Each year we shout the praises of the lights, the music. But when we are out and about for VIVID we also need nourishment. Where should we eat and drink?
For your consideration here's five food and beverage joints with the best views of the VIVID 10th anniversary May 26th to June 10th:
1. Sails on Lavender Bay offers outstanding views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge lit up in full glory, and make a spectacular location to take in 32 Hundred Lighting’s synchronised lighting display, creating a colour spectrum across our beautiful harbour.
Opt for Sails a la carte menu, created with an emphasis on classic French techniques, or settle in for the light spectacular with a seven course degustation menu. The restaurant's award winning wine list make the perfect excuse to make a toast too, with an extensive and affordable selection, including 18 wines available by the glass.
2 Henry Lawson Avenue, McMahons Point +61 9955 5998
2. Aqua Dining is offering the ultimate progressive dinner on May 30th. From the vantage overlooking North Sydney Olympic Pool the harbour view extends across the Harbour Bridge and beyond to the Opera House. At $325 per person this special event four course dinner includes matched wines and a Vivid cruise.
There's also a VIVID opening night dinner, 5 course set menu $125 pp with optional matched wines $75.
Northcliff and Paul Streets, Milsons Point +61 2 9964 9998
3. O Bar and Dining sitting majestically 47 floors above VIVID provides a 360 degree revolving light show experience. Book a table or pop into the bar for share plates and cocktails and enjoy this festival of light from the best spot in town! In partnership with Four Pillars Gin, try our Vivid inspired glowing ‘limelight’ cocktail a delicious combination of signature Four Pillars Rare Dry gin, Campari, 3 citrus extract, kaffir lime leaf and soda. One Limelight + One Limelight = 3. With two glowing drinks in the bar comes a complimentary tapas dish. Even better book a window seat in the spectacular and delicious restaurant.
Australia Square, 264 George St, Sydney +61 2 9247 9777
4. Cafe Sydney not only feeds you but this year is perched a-top of a very special Customs House lighting display that celebrates iconic Australian author and much-loved children’s illustrator, May Gibbs – the creator of Gumnut babies, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. The A La Carte menu features locally sourced produce on a contemporary Sydney menu. One of our best loved and most knowledgeable Sydney Sommeliers Simon Curkovic oversees the evolving balancing cutting edge varietals with classic heroes. All the significant and emerging regions of Australia are well represented by the bottle and by-the-glass. And there's also innovative cocktails in you need to go past the fabulous wine.
Sydney Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney +61 2 9251 8683
5. Grain Bar Four Seasons Hotel is shaking things up with a ‘Light the Night’ experience in partnership with Belvedere. Running every night throughout the festival, the experience draws inspiration from the colours and creativity of Vivid. The talented team have created a unique and playful cocktail list, including a completely transparent take on the Bloody Mary to a cocktail served billowing with smoke. Savour the creations surrounded by a mesmerising on-site light installation, or take respite from the cold Sydney has finally found beside the glowing fireplace.
199 George Street, Sydney 61 2 9250 3118
Photo courtesy of Sails on Lavendar Bay