Level 36, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
http://www.36levelsabove.com.au
Anyone for a $10,000 Martini?
After a short break from my birthday treat of seeing the movie Avatar in 3D at Hoyts La Premiere I was taken to the Blu Bar on 36 for a pre dinner birthday cocktail which has amazing views over Sydney Harbour and beyond. If your timing is right you might be lucky enough to score a table near the window but these seem to be as rare as hens teeth. I order the Sweet Lie because I love Bombay Sapphire Gin and Lychee Liqueur but I actually preferred the taste of the Italian Job, possibly because of the Campari and ruby red grapefruit which work really well together. Even though this place might have some of the best bar views in town I found the lounge area looking a bit dated and reminded me a bit of a waiting area in an airport or hotel lobby. I've actually found Business and First Class airport lounges more luxurious and cosy than this bar — but I guess it's the view that brings everyone here. The service was good and down-to-earth which made me feel relaxed and welcomed.
Does anyone else check out the menus to spot the most expensive drinks? How about a bottle of 1966 Dom Pérignon for $4966 or a Martini On The Rock for $10,000! I thought I remembered reading about this in SMH Good Living. I wonder how many of these martinis they've sold or perhaps it's just a marketing gimmick? Besides what if you accidently drank the diamond because you were so drunk in buying it in the first place :-)
SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: View, Interesting cocktail menu
CONS: Not getting a seat near window
MUST TRY: Italian Job
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Sweet Lie: Bombay Sapphire, Lychee Liqueur, elderflower and a touch of angostura bitters $20; Italian Job: Lemoncello, Campari shaken with lime, passionfruit. Served tall with ruby red grapefruit and crushed ice $20
Lounge seating
