AGFG's Review of Powerhouse's VERTIGO Restaurant, 17 Metres High!

By Laura Rancie

 

Last week I had the great pleasure to be a guest at Powerhouse’s newest venture, VERTIGO. A fine dining restaurant hoisted 17 metres above the ground en-plein-air. 

For those who need to know the end from the beginning - yes, you are harnessed and hooked into a metal beam from the safety of your seat although there is a complete and utter void on one side and the edge of the Powerhouse wall on the other. Let’s be real – to some, the adrenaline, shakes and nerves are absolutely real.

 

The next day, when describing the adrenaline rush I felt as I negotiated whether or not to quite literally take the plunge and position myself into the seat before being lowered into the acceptable position, I was met with the polar opposite reaction from my good friend.

 

Her exact words were something along the lines of "I don’t know if I’d even consider it an adrenaline experience – maybe if you were 70 and not into adventure”. Clearly, one of us is cool. The other one is…slightly on the chicken, side of things. 

 

To those of you who are keen to try this controversial dining experience let me walk you through it. Firstly, it’s at a really iconic and beautiful Brisbane venue, Powerhouse along the river, the vibes at street level are full of energy and fun.

 

With an up-and-coming permanent open-air cinema scheduled to open soon, the 2023 edition of Night Feast markets, the weekend’s fresh produce markets and the vast array of art exhibitions and installations within the building itself, Powerhouse is the place to be. It’s full of people wanting to connect and appreciate food, art and that lively Brisbane scene that seems to be constantly evolving and growing. 

 

As you arrive onsite at VERTIGO's HQ there is a clearly visible re-purposed shipping container where you are given the rundown, check in and even a breath test. It is here that you sign your life away and get harnessed up and given a special lanyard for your phone – you know, so it doesn’t drop 17 metres when you’re taking selfies from the top. 

An expert adventure guide will escort you to the top of the building via a twisting staircase – very New York-style in fact, where you are led out the very heavy, solid door at the top level onto a metal spiral staircase ready to be clipped onto the railing of the building. 

From there – your excitement either turns to pure fear or it remains at that…excitement. 

 

Your guide is with you the whole way and will become your best friend on the night, should you need it. You know that person you can share all your deepest darkest scared-of-heights stories with and will let you hold their hand until their knuckles turn white…kind of person. That’s their job. The rest is fairly simple - you scootch into your seat, are lowered somewhat into position then it’s up to you to reposition yourself to face the table…keep in mind, you are harnessed and strapped in.

 

To answer the most asked question first, yes the cutlery is strapped to the table and there is no chance of it falling below. 

The plates are made of heavy-set melamine as are the glasses and despite being breath-tested below, you are allowed to drink while you dine. Much like the diners, the food and its presentation were still finding their feet and somewhat overly ambitious given the unusual dining situation. 

The three courses consisted of a shared burrata and tomato medley plate, the main was a shared seafood bisque but it was the individual portions of a chocolate slice with a quenelle of ice cream that hit the sweet spot for me and a lovely way to finish the meal. 

 

Let me tell you how I did NOT get back down…by launching myself off the side of the building, albeit strapped securely, drop lining down.  Option #2 was walking back down the staircase with both feet firmly planted on a solid surface. I liked that option best.