Food News – Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Lit up cherry blossom trees and vibrant washes of colour turned the 100-year old Woolloomooloo Wharf into a magical fairyland for the launch party of Ovolo Woolloomooloo last week. Alongside celebrity guests like Marcia and Deni Hines, and Jessica Mauboy, I wove my way through the clever interiors that have transformed the cavernous warehouse style-space into something surprisingly intimate, all without losing sight of those soaring ceiling heights. International design practice HASSELL have ensured future guests will each be able to find their lobby nook, including clever little booths made private by lowerable shades, to enjoy free super speed Wi-Fi, breakfast, or happy hour from 5pm – 7pm every day. And if the smooth espresso martinis I tried were anything to go by, they’re in for a treat! We quaffed Perrier-Jouët Champagne and wound our way through hidden food stations including a bountiful seafood table with Pambula oysters and Waka tuna, and a tasting table of cured meats and salumi, cheeses, olives and pickles. The global canapés, overseen by Group Executive Chef Gavin Berrecloth, contained nods to the Hong Kong ownership of the Ovolo Group including ga lei yu daan (curry fish balls) as well as pork belly bao with kimchi and edamame salsa. My highlights were the blow-torched salted coconut marshmallows with tomato powder and Ligurian olive gel for the delightful sweet-savoury palate confusion. Hip, modern rooms, and a strong art focus, means it’s now on my short-list for my next Sydney staycation.
www.ovolohotels.com