PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAObservatory is a large, designer-chic and sumptuously outfitted space with different stand-up, lounge-back or DJ spaces to suit your mood; the super-charged vibe of a morphing mixed scene; and one of the best waterfront views in the city. In summer the glass walls are folded back to bring the waterfront in, and in winter there’s enough happening inside to create its own atmosphere. The place itself morphs from a tapas and wine bar to a full on nightclub from around 10pm, and packs with the city’s gilded night owls. Earlier in the evening it’s tapas, good wine and cocktails for a crowd comprised of after-workers, group celebrations and people having a drink on their way somewhere else. Whatever the hour, the place buzzes.
Chef Gary Dupree’s tapas-style dishes are as contemporary as the decor – 25 elegantly presented, mainly Asian-accented, hot or cold little explosions of taste. They start with juicy pork dim sims to dip into an intense sweet-sour Thai sauce, delicious oyster and prawn pancakes with lime and chilli oil, Thai coconut chicken bites, crisp Szechuan prawns, and duck and cashew won tons. Then skip across the world for morsels like grilled chorizo, spicy lam calzoncelli, tzatziki and pesto dips and, of all things, perfectly cooked mini beef Wellingtons. There’s an excellent wine list with plenty by the glass to match with the array of food flavours, and a before and after cocktail selection to happily see you through to the wee hours.
Graeme Phillips, November 2007
