Where else would you want to be for Melbourne Cup 2019, but surrounded by fabulous food, friends, fashion and bubbles. With various venues at The Star Sydney putting on a Melbourne Cup experience to remember, there is something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
Chukka
If Chinese with a Japanese twist is what you’re looking for on Cup Day, book yourself and your friends into Chuuka for lunch with a spectacular view of the harbour. Headed up by Victor Liong and Chase Kojima, Chuuka is offering a 5-course share menu for $165 per person (minimum 2 people) which includes two hours of Moët & Chandon. If you prefer just a glass on arrival (because some of us do have to go back to work after the race, unfortunately), there is also a $135 package which includes the 5-course share menu. Dishes include sashimi platter with scampi, uni and oyster; wagyu wok-fried, green chilli with garlic stems and coriander; and purple yam ice cream with blueberry and kuromitsu pearl.
Flying Fish
Overlooking Pyrmont Harbour is Flying Fish, with Executive Chef Peter Roberston serving up some of Sydney’s finest seafood accompanied with Moët & Chandon on Melbourne Cup Day. The premium package is $165 per person which includes a 3-course set menu and two hours of Moët & Chandon. For $135, you receive a glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival and a 3-course set menu. Dishes include Australia’s Oyster Coast (AOC) oysters with ginger and turmeric dressing; roast duck, confit leg, pistachio and preserved cherry; and passion fruit parfait, salted butter crumb, pandan cream & toasted meringue.
Sokyo
If you want to kick on after the race, head to legendary Sokyo for a post-race party from 4.30pm. A DJ will be on site with bottles of Moët & Chandon available for $88 to enjoy with friends late into the evening.
While award winning, Japanese-inspired Sokyo won’t be offering a Melbourne Cup lunch package, their standard a la carte menu is worth considering for other special occasions or when you just feel like spoiling yourself. Because you will be spoilt with their mouth-watering dishes, which includes the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu flank steak and shio koji marinade with fresh Tasmanian wasabi and garlic ponzu; or the incredibly delicious wild-reared Mareema Duck breast with braised red cabbage, umeboshi and karashi goma dressing.
The sashimi, tempura, vegetarian and sushi menu is impressive, with an extensive list of traditional Japanese dishes that would satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. Those with a sweet tooth will probably want to experience the Chef’s Dessert Sampler, which includes a selection of four desserts. For a traditional Japanese dessert with a little bit of strawberry fun, you can’t go past the yatsuhashi Kyoto mochi with frozen strawberry milk shake.
Head Chef Chase Kojima and his innovative team have been wowing diners for years and have impressively been awarded One Chef’s Hat every year since 2014, among other accolades. Using the finest local produce available and applying traditional methods to create beautiful, contemporary flavours, Sokyo is a dining experience that should be enjoyed with friends or family at your next special celebration.