Pammy Kokoras is a Monash University Journalism Masters student and also a 3008Docklands reader. Pammy recently wrote this article about her impressions of the World Trade Centre and the Wharf areas.

Thousands of delicate beads threaded with intricate design dangle encircling
an antique lantern. Turned gold from the light seeping through them, they keep the intensity masked and bestow warmth with soft color. My eyes are quickly distracted when I feel the uneven but smooth surface of stone mosaic, which shares an equal, unique quality. Then everything went black. My eyes shut instinctively to keep from distraction as I breathe in flavours that felt so close they could already have touched my tongue.

I was steered here by the path of the river. It wasn't far, but I came from a very different place. Surrounded by ropes, treasure chests and anchors I had stumbled into a nautical realm. There was more noise here with crowds and alcohol fuelled banter but it shared the same warmth with dim lights and dark timber married with blushes of red.

Stepping back outside to the riverside's divine tranquility, I have to remind myself I am in the heart of Melbourne CBD. From where I stand I can see the Convention and Exhibition Centre and the sparkle of Crown Casino.
It is so quiet though. I feel like I am behind glass. I am standing riverside between the Middle Eastern tastes of Byblos and The Wharf Hotel n the centre of Melbourne metropolis. This area is part of the new, $100 million, multi-use precinct of the World Trade Centre (WTC) including lifestyle services, retail outlets and dining.

The WTC is already headquarters to the Victoria Police and home to the Victoria Police Museum, Plenary Hall architectural group NWHB, French Government aerospace company, Thales Australia, ERM global resource group, Vencorp and Pioneer Roads. Perched on the banks of the Yarra River
though, this is my newest dining discovery.

The ensemble of Mediterranean and Lebanese flavours, aromas and the
traditional detail of decoration in Byblos is special. Delicate lighting from the
lanterns shine bursts of colour from the otherwise shady browns and reds of the decor. From Lebanese handmade marble mosaic tables to the cutlery and menu of delicacies, every detail is designed with purpose for true beauty and excellence. Byblos serves a wealth of rich flavours and its plush ruby lounges are also popular for drinks. Owner and Director Nehme Ghanem says he wants Byblos to be a "destination" . "It's more for a mature crowd who like to enjoy a drink, nice music, nice atmosphere and just relax."

Deep red drapes fall from archers that tower caved walls and booths where
groups share servings of ancient and traditional cuisine. The first dish of spiced parcels awoke the savor of flavour. Next, roast quail marinated in pomegranate molasses rests on a bed of eggplant and yogurt salad. Table manners forgotten, I wipe the plate clean of every last morsel. Still, I can't refuse the invitation for dessert. A garden of torn, Turkish delight rose petals encircle sharp green thorns of pistachio. Their sweetness then steadied by strong, thick and bitter coffee poured from an antique rakweh pot. The lavish encounters extend upstairs where larger functions can be held or three private rooms can be arranged for a more intimate affair with views of the river and shimmer of city lights.

Leaving the Mediterranean waters of Byblos, I drift upstream to the underwater tangle of The Wharf Hotel. Inside, corallike twisted chairs, nautical treasures and the original old wharf timber making up the bar, save a part of the past. Filled with historical artifacts the marine themed hotel provides for relaxed, communal or private dining. Outside it's noisy with a casual, boisterous crowd much like how I would imagine sailors to be. It seems the catch of the day is actually a Parma. A spokesperson from the Wharf Hotel said, "the most popular dish here is our Chicken Parma, and we sell an average of 80 per week." It's as if the tide is coming in with waves of plates covered by the generous Aussie pub classic streaming between glasses of beer and wine.

Unlike the sailors, the harsh, cold winds and winter rain is blocked with glass walls and heating so the calm riverside and city views can be enjoyed in comfort. With a teppanyaki and seafood restaurant also opening soon, management is planning for the stretch of riverside dining to be protected from the elements with retractable glass roofs and walls. A $20million pedestrian bridge joins the WTC Wharf to the southern side of the river and a $16 million walking and cycle path will connect it with Docklands and Federation Square.

As a true cosmopolitan city of the modern world, the WTC precinct exhibits a wide variety of tastes and experiences. For an escape from the city rush or for a cultural experience of many sorts, I found my place in the middle of Melbourne.

Pammy Kokoras is a Monash University Journalism Masters student and also a 3008Docklands reader. Pammy recently wrote this article about her impressions of the World Trade Centre and the Wharf areas.

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