Old world charm, great food, impeccable service, I was looking forward to this meal, and, although the food certainly wasn’t as good as other One Hatters like Bistro CBD or Bistrode, the rest of the experience makes it one of the best nights out.
Food
You can go a-la carte, or opt for the whole experience, an 8 course or 12 course degustation. We decided, what the heck, we were paying heaps of money anyway, so went all out for the 12 course menu ($165):
- Egg Cocotte and Tasmanian Pacific Oyster with 12-year-old White Balsamic Vinegar - this was presented spectacularly. The egg was still runny, and the oyster was very fresh. The balsamic wasn’t as good as the ones we tasted in Moderna, but nothing is.
- Bread rolls - there were heaps of choices, and were so good, just warmed out of the oven, that we had quite a few…the tomato was the standout from the variety of shallots and plain with grain mustard
- Scallop and Asparagus tart - this one was extravagant, but didn’t blow me away. The presentation was again first rate
- Terrine of Champagne with mushroom salad, Salmon Terrine - talk about presentation, this one even topped the others, presented in an upside down martini glass, you actually had to turn the glass around, and place it on the special glass plate before you eat it. This one was nice too, the mushroom had a deep flavour and the salmon lightly smoked
- Fish of the Day, jewfish with basil sauce and fried zucchini flower on vegetable risotto - it’s been awhile since I’ve had zucchini flower. This one was just light and delicate enough. The risotto was also night, but I think I prefer mine creamier. The jewfish was cooked beautifully, and is also a light eating fish.
- Principal Plat 1 - spatchcock in salt crust - was very dramatic. The waiter comes over with the salt crusted bird and cracks it open in front of you. They then take it away to be plated before bringing it back to you again. So, very exciting. I have to say though, the bird was quite tender and not too tough, so I guess the salt did do something afterall.
- Principal Plat 2 - medallion of beef with truffled mash, Dutch carrot - tender beef, creamy mash, ok carrot
- Dessert Degustation - we had coffee gelato (yum), yoghurt (very yum), orange and jelly (a bit sweet but intense!), creme with topping (can’t remember this one, so must not have been that memorable!), biscotti (light, crispy)
- Fromage - an assortment of Gippsland cheddar (quite strong), Italian pecorino (like the real stuff), VIC half goat and cow brie (very creamy and I’m sure fatty), Spanish blue (intense) accompanied by candied pear, walnut bread, grapes and biscuits
- Green tea, flat white I was way too full by this stage, so decided to end the evening with some fragrant and refreshing green tea, since they had no suggestion for anything else. Slokky’s flat white was ok but not that remarkable
Rating - 6.5
Atmosphere
This is what money buys you. Situated in the 5 star luxurious Observatory Hotel, the room shouts luxury and opulence. Gold and chocolate dominate. The tables have double starched white tablecloth, the chairs are luxe armchairs (great to look at, not so comfortable for eating), all the plates, stemware, cutlery are first rate. There are pics of old France around the room, and you can look out through the heavily curtained floor to ceiling windows to the footpath outside.
The clientele? Mostly hotel guests. I am disappointed that not many Sydneysiders get the opportunity to discover this world of luxury.
Rating - 2.5
Service
We were served by the charming Christophe, the sommelier. Later on we were served by 3 other waiters, who were all extremely polite and efficient. They were knowledgeable on the food, provided some humour, and were really glad to see us use the entertainment book. The only thing they can improve on was to fill our glasses more often.
Rating - 5
C-factor
Our 12-course degustation was priced at $165 p.p. But we used their special 15th Anniversary promotion. It's buy one get one free degustation, valid Monday to Thursday until 31st May, 2007. For the quality that we got, this is a bargain!
Rating - 2
Brownie Points - 16
Info
The Observatory Hotel
89-113 Kent St
Sydney
NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9256 2222
Website
No comments:
Post a Comment