Fri 4 May 2012
09:50
I woke at 0608 and went jogging to the amazing Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Rocks area, and also found time to drop in at the newly renovated Park Hyatt. It was cold but sunny. The strong sea wind cut through my SEAL T-shirt…chilly but refreshing.
The spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the boats and ferries on the harbour and the Sail-Like Opera House greet you like dear friends when you wake up and draw the curtains of your suite in the Shangri-La Sydney…
It puts a smile on your face immediately and you are in a good mood for the rest of the day. The dynamic Austrian GM of the Shangri-La Sydney, Franz Donnhauser is one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever had the honour of meeting.
Breakfast in the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge on the 30th floor is very pleasant with fresh fruit juices, yoghurt, fresh figs, ceral, muesli, poached eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, Lamington Cake, Berliner, Danish pastries, Pain au Chocolate, Fromage…..The cappuccino is emblazoned with “S” for Shangri-La in chocolate powder!
More later…
I went to climb up the Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. After 300 over Calorie burning steps I was at the top at a height of 109m. Great views of the Sydney harbour Bridge and even of the people climbing the Harbour Bridge. The bridge is fondly known colloquailly as “The Coathanger” by the natives.
I also went to try the contemporary Japanese cuisine with Pacific Rim influences of Sake restaurant in the Rocks on Argyll Street. It is owned by John Szangolies who came to Australia from Germany in 1967. John is now probably Sydney’s most successful restauranteur with over 12 restaurants in NSW and Queensland and a new one opening in Melbourne! We spoke in German as did his charming and beautiful daughter, Janna, who was born in Australia, but speaks excellent German too. The colourful cuisine in Sake is very eclectic with Mod-Oz nuances and is very creative and delicious!
17:51 Now I am in Shangri-La’s exclusive and luxurious Horizon Club for a few cocktails and canapes.
Lunch was at Glass in the Hilton on George Street where my friend, jovial Chef Luke Mangan kindly and personally served the food I ordered at tableside. Very little molecular gastronomy in his dishes but very exciting, unusual and flavorsome food!
21:52
I am back in the beautiful Shangri-La Sydney after a very yummy dinner in The Dining Room of the newly opened Park Hyatt Sydney which only opened in March 2012 after being closed for 11 months after a massive renovation. Chef Andrew McKee cooks contemporary French cuisine with an Australian nuance. The dishes are well plated in a simple but appealing way and the tastes and textures are very pleasing. Also, good colour, texture and temperature contrast. Maryam, the blue blooded Malaysian Marcom Mgr is very charming with excellent interpersonal skills and a sense of humour. This boutique hotel is a new gem in Sydney’s hotel and food & beverage scene.
Now to the Shangri-La Sydney’s gorgeous Gym and splendid and serene Pool for a workout…{:-)
