The only restaurant-bar in the newly opened Dubai Opera building, with external courtyard and sky garden with direct views of the Burj Khalifa, can serve internationally acclaimed Chef Sean Connolly’s cooking to 350 people.
Spanning 2000m2 of the upper level of the Dubai Opera, the challenging construction-wise project combines the oceanic Australian/New Zealand influences of Sean Connolly’s cooking with 20th-century classic design.
Reflective vaulted ceiling tiles draw inspiration from the poetry of the oyster shell and the iconic geometries of the Sydney Opera House. The main focus is on the central cocktail Pearl Bar, constructed from grey leather, walnut timber and yellow marble. The grey marble banquettes with their pink leather remind of coral reefs, while the raw and fire bars resemble blackened seashells.
In keeping with the Antipodean theme, Jacqui Fink, an international pioneer of “extreme knitting” created a custom 6m high Merino Wool hanging artwork (one of her largest commissions to date) as a nod to the tentacles of sea creatures, delicate and mystical. Similarly, local Sydney artist Tracey Deep, known for her floral installations using found and native flora created three hanging sculptures curated to the oceanic vision. The custom hand made woollen carpet with its blue dappled tones is a depiction of the ocean waters and was custom designed by Alexander &CO for this venue.
The classic Serge Mouille lighting has been custom-made in curving white enamel steel and brass finishes. Finally, the colour palette in greens, greys, blues and whites with natural walnut timbers, completes the scenery.