My husband and I were very lucky to sample the food, view and service at the beautiful Astral Restaurant, in Star City Casino, last week. We had booked the musical that is now playing at the casino's Lyric Theatre, "West Side Story", and we thought it would be a nice excuse to get a little dressed up and go to a different restaurant we hadn't tried yet.
The service is perhaps the first thing you notice, as soon as you walk into the foyer of the restaurant. Then, as the host walks you to your seat, you realise the view! Around 270 degrees view of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Another striking element was the great cluster of cylindrical lights that reflect off the glass walls; they create a very striking impact. (You can see them in the below photo, to the top RHS)
You will have to forgive the photo quality in this post- I forgot my digital, and only had a phone camera, and in the dim lighting it didn't stand a chance!
I had three courses. As we were going to the show downstairs, they gave us a pre-show dinner menu- such a splendid idea!
First course: Semolina Gnocchi with fresh peas, Swiss brown mushrooms, and lettuce veloute'.
Second Course: Beef Cheek with potato puree and sauteed mushrooms. This was by far my favourite course out of all three (and considering I am a major sweet's addict, that is really saying something!). The beef was melt in your mouth, the potato puree was the best mashed potato I have ever had, and the mushrooms and sauce was just perfect!
If you decide to try this restaurant, I recommend you try this meal!
Third Course: Chocolate Dacquoise, passionfruit, coconut and champagne foam.
This was an interesting mix of flavours. I took the below photo to show you the layers involved in this dessert. The chocolate and passionfruit layers were like a thick mousse, then the foam on top, tasted to me a little like citrus. It was served with caramel and a sorbet.
By the time I was eating this, I was extremely full, and I couldn't eat it all!
My husband ate the Smoked Salmon for entree. and the Snapper for main, and he really enjoyed his as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed Astral. I think for the quality of service; the fairly large portions of food; the quality of the food; the view and ambiance of the restaurant; the price that you pay is very reasonable.
As we went during the week, we were lucky to sit right in front of the city view window. I would presume booking ahead for any night is essential.
Call Astral on 1800 700 700
| Level 17 80 Pyrmont Street Pyrmont Sydney |
I have previously created other reviews of other restaurants on my blog, and you can view them here:
Absynthe Restaurant
Tabou Restaurant
Sepia Restaurant and Wine Bar
And my review of Belle Epoque is in amongst our holiday to Hamilton Island.
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