Diners will sit at only half tables ...

At last we learn the details of the project for the use of the site of the Southern Star Observation Wheel during its delayed reconstruction phase.  We applaud the achievement that it was to find a temporary attraction capable of using the small footprint of the location and maintain its landmark interest.

It is to be a sort of bistro, conducted underneath a sail-cloth marquee held up by a tightrope strung from the height of the hub structure to triangular pieces that are at the minute lying up against a wall to the south.  The sail tent is to flap broadly in the wind and will be seen catching light from many miles around.  Food will be served from a restaurant-equipped mobile shipping container.  The menu is to feature fresh and frozen marine products.

Ice is to be scraped up by the zamboni from the new ice rink and shored up into an embankment so that a decorative seafood montage thereon will appeal to diners.

The gimmick that should attract hordes of the people is that the diners will sit at only half tables, the other half being large HD TV screens, which are to be connected in real time to an identical outfit in Osaka.  This, we are told, will enable the diners to sit next to, in a virtual reality sense, diners in the Osaka restaurant and speak with and confer intimately with them so they will share the experience as they are served similar dishes.

The attractions of the short time zone difference and the high number of Australian friends and relatives that visit each city are expected to fertilise the notoriety of the venue.

The Institute is considering a copy of the projected bill of fare:

Namagaki 1/2 doz
Zensai moriawase
Hotate misoyaki
Gutakusann chawan mushi
Tenagaebi Osuimono
Ebi tempura maki
Sakana teriyaki
Kujira Karaage  (Osaka side only)
Chicken Parmigianino (Melbourne side only)
Red bean pancake with white sesame honey ice cream