By Rama Gaind.
“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop
whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.”
First rays of sunlight break through the clouds to provide unsurpassed expansive city views from the luxury corner room on the 15th floor of the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Photo: Rama Gaind
Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti was eloquent in his appreciation. It’s a fitting reflection because if eating is a necessity, then enjoying it is an art. If cooking is like love, then food and eating should be the one addiction in life, which should be entered into with a complete lack of inhibition.
What’s more, the sounds of conversation and laughter are the brightest, where food is the best. Just such a place is located at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. There is no pretense about food being good at Atelier, a signature restaurant, at the luxury hotel.
In the heart of buzzing Sydney, I had discovered a tranquil sanctuary, free from tension and anxiety. Relax. The time was ideal in the morning to plunge into the cool waters of the iridescent infinity pool. When you come up to the surface, bask in the joy of seeing the sun glistening on Darling Harbour, the towers of the Sydney skyline and wonderful wide-sweeping views of the city!
Ashish Poojary elaborates on the menu in the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour’s signature restaurant, Atelier. Photo: Rama Gaind
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the harbourside icons before having dinner at the Atelier.
The hotel has three bars, one restaurant, Club Millésime lounge, Atelier by Sofitel and in-room dining, all with children’s menus available.
The food philosophy sees the menus, which are inspired by cuisine from the south of France, change seasonally and feature the very best local seasonal produce.
- Atelier serves the very best local seasonal produce combined with the culinary techniques that highlight the origin of Sofitel’s French heritage.
- The Champagne Bar offers more than 20 different types of champagne, from the smaller champagne houses like Canard-Duchene and Pol Roger to Louis Roederer and Pommery.
- Esprit Noir lobby bar offers an elegant space to indulge and relax, with a favourite cognac or cocktail before proceeding to the hotel’s restaurant for dinner.
- Le Rivage Pool Bar on the fourth floor is one of the city’s highly sought-after outdoor spaces, emblematic of the hotel’s vibrancy and Darling Harbour’s transformation. You can spend the day sipping cocktails and swimming in the 20-metre infinity pool, all the while overlooking the magnificent city skyline.
- Club Millésime is the hotel’s exclusive club lounge reserved for the hotel’s VIP guests. Enjoying an elevated position on level 35, the highest floor in the hotel, the naturally-lit, spacious surroundings offer dazzling, panoramic views over Darling Harbour and the CBD skyline.
Enjoy appetisers, while watching spectacular views of Sydney from the 35th floor of
Club Millésime at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Photo: Rama Gaind
Seasonal menu
Fine dining is at its best at the Atelier. It takes its name from the French word for an artist’s workshop. The chefs are masters and food is their craft. Atelier’s menu was designed with Marseille and the Mediterranean style in mind.
Atelier is for the “adorers, the savourers, the true, unapologetic lovers of food.
Or, as we like to call them, ‘Les Gourmands’.”
Satiate your senses with a unique dining experience overlooking Darling Harbour, indulge in a ‘sabrage’ ceremony or just treat yourself to a sparkling glass of champagne from the Award-winning Champagne Bar.
Atelier is the place where gastronomic artisans add the final touches to a special culinary journey. Expansive, shimmering waterside views form a stunning backdrop, adding to the sensory dining experience.
Goat cheese gnocchi was a delicious entrée at the Atelier restaurant in the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Photo: Rama Gaind
The dazzling skyline paints the perfect backdrop as soft lounge tunes enrich the air. The spirit of French luxury, inspired opulence and le savoir vivre is awoken here, each experience tailored by the culinary experts to meet your deepest cravings. Discover a selection of succulent meats and seafood inspired by the seasons and grilled to perfection. Exceptional wines from Australia, France and around the world complement a memorable evening.
Distinctive dining
Featuring three interactive food stations, Atelier offers a sophisticated banquet experience, combining classical techniques and a modern culinary philosophy. Selecting a dish from the artfully creative cuisine at Atelier is not easy. The choices are numerous.
Laiken Durham offers a choice of breads before dinner at the Atelier restaurant in the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Photo: Rama Gaind
The main pleasure in eating is not in the costly seasoning or exquisite flavour, but it’s within yourself. Eating one’s favourite cuisine and cherishing its taste and existence is one of the greatest pleasures in the world!
I’m told: “our philosophy is to retain the natural aroma and taste of the finest ingredients available and delicately blend them with the culinary techniques that highlight the origin of our heritage and the authenticity of our location”.
Ashish Poojary was on hand to explain the menu highlights. Once the decision was made, the order placed, Laiken Durham quickly came to the table and offered a choice of breads – wholegrain, wholemeal or white. It was an effortless decision.
The goat cheese gnocchi – with sauteed spinach, morels and green peas – not only looked appetising, it was simply delicious! One secret could well be the use by chef Eric Costille of his mother’s special tomato Napoli sauce. Scrumptious!
The entrée was pretty filling, so a longish break was required. The main course was distinctive: succulent lamb rack salted grass fed with charred lemon garlic confit, accompanied by great-tasting, crunchy broccolini with olive oil, shallots and lemon. The choice of three handmade butters added extra flavour. Even the mashed potato purée was a flavoursome treat. Delish!
Distinctive main course of lamb rack salted grass fed with charred lemon garlic confit was savoured at Atelier in the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Photo: Rama Gaind
I had just partaken of a repast that had to be savoured at a sedate pace. Efforts to tempt me to order a sweet last course (no matter how much I wanted one) were unsuccessful. There was just no more room for dessert. I felt replete after an epicurean feast!
I was reminded of what Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw said: “there is no love sincerer than the love of food”.
Bon appétit!
DETAILS BOX
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
12 Darling Drive
Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone: (02) 8388 8888
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au
