LOCATIONOn the lobby level of Rydges World Square Hotel, on Pitt Street in Sydney’s CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIACulinary theatrics are usually kept behind exclusive kitchen doors. At Sphere Restaurant of Rydges World Square Hotel, this drama is welcomely unveiled and tantalises tastebuds. The open kitchen becomes a main stage where eruptions of steam burst from the pot and elegant plating techniques are performed to an open audience. Chefs construct each dish in the thick of front-of-house action, spotlit by brass lighting that illuminates the kitchen bench. This eye-catching display rivals any show bound for by pre-theatre diners, who often stroll down to performances at the nearby Capitol Theatre.
Along the bar, corporates enjoy drinks alongside the mountain of gleaming ice that presents fresh lobster, blue swimmer crab, plump tiger prawns and clusters of juicy oysters. Dramatic, long rectangular white plates showcase cool crisp flavours; on this spring evening, lime and vanilla characters enhance slivers of hiramasa kingfish, infusing into its bed of charred watermelon and garnish of soft coconut sorbet. Grills are the star of the show - the signature dish is a one kilogram, slow-roasted rib eye steak fragrant with marinade, relish and jus, served on the bone and triumphantly carved by chef Petta. Tasmanian salmon skin crisps up with Ligurian herbs, its oceanic characters accentuated by the salsa verde, a blend of heady parsley and salty capers. Golden buds of honey-roasted pumpkin gnocchi are enlivened with burnt butter, lime caviar and sheep’s milk ricotta which give the sweet dish a creamy quality and subtle tang. A medley of wines features local and international selections with a good range of Italian drops to support the cuisine’s focus in the dinner menu. Banana slices tenderise with the heat of a warm tarte tatin, softening the accompanying vanilla ice cream ribboned with rum and studded with raisons. Hot caramel sauce is the ultimate encore with spiced nutmeg notes.
Sphere restaurant becomes a stage for its spectacular performance of flavours where the dishes take the focus of the night.
Edwina Storie
DETAILSNestled on the lobby level of Rydges World Square Sydney, Sphere restaurant boasts modern Australian cuisine in a stylish setting. Recently refurbished, the restaurant’s dark patterned carpets anchor solid brown leather dining chairs, while fresh walls complete the chocolate-and-cream colour palette. Splashes of red entice the appetite at this modern eatery, which was acknowledged in the 2010 Restaurant & Catering Awards for New South Wales.