6th Arab Latin Fiesta update: June 18
If you missed the 5th Arab Latin Fiesta on May 14th, you’re in luck – there’s another one coming up right around the corner on Friday June 18!
Since Chen Lizra of Latidos Productions and Mona’s Fine Lebanese Cuisine haven’t teamed up to do a Fiesta since 2007, the event in May was my first. First thing I noticed when I entered Mona’s was how huge it was. No wonder 300 people could fit in there! If not for the dinner tables (capacity is 150) it would be the size of a nightclub…I wouldn’t be surprised if it used to be one. The dance area isn’t very big, but it makes for a more intimate performance. The lounge isn’t very big either, but they have standing tables for your drinks, and it’s a great atmosphere to meet new people. I also spotted a few people who opted not to do the fixed menu dinner ordering appies and things at the bar – but you didn’t hear it from me!
The hookah room looked like it could fit about 30 people comfortably. And the food… I didn’t dine, but god, did the food smell good. No wonder this place is rated #1 Lebanese in the city.
Karen Flamenco‘s group started promptly at 9:30pm and despite some technical problems (no mic stand) the musical performance was AMAZING. The singer/guitarist is really good. Karen came in about halfway through the show and did not disappoint. I love the sound her shoes made on the floor. At 11:00pm, Lana Gabor and Emily Cannon-Shenhav (who filled in for Shivaun Corry only days prior) did their thing. Boy, those ladies can really move their hips. Lana did some crazy things with veils (they were like fans with long fabric) and did a whole dance standing on a drum. These ladies did an awesome job interacting with the audience (and earning some tips!) and also building the energy for a guest belly dancer performance. Some of the snapshots from Stan Lau:
Check out all of the photos and videos (taken by yours truly) on Latidos Productions’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Latidos-Productions/9494048959
On June 18, Lana will return with Shivaun to perform at 11pm, and instead of the previously booked Tango group, Dominicanissima will be bringing the flavour of the Dominican Republic with some traditional skirt work to Merengue and Bachata music. Don’t forget that dancing takes place between and after the shows – so if the place is as packed as it was last time, it’s gonna be a fun night.
If you plan on doing the whole shebang with the $30 fixed-menu dinner at 7pm, don’t forget to reserve at Mona’s – 604-689-4050.
Tickets for the shows ($15, or $7 with dinner) can be bought here: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2vhe18hfd47f968
Questions? Call 604-708-2170.
