LOCATIONNear the intersection of Unley and Greenhill Roads, just five minutes from the city centre.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEIDAThis is the type of place you would expect to see circus folk hanging out on their night off. With the odd flamboyant fire-twirler at its entrance, you get the feeling you should expect the unexpected. Once inside - look up, look down, look sideways, and under your seat for good measure. Every nook and cranny offers something to delight, intrigue, or surprise. A naked nymphette is suspended from the ceiling in a burning ring of fire – plastic she may be, but she titillates just the same. Gracefully nude, art deco lady lamps are sneered at by evil, laughing clowns. Lombardo the Great reveals your untold fortune from his old-fashioned, coin-slot cabinet home, while his haunted-house neighbour spooks passers-by.
Shabby chic furniture featuring an old-time piano abound. Tarot cards spread under glass-topped tables, antique absinthe posters hang on the walls and bar stools with showgirl legs add to the allure. Perch yourself on the leggy seats for some casual tapas snacks with fellow fun seekers. A parade of goodies await in the wings – char-grilled baby octopus, lemon myrtle squid, spiced chermoula prawns and zesty white anchovies on toasted Turkish bread. Duck liver pâté, pork flank, lamb kofta, chorizo and haloumi fill your senses with flavours and fragrances as captivating as Boho’s surrounds.
Lounge around on red velvet sofas on a Saturday afternoon for high tea. Sip on the Earl Grey and Blue Flower blend or some relaxing Hibiscus Serendipity with petit fours, crustless sandwiches and scones. Cocktail time serves Absinthe Thrill specialties such as the Flaming Fairy who makes fireworks of the fluorescent liquid with roasted apple and cinnamon, while the Bohemian shakes up absinthe, cassis and cranberry for a boho cosmo. Afterwards, tentatively tackle the staircase with its fairy-light canopy for dinner. The dining room is mysterious with a darkened intimacy, an open fireplace and dramatic crimson curtains. Tuck into Moroccan chicken breast, crab pasta, pumpkin risotto or Paringa Farm lamb rump with chickpea tagine. Work them off on the trapeze later.
Roz Taylor