PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA
High above the rolling dices and shuffling cards is a dining oasis with one of the grandest panoramas of Sydney’s city, bridge and harbour. Astral, run under the capable hands of head chef Sean Connolly, stands proudly on the seventeenth floor of Star City, delighting its national and international guests alike with five-star modern French cuisine. The restaurant itself is dressed in neutral tones allowing the view and gastronomy to beautify the dining room, but the most coveted position is within the private dining room which juts out seemingly over the edge of the building.
Each dish is a work of art that goes beyond taste and into other realms of texture, colour and theatrics. Unexpected flourishes that crack, foam or bubble make dining at Astral extra special and exceptionally delicious. For a decadent beginning to what promises to be a divine meal, start with some fresh caviar which is presented superbly with traditional garnishes and hand-made potato blini. Venison tartare, open ravioli, pickled baby pear and hazelnut marry perfectly, if not uniquely, together as an entree. Follow with twice-cooked pheasant with piquant ragout, chestnut gnocchi, morel and asparagus, or confit of Hiramasa kingfish, foie gras, brussel sprout leaves with a smokey red wine jus. The sommelier is quick to offer a suggestion and will often bring out special drops that aren’t mentioned on the wine list to flawlessly complement your palate and your meal. Finish sweetly with the vibrant colours of rhubarb sorbet, mandarin olive oil sponge, vanilla cream, and ginger and orange jelly, or make a selection from the cheese trolley. Impeccable service rounds up this wonderful experience leaving all diners with a supreme sense of sensory satisfaction.
Annabel Wise, August 2008
AWARDS
Awarded one chef's hats 2009, Good Food Guide.
LOCATION
17th Level of the Hotel Tower, Star City. Ten minutes west from the CBD. Close to Darling Harbour.
DETAILS
Astral bar and restaurant is back, following a breathtaking makeover. It has, more so than ever, a refined, yet chilled atmosphere, a gourmet dining experience to make every meal a true feast of the senses, and still possesses the best views of Sydney’s beautiful Darling Harbour. Nestled on the peak of Star City, its unique 270 view of Sydney can be enjoyed whilst either sipping a cocktail on Astral’s two elegant terraces, or sampling fine cuisine in the sophisticated dining room. The views span from over Sydney’s CBD, down past The Rocks to Sydney Harbour and that Bridge – then over to Anzac Bridge and around to Botany Bay.
Astral’s new plush interiors in rich chocolate and bronze, complement the must-see chandelier and a towering 4m wine wall, which is well stocked with more than 450 wines of the world.
Astral’s high profile chef, Sean Connolly, has created an exciting new menu of traditional favourites, with a twist of modern sophistication, using the finest ingredients the world has to offer.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
There are a number of dining options, from the a la carte menu, with delights such as poussin with vegetables and Summer truffle, to a Northern Exposure tasting menu including foie gras and Yorkshire pudding. There’s also a marvellous vegetarian tasting menu with a highlight being the Pumpkin & Artichoke Rotoloo. Also, new to the new-look Astral is the ultimate Sydney dining experience – a $1,000 per head tasting menu featuring wild caviar and Dom Perignon. Astral is open for Dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm & for breakfast seven days a week.
PRIVATE DINING ROOM
Astral's private dining room is one of the most stunning in Sydney with views from every seat.
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