. Linda Ruth Williams, who were both present last night, you knew you were in good hands (however large and flappy they may be).

We started with seven short films made by people living in the Shetland Islands and they had some brilliant (and bonkers) films! There was a four minute documentary about the UK's northern most bus shelter "Unst Bus Shelter" (which never showed a bus), one about a female polish murderer "Vycky" and a great one from a bunch of kids that featured a physical battle between two opposing armies that represented the decision process that goes on when one has to decide between juice and cola "Battle of the Juices". The films were all great quality and thoroughly entertaining, showing that creativity can come from anywhere and isn't restricted to the big thinkers in capital cities.

Next up we had seven films from Wotton-Under-Edge. These were screened in Belfast because their own local screening encountered difficulties and couldn't proceed, so we got to see them instead. Featuring a lot of films made by youngsters and with Olympic and other funding, these also were a joy to watch. My highlight being the laugh out loud history of the stick figure we see in warning signs, "Remembering Formby" was beautifully animated by Susan Elliot and her team. It was a great twist on something we see on a daily basis but never really think about. Also thrilling, was a film made by 13-17 year olds about how the Olympics is represented in their small village: "Olympic Village" was well shot, edited and wonderfully executed.

The last segment was devoted to short films from Belfast. They cited a lack of response to their call for submissions for the comp, so they had to pad it out with other quality shorts to make up the allotted half an hour. However, some great animation from students at the University of Ulster represented Belfast fully and showed what great things are being taught in our own city. The best of these being "Labyrinth of Language" a rich, funny and meticulously animated short about a boy lost in a maze. The highlight of this section was from London and the This is it collective. "Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared" was the perfect way to finish off the evening.

Original, hilarious and a little bit  twisted, it had the whole audience laughing and gob-smacked in equal measure. As we all sat there with our jaws a little bit open at the end and trying to get the song used out of our heads (green is not a creative colour) Mark and Linda thanked us for coming. They then welcomed some of the local film makers on stage for a round of applause before handing over the film canister to the next runner to be taken to Bo'Ness just outside of Edinburgh. The runner was actually going to cycle and having been born in Belfast and now living in Bo'Ness seemed the perfect choice to do it, until he revealed that he hadn't cycled more than 1 mile in the last 5 years! Good luck Bo'Nes and enjoy the Hansel of Film.

Belfast Roller Derby - Block and Roll All Nite

As a massive fan of Drew Barrymore's directorial debut: Whip It, I  already knew more than most about the sport of Roller Derby. From what I'd seen on-screen it was rough, tough and didn't take itself too seriously, and on Saturday 28th July at the Valley Leisure Centre the Belfast Roller Derby did not disappoint.


This was BRD's Block and Roll All Nite and as we walked through the doors, it was clear that this was a professional operation, with a raffle, purple wrist-bands (our team colours were purple and green), a merch stall, a tuck shop (selling popcorn, candy floss and other treats) and an announcer to get the crowd going.


Tickets were £5 in advance or £7 at the door and under 10s got in for free.


The stalls were packed; the crowd was suitably rowdy as a result of a few beers being sneaked into the hall and spirits were high as they chanted and sang loud enough to compete with any football hooligans. 


Then, shortly before 8pm the rules of the game were explained and any other questions were quickly answered by looking in the programme provided (which by the way, was extremely informative and professionally done - with player profiles, pictures of every player and diagrams to explain the rules).


For those who don't know, the basics look a little bit like this:

So it was the Belfast Banshees against the Parma Violents of Scotland, and right from when the first whistle was blown, the game was on. This is not a game for the feint hearted and these girls can really throw their weight around, with one of the opposing team having to leave in a stretcher (whilst the crowd applauded her effort). The jammers to watch from the Belfast Banshees were mcslay and Puscifer who literally skated rings around the Parma Violents while the crowd cheered on. 


To be perfectly honest, it was obvious that the Banshees were miles ahead of the Parma Violents in both points and preparation, and at half time the score was 162 to us and 22 to them.


At half time we went and picked up some merch at the merch stand which was extremely well stocked with various colours and styles of t-shirts, bottle openers, headbands and laces and then there was a raffle drawn, with the top prize of a bottle of buckfast going to a rather appreciative member of the audience. 


As the jams continued throughout the night it was clear that despite the show and bravado of the game, there is a lot to be said for team spirit and at the end, the other team was applauded, not boo'd. The game ended with the Belfast Banshees winning 251 points to 86, much to the crowd's delight. 


The names where genius: Hannahbolic Steroids, Sigourney Cleaver and Finn McCruel being some of our favourites. And the referees get a special mention for their hilarious names such as: Jean Quad Grand Slam, Reff Goldblum and Quad's Law. The theme of the night was Kiss and the girls had dressed up for the occasion, with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley-esque face paints to help them look the part. Overall, a night at the roller derby was a good one, tons of fun, loads of bruises and a fun-filled night of family entertainment. Also, for those who didn't want the party to end here, the afterparty was held in The Hudson Bar from 10pm with the Sabrejets playing (and entry was free with a BRD wristband).

By Laura Caldwell (reporting for Pastie Slap)