It’s nearly that time of year again, when Vivid Sydney illuminates the city with immersive light installations, pop-up performances and supreme dining experiences. For three weeks from May 24 to June 15, the annual festival returns with a curated program of events — including luxury hotel Park Hyatt Sydney’s new culinary offering at its harbourfront restaurant.
Nestled next to the iconic Harbour Bridge, The Dining Room’s front-row views of the illuminated Sydney Opera House and its shimmering reflections are hard to beat. As is the signature ‘Vivid at the Park’ three-course set menu curated by head chef Brian O’Flaherty alongside James Viles.
Each course offers an array of elegant dishes designed to appear on the table as a riot of colour, celebrating the essence of Vivid Sydney. As for drinks, head bartender Kevin Botte has crafted a bespoke Vivid cocktail priced at $28 to complement the evening’s fare. Dubbed the ‘Benevolent Bliss’, the cocktail is a masterful blend of Archie Rose vodka, Mezcal Vida and house-made lavender cordial and tonic, garnished with an edible flower.
“Vivid Sydney is a celebration of light, music, ideas and food, and we are delighted once again to be part of the festivities,” says O’Flaherty.
“James Viles and I have collaborated on a Vivid-inspired menu that reflects not only the colour and excitement but also the deep sense of place that defines this iconic festival, and we hope to take our diners on a sensory journey to match the visual spectacle of Vivid Sydney.”
‘Vivid at the Park’ menu highlights
O’Flaherty works closely with New South Wales producers to create a seasonal menu using local produce, such as Pecora Dairy, Stone Axe Wagyu, and Aquna for its premium Murray cod.
To kickstart the festivities, begin with a selection of impressive starter plates. Lightly cured kingfish is paired with cultured cream and pomelo, while tuna crudo is flavoured with tender wagyu bresaola and Ananda capers. For something heartier, opt for verde cavatelli, which is laced with silky pecora curds and lemon zest.
O’Flaherty continues to raise the bar with three excellent main dishes. From O’Connor tenderloin and mushrooms to Murray cod and white beans, and baked leek floating in a bed of cashew cream and kale, each dish will pair perfectly with the spectacular Vivid Sydney views.
To sweeten the deal, there are several desserts to choose from, including a brown sugar tart with yoghurt ice-cream, a decadent Valrhona 80% chocolate pudding with warm chocolate mousse, and a honey cake with steeped pear and jersey milk ice-cream.
Diners can also indulge in the exclusive ‘Crimson Spin’ dessert for an extra $25. Taking Vivid Sydney’s 2024 ‘Humanity’ theme as muse, the dessert pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s helicopter drawings and Damien Hirst’s spin paintings. Crimson fruit sheets are draped over a refreshing scoop of pineapple sorbet, displayed amongst streaks of vibrant colour.
Experience the Vivid Sydney dining experience at $125 per person (three-course menu) with an option to add $25 for the ‘Crimson Spin’ dessert.
Book your Vivid Sydney dining experience at The Dining Room here.