Losing your true love

I blubbled my eyes out yesterday over an elderly penguin dying..

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium shared the news that Sphen, one-half of the world’s most famous gentoo penguin couples, had sadly passed away.

Sphen and Magic shot to fame in 2018 when news of their same-sex male relationship made global headlines. Dubbed ‘the penguin power couple,’ the adorable and loyal duo celebrated six years together, successfully adopting and raising two chicks – Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020.

They inspired a Mardi Gras float, have been included in the NSW education syllabus, and even featured in the Netflix series Atypical. 

The detail that undid me was the SEA LIFE team taking Magic to see Sphen after he died so he could understand why his partner couldn’t return.

Magic immediately began singing, with the colony then joining in.

Waaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh.

In 2021, SEA LIFE’s penguin keeper Kiera Ponting described the couple as one of the most devoted couples in the colony.

“Magic still regularly collects the most perfect pebble that he can find for Sphen, displaying what a great hunter and partner he can be,” she said.

“They set a great example to the rest of the colony. They’re inseparable and proving just how strong penguin bonds can be.

“We’ve noticed many of the newer penguin couples setting up their nests close to Sphen and Magic, which we think is them trying to learn from the best.”

Poor Magic all alone now.

I raised a glass to Sphen and Magic at two events last night. I was invited to three but decided to be sensible.

The first one was the official VIP launch and preview of The Bristol, once the infamous home of Retro Nightclub … which I may or may not have visited in the wee hours of some random night in my youth, can’t remember.

We sipped Veuve Clicquot on arrival at Rooftop Kouzina, which was a glorious spot on aclimate-change balmy Thursday evening.

Then we were taken on a tour by the interior designer, who said he was given carte blanche by the owner to order as much marble as he wanted. He wanted a LOT. And it looks stunning.

We got a first look at Midtown Bar & Lounge, where there were Four Pillars Martini’s and Negroni’s on offer. We just snapped pics and didn’t partake as we needed to pace ourselves.

Next on the list, we stepped into Calypso nightclub, where we were dazzled by a ceiling filled with 300 disco balls and got to hear a sound test as the team rushed to perfect the experience ahead of Saturday night’s opening.

Finally, we concluded our tour at the almost finished restaurant Ela Ela, which is where chef Peter Conistis will be based.

I am a huge fan of Peter’s from waaaay back. Memories of his signature moussaka with eggplant and seared scallops will make my mouth water for eternity.

All too soon it was time to wander up to Arches cocktail bar at the Swisshotel on Market Street for the launch of their new cocktail menu. It included edible shot glasses and making DIY alcoholic peppermint balls to drop into dry m-ice decorated drinks (ah that took me back to my Gunfighter’s Rest days) – again we were taking happy snaps more than we were imbibing.

The cocktails were paired with the most delicious sashimi, scallops and oysters.

I couldn’t resist popping into the mall afterwards and buying myself a cheapie silver singlet before catching the bus home.

Have a great weekend. I plan to rest! Well, sort of. Actually, what am I talking about? It’s bloody hectic.

Catch you next week!

Song of the day: Happy Feet “Boogie wonderland”