Prepare to see and be seen at this designer waterside establishment.
To some people, a drink is just a drink. Full stop. If a can of beer is cold and cracked open, they're happy. Throw in a plate of mixed nuts and that's it, they're officially in heaven. These people probably won't like China Doll. After all, this place is all about complex cocktails, not beer. And drinking here is an 'experience' with designer trimmings. Water and CBD views, serious drinks and swish cuisine make this place a favourite dolly and very exclusive indeed. Sure, it's pricey, but (ahem) who cares darling?
Woolloomooloo is an interesting spot. It leads a double life as is both ritzy and run down, depending on where you look. Walk down one street and you'll see basic homes with no frills attached. But turn your eyes a fraction towards the water's edge and you'll see exxy apartments owned by Sydney's uber rich set and celebs such as Russell Crowe. And these socialites and stars have gotta eat and drink, right? Well, some of them do anyway. And if they do, they go to China Doll or one of the other spiffy establishments positioned along the Finger Wharf. This is a playground for offloading cash and living it up.
At China Doll, the views are glassy and the cocktails are filled with Asian inspiration, just like the food created by chef Frank Shek. This place oozes sophistication, so make sure you wear designer shoes and have your wallet or purse fully loaded. Order some salt and pepper prawns or crispy skin chicken and then explore the cocktail list. Succumb to a China White (juniper gin, jasmine syrup, fresh lychees, elderflower and bianco), a Porcelain Doll (violet and lychees, tequila, Cointreau and lime) or perhaps a China Colada (rum, Cointreau, fresh pineapple, coconut cream, lime and toasted coconut). Alternatively, focus your full attention on the wine list, which features drops from Australia, New Zealand, France and Italy. Name-dropping and posing are considered completely wonderful here, so do it darling. Go on. You know you want to.
Andrea Tomaz
