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There is a certain magic that is intrinsic to the success of five-star hotels; a night spent cocooned in the luxurious world of big baths, fluffy towels and 24 hour room service can make you feel like you are a world away. The Observatory Hotel extends the offer with Galileo, their critically acclaimed fine dining restaurant. The plush opulence of Galileo’s dining room is reminiscent of a Parisian salon, enhanced by upholstered armchairs, mahogany cabinets, and framed fashion prints and cartoons.
Executive Chef Harunobu Inukai is revered for his Japanese/French fusion food. For an entree try the trio of duck terrine, featuring duck confit, duck breast, and foie gras served with green asparagus. Alternatively, the marinated scampi and salmon tartare served with Osetra caviar and fennel cream is an indulgence matched only by the decor. Main courses such as the suckling pig and the new season milk fed lamb are elegant in flavour and design. The best way to experience the depth of Inukai’s culinary knowledge is by ordering the degustation, a seven course masterpiece commencing with Inukai’s signature dish, egg cocotte. Sommelier Nicholas Cleridan has put together a wine list rich with some of the country’s most desirable wines, which can be personally matched to your degustation.
LOCATION
In the Rocks, close to the CBD.
DETAILS
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the timelessly elegant 100 room, Orient Express Observatory Hotel has announced the completion of a 12 month soft refurbishment programme.
A highlight of the new design is the trans-formation of Galileo Restaurant which now adjoins the Globe Bar and Bistro to create a welcoming flow of space. Arno caricatures and sketches from early editions of Vogue Magazine, courtesy of the famous Harry's Bar in London now grace Galileo's fortuny and silk clad walls and is a recommended choice when discretion and quietness are of utmost importance.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Galileo has a tradition for attracting high calibre chefs with Harunobu Inukai joining recently as Executive Chef. With a reputation for innovation, Harunobu brings to the Observatory Hotel many years experience and a creative passion for marrying French cuisine with a Japanese influence. Harunobu plans to fuse the best of French cuisine with a Japanese influence for the launch of an innovation new menu on June 1, with his ultimate goal to create both enjoyment and a sensory experience not seen before in the kitchen.
For an intimate cocktail party or a formal banquet, The Observatory Hotel provides a magic setting and outstanding service.
FUNCTION FACILITIES
Cornwallis Suite - ideal for your wedding reception, anniversary or cocktail party for up to 150 guests.
The Orient Room - provides an alternative setting for smaller events such as banquets for up to 60 guests.
Personal Statement
GALILEO'S NEW EXECUTIVE MICHELIN-STAR CHEF
Chef Masahiko Yomoda trained in prestigious restaurants across the globe from Japan - where he cooked at Chateau Restaurant Taillevent Robuchon in Tokyo under the culinary master Joel Robuchon - to France, working for Alain Chapel’s Restaurant Vivraishe and even a stint in Sydney where he cooked alongside former Galileo chef, Haru Inukai at Tony Bilson’s Ampersand. But it was back in Tokyo that Yomoda would find his true individuality and style and while heading up the kitchen at Restaurant Arbace, he was awarded a coveted Michelin star.
Now at the helm of Galileo, Yomoda has redesigned the signature Japanese-Franco menu all but phasing out the Japanese influences to offer diners a true French experience however, Yomoda intriguingly uses international spices and ingredients as key props on his culinary stage.
UNIQUE AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCES - THE GLOBE BAR AT THE OBSERVATORY HOTEL
The Observatory Hotel is setting a new standard in the art of serving afternoon tea.
Our newly appointed 'Tea Master' Tjok Gde Kerthyasa has created a menu featuring twenty unique tea blends which pay homage to the artisanship of tea, providing guests with the opportunity to taste speciality teas from some of the world's most renowned tea regions.
'Tea is a very important part of my life, it's my passion,' Tjok reveals.'With certainty, I believe this is the most luxurious collection of teas in Australia. I believe this will set the benchmark for tea service in the country and I'm delighted to be given charge of the tea list.'
Celebrate the art of afternoon tea in classic style at The Globe Bar which embodies all the romance of a bygone era. Sink into leather armchairs, or lush velvet sofas and savour a selection of cucumber sandwiches, scones with freshly prepared jam and clotted cream, mini crème brulées, and other treats, including your choice of 20 unique tea blends.
Monday to Friday: $39.00 pp or $49.00 pp including a glass of French Rosé Champagne
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $49.00 per person or $59.00 per person including a glass of French Rosé Champagne
