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April 2, 2019
Deepening Hospitality (Part 2) | TRAVEL
TRAVEL | Evolving Urban Food Culture Revealed Through Renewal
To Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (Part 2)
Sydney, a leading city in Australia. It is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, also known for its iconic structures such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, which people climb to its summit. Furthermore, it serves as a gateway to attractions where you can experience Australia, including Taronga Zoo, where you can encounter native animals like kangaroos and koalas; the Hunter Valley, renowned as one of the world's premier wine regions; scenic beaches like Bondi and Coogee; Muru Park, where you can see Aboriginal rock art; and the Blue Mountains National Park, famous for its rock formations known as the Three Sisters. Nature, gastronomy, culture. In a city where Australia's charms are concentrated, how should one choose a hotel? A hotel should be the first and best gateway to understanding the city.
Text by MAKIGUCHI June
Rich Food Culture Born from Diversity
For travelers seeking "experiences" in their journeys, hotels with deep local connections are ideal bases. This is especially true in a place like Sydney, a representative Australian city. The larger the city, the harder it is to connect with local culture. In that sense, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, which has newly declared its positioning as a hotel that stays close to the city with its "Heart for the city" campaign, would be a perfect fit.

It boasts an excellent location adjacent to Hyde Park in Sydney's central business district. It is approximately 1.5 km from Sydney Harbour, home to the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. From May 24th to June 15th, the popular light festival "Vivid Sydney" takes place, bathing the city in unprecedented beautiful light. Enjoying that would be wonderful.
However, if you have visited this city several times, visiting famous tourist spots alone may not be satisfying. Therefore, we propose exploring the food culture, which vividly reflects the city's mood. Australian cuisine is gaining reputation year by year, as native ingredients unique to the land and diverse food cultures brought by many immigrants create a unique fusion. Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park opened 24 years ago. From within the hotel, you can feel Sydney's transformation into a gourmet city, a culinary and cafe culture far more mature than it was back then. Serving as a gateway to the city in this way is also part of its hospitality.
The hotel's main dining room on the 2nd floor, "Feast Restaurant," is a popular spot that requires reservations. The International Seafood Buffet features an abundance of Sydney's signature fresh seafood laid out on the counter.
In the lounge adjacent to the lobby, you can spend quality time with loved ones or conduct important appointments in a calm atmosphere over traditional afternoon tea, a legacy of British culture, or with Australia's world-renowned coffee.
After experiencing Australian food culture at the hotel, be sure to venture out into the city to further immerse yourself in its richness. First, for seafood lovers, we recommend the "Sydney Fish Market," one of the world's largest seafood markets by volume. It's the perfect place for those who want to savor the bounty of the sea dynamically. As it's a popular tourist spot, you'll see many international visitors.
Inside, you'll find an arcade lined with dozens of shops. Fresh seafood such as oysters, prawns, scallops, and salmon are displayed in showcases at each stall.

While some items are already prepared, you can also choose your ingredients and have them grilled, fried, or served as sashimi. You can then have them plated, buy wine from a liquor store on the premises, secure a seat, and enjoy. It's more affordable and quicker to enjoy delicious seafood here than at upscale restaurants in the city. There are also terrace seats on the harbor side, making it a great spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
For a more elegant dinner, we recommend "Catalina," a fine dining restaurant located in Rose Bay on the eastern side of Sydney Harbour, about a 15-minute drive from the city center. Since 1994, this family-run establishment has been delighting Sydney's gourmands, even before Australian cuisine gained international attention.

For 24 years, it has continued to lead the way in Sydney's and Australia's culinary scene. Few places offer the opportunity to dine at water level with a view of Sydney Harbour while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. Although known for being difficult to book, an outdoor bar was added during renovations in 2008, making it more accessible for casual visits.
The cuisine is simple yet enhanced with modern touches, showcasing a respect for ingredients without being overly elaborate. The dishes, centered around fresh seafood, offer exquisite pairings with wine.
Signature dishes include "Boiled Australian Crayfish with Radish, Aioli and Dill, Orange Dressing," "Sydney Rock Oysters with Lamb Vegetables, Smoked Garlic Cream and French Onion Sauce," and "Marquise au Chocolat with Poached Cherries & Cherry Yogurt Ice Cream." The menu, full of seasonal flavors, is sure to tempt you.
If you want to ensure a flawless experience during your limited stay, asking your hotel for local recommendations is a good idea. For those short on time, they might suggest "Bambini Trust," an Italian restaurant just a 30-second walk from Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, almost as if it were part of the hotel. Coffee culture has become a staple in Australia, and its development is partly attributed to the large Italian immigrant population, whose contribution to the culinary world is also significant. Many Italian restaurants here are reputed to serve authentic flavors. "Bambini Trust" offers Italian dining from morning to night. Enjoy an espresso in the morning, grab a salad or panini to go at lunch, or savor pasta and main dishes with a glass of wine in the evening at this European-style establishment.
And when in Australia, make time to visit a cafe. Unique independent shops line the streets everywhere. As Australia has led the third-wave coffee movement, it goes without saying that the coffee is delicious. For breakfast or lunch, be sure to try the wide variety of food options. From sweet treats like pancakes and waffles piled high with cream and fruit, to hearty meals featuring fresh vegetables and substantial portions of meat, each cafe offers its own popular menu.

Locals have favorite spots near their homes or workplaces and visit them multiple times a day. We encourage you to explore Sydney on foot to discover this everyday rhythm. Striking up a conversation with a local neighbor might reveal even deeper insights into the city. Cafes are perfect places for such encounters. Fortunately, Australia is a melting pot of cultures, and while Sydney is a large city, it's a friendly place where such chance encounters are not uncommon.

By peeking into the city's true face in this way, you can discover its charms. What seasoned travelers seek is the unique character of each place. Why not discover a different facet of the city with Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park as your base?
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW Australia 2000
https://www.marriott.co.jp/hotels/travel/sydsi-sheraton-grand-sydney-hyde-park/
Sydney Fish Market
Corner Pyrmont Bridge Road &, Bank St,
Sydney NSW 2009
https://www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/other-languages/japanese
Catalina
Lyne Park, Rose Bay
Sydney, Australia
http://catalinarosebay.com.au/
Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room
St. James Trust Building
185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW Australia 2000
http://www.bambinitrust.com.au/
Tourism Australia
https://www.australia.com/ja-jp/places/sydney.html











