The Film

We watched the French Film À LA BELLE ÉTOILE aka SUGAR AND STARS. A wonderful true story about one of the world’s most famous pastry chefs who did anything to be the best pastry chefs while going through loads of personal trauma. A feel good wonder that also made us hungry. I feel the audience enthusiasm at the end of the film during the cooking show was a little too exuberant but Yazid Ichemrahem’s life was a great story.

Seeing this film made me book two others during the festival.

The Sofitel

I was in heaven – an unparalleled 5 Star Hotel that has this amazing fish tank behind the entire reception. I felt I belonged to the 5 Star experience haha

“Escape to a world of ultimate relaxation, romance and waterfront sophistication, nestled in the heart of Darling Harbour. With Sydney’s vibrant playground at your doorstep and the International Convention Centre just across the street, revel in the epitome of luxury with unparalleled 5-star service and world-class facilities. Boasting 590 expansive rooms and suites complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and French bathroom amenities, indulge in the stunning outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym overlooking the city skyline, luxurious spa and exclusive top-floor Executive Lounge. Savour the French way of life with four vibrant bars and restaurants, including the award-winning Champagne Bar. Experience pure indulgence in Sydney.”

The Champagne Bar

“Their stylish Champagne Bar has opened its doors and is more glamorous than ever after an extended beauty sleep and makeover.

Make yourself at home, take in the sunset with a glass in hand and enjoy the perfect night out with our chic interiors, cozy leather booths, majestic high ceilings, warm mahogany-hued timber floors and dazzling panoramic views over the city skyline.

Champagne flows, perfectly chilled. Sip delicious cocktails crafted to your taste, an alchemy second-to-none. Savour oysters and innovative French-inspired morsels at leisure, with vintage cuvees and a selection of local wines, beers and spirits.”

They had these wonderful little bowls of nuts on the tables and I emptied two of them haha, I know it was a champagne bar but I can only stomach the Bollinger level or higher or I get a weird bubble in my throat, didn’t want to risk even though I knew I could order that level of bubbles, we had a fancy dinner to attend and I didn’t want to battle with my bubble lol. So I ordered the driest martini and they delivered one of the best martinis I have ever had. Bravo.

Atelier by Sofitel

“The double hatted (Australian Good Food Guide) Atelier is a French-inspired grill offering the freshest locally-sourced produce from across Sydney, NSW and Australia. Discover a selection of succulent meats and seafood inspired by the seasons and grilled to perfection. Complete your dining experience with one of our creative desserts and exceptional wines from Australia and France.

In French, an Atelier is “an artist’s workshop or studio”. A place where creativity is king, where inspiration flows, ideas are born and fresh ingredients are transformed. Enjoy dining in the striking setting of Atelier, with its contemporary furniture, elegant wooden floors and beautiful views overlooking Darling Harbour. Bon appétit!”

I could have spent the entire evening just photographing the venue, it is just superb, especially when it gets darker and you can look over the cityscape lit up. We settled in for a long dinner with wonderful wines. I caught public transport into the city but it was definitely an Uber home.

 

What we ordered…

Entrees…

POLANCO BAERII CAVIAR 10G | BLINI, SHAVED EGG, CHIVES, CRÈME FRAÎCHE

POISSON CRU YELLOW FIN TUNA | GRAPEFRUIT, ORANGE, CUCUMBER, RADISH

O’CONNOR GRAIN FED MS2 BEEF TARTARE | CONFIT EGG YOLK, RÉMOULADE, CROUTONS

ARTICHOKE TART | HOUSEMADE PASTRY, GRUYÈRE, MACADAMIA

Mains…

ROASTED WHOLE MARKET FISH | CAPERBERRY BEURRE BLANC, TARRAGON, LIME – IT WAS SOLE WHEN WE ATTENDED

DRY AGED DUCK BREAST | BUTTER POACHED PEAR, RADICCHIO, PEAR JUS

SHORT RIB DAUBE PROVENÇAL | EPICUREAN FARM TURNIP, CARROT, PICKLED SHALLOT

ROASTED JONES FARM ANDEAN SUNRISE POTATO | DUCK FAT, ROSEMARY

POMMES FRITES | AIOLI

Dessert…

MANGO PARFAIT | COCONUT CREAM PASSION FRUITCOULIS, MANGO PAPER

JASMINE BERGAMOT | VALRHONA OPALYS, BERGAMOT CREAM, JASMINE MOUSSE

PISTACHIO BERRY BERRY | VPISTACHIO ROCKS, RASPBERRY, ELDERFLOWER CREAM

MILLE-FEUILLE | PUFF PASTRY, ICE NOUGAT, CANDIED ORANGE, SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE

The Food

Just wow – that is my technical explanation. There was nothing I can complain about, everything was perfect, ok, one minor dessert grievance.

We ate our own individual dishes, it seemed slightly uncouth to pass mouthfuls around the table.

I had the Beef Tartare and it is one of the most beautiful tartares I have seen, that egg yolk was perfect. And once mixed it tasted marvellous.

The Yellow Fin Tuna was another stunning dish with perfect presentation, and the Artichoke Tart was my second choice to order, it just looked heavenly. Lorraine went full boujee and ordered the caviar and I had food envy, it looked very decadent!

For the mains I had the Roasted Whole Fish, which was a sole, it was so delicious and I was comparing it to the sole that I always order from The Oaks, Sofitel’s is quite smaller but their sauces were preferable and it was cooked as it should be, perfectly. I wasn’t happy with the photo I got but included it anyway.

The dish that gave me the most envy was the Duck – OMG – it was a work of art!! The short rib looked tasty but small, with a great serving of vegetables. And of course we all ate the two potato dishes, the duck fat potatoes I probably ate too much of 😂😂.

For dessert everyone shared a mixed dessert platter besides myself, I have a huge love for Bergamot and Jasmine, so ordered that for myself – sadly I couldn’t taste either, this was probably my palate after eating the fish and drinking my wonderful carafe of wine.

The Pistachio Berry Berry was the table fave.

In Conclusion

I cannot rave enough about the Sofitel, it was the peak of service, drink and food. I could do a whole post on their wine lists, just superb. If you have a work trip, get work to book you in here!! I would usually never venture to a hotel in my home city for drinks or dinner but I will definitely make an exception for the Sofitel. A huge thanks to my dining partners, Raf, Joseph, Jen, Lorraine, and to the Sofitel staff, the Champagne Bar and Atelier by Sofitel – just wonderful.

Au revoir.

SCORE BREAKDOWN: 3/3 food, 2/2 service, 1/1 drinks, 1/1 venue & ambience, 1/1 cost, 1/1 toilets & 1/1 bonus

*** Spooning Australia was invited, with thanks, by the venue ***

All photographs are Copyright by Spooning Australia and Jason King – please feel free to share with full credit provided.

Sofitel Deets

Website

https://www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au/

Phone

(+61) 2 8388 8888

Address

12 Darling Drive Sydney, Australia 2000

Bookings

100% Necessary

Pricing
Medium to High

Opening Hours

Hotel 7 Days

The Champagne Bar

Mon – Thur & Sun: Open from 5pm

Fri & Sat: Open from 3pm

Atelier by Sofitel – Breakfast and Dinner 7 Days

Vegetarian Options
Sufficient

Takeaway
No

Local Delivery
No

Gluten-Free Options
Yes – limited

Kid Friendly
If they are quiet haha

BYO
Full Licensed Only