Cnr McMurtrie & Main Rds
McLaren Vale
A Sunday wine tasting and lunch day... what a better place than McLaren Vale to celebrate a friend's birthday! After tasting at a couple of wineries, we headed to The Salopian Inn for more wine and a long lunch.
As we sat down, we were brought a platter of Baquette with Olive Oil and Salopian Butter ($2.50). Only thing missing was a bit of goats curd. The "birthday girl" put in the request and voila the goats curd was added to our platter! 
Prior to arriving at the Salopian, we went to Coriole for tasting. One wine we were unable to taste was the obscure grape, Fiano. They DID have a few bottles for sale, so we all pitched in and purchased a bottle to start our lunch with.
As we sat down, we were brought a platter of Baquette with Olive Oil and Salopian Butter ($2.50). Only thing missing was a bit of goats curd. The "birthday girl" put in the request and voila the goats curd was added to our platter! Prior to arriving at the Salopian, we went to Coriole for tasting. One wine we were unable to taste was the obscure grape, Fiano. They DID have a few bottles for sale, so we all pitched in and purchased a bottle to start our lunch with. The tasting notes stated that the wine is sprightly and bright, with the up-front, natural acidity typical of the variety; aromas of grapefruit, lemon and green apple are augmented by touches of frangipani and fresh herbs. The palate is refreshing, with the signature long texture of the variety.
As none of us had tried it before, it was interesting to find out that The grape variety Fiano originates from the Campania region east of Naples. It is a very shy bearer which probably explains why until recently it was only planted in a small acreage. It was probably more common to find it in ancient Roman times. The variety takes its name from the Latin 'vitis apiana', as the grapes, when left on the vines, proved to be irresistible to bees.
I think we all agreed it was a really nice starter wine and was great with our baguette and goats curd! Very refreshing, easy drinking wine. (We were also pleased to see we paid only $25 for the bottle at the winery, and the restaurant was selling it at $45).
Among 7 women, the Coriole bottle didn't last long of course so it was time for an excursion down to the cellar. I love this part of any restaurant, but the Salopian cellar really does have a nice feel about it. Filled with McLaren Vale shiraz amongst others, we spent a long time browsing...and taking photos of each other amongst the bottles!
I settled on a mid-range Shiraz. It was a big McLaren Vale Shiraz... just what you need on a cold, wet wintery day!
I started with the Lamb's Kidney Sauteed in brandy, garlic and parsley with deep fried onion rings ($18). I do try to order things I would never make at home, and this is no exception. The strong taste of offal is definitely not for some, but I really enjoyed this dish. The rich gravy and heavy meat, make for a great winter dish. An entree size is definitely enough however, the strong flavour is just too much for any bigger size.
For my main course, I decided on the Whole Garfish in a prawn and leek souffle accompanied by a butter sauce and Yarra Valley Salmon Roe ($18) . A perfect pretty dish, I couldn't fault it at all. The whole garfish made for interesting presentation, and the salmon Roe was a perfect texture with the the delicate souffle. Extraordinary! 
We all shared Organic Potatoes roasted in duck fat and Steamed Green Beans ($6ea). The potatoes were crunchy on the outside and the beans were cooked perfectly. Wonderful accompaniments at a great price!
Among 7 women, the Coriole bottle didn't last long of course so it was time for an excursion down to the cellar. I love this part of any restaurant, but the Salopian cellar really does have a nice feel about it. Filled with McLaren Vale shiraz amongst others, we spent a long time browsing...and taking photos of each other amongst the bottles!I settled on a mid-range Shiraz. It was a big McLaren Vale Shiraz... just what you need on a cold, wet wintery day!I started with the Lamb's Kidney Sauteed in brandy, garlic and parsley with deep fried onion rings ($18). I do try to order things I would never make at home, and this is no exception. The strong taste of offal is definitely not for some, but I really enjoyed this dish. The rich gravy and heavy meat, make for a great winter dish. An entree size is definitely enough however, the strong flavour is just too much for any bigger size.For my main course, I decided on the Whole Garfish in a prawn and leek souffle accompanied by a butter sauce and Yarra Valley Salmon Roe ($18) . A perfect pretty dish, I couldn't fault it at all. The whole garfish made for interesting presentation, and the salmon Roe was a perfect texture with the the delicate souffle. Extraordinary! We all shared Organic Potatoes roasted in duck fat and Steamed Green Beans ($6ea). The potatoes were crunchy on the outside and the beans were cooked perfectly. Wonderful accompaniments at a great price!Below are dishes others in the group had that day. There was not a single complaint amongst any of them!
Chargrilled eye fillet of beef with gnocchi and ox tail sauce ($32)
Crispy skinned duck breast with twice cooked duck leg, baked quince and baby spinach ($32)
The fish special of Panfried Snapper with Panchetta wrapped scallops, asparagus and verjuice butter sauce ($35).
Game Puff Pastry Pie with roasted chestnuts and carmalised shallots ($18) ........ I almost ordered this!
Blue Swimmer Crab Tortellline with truffle cream sauce and Coorong cockles brasised in a fresh tomato sauce ($32)
The soup special.. Tomato and bread with Woodside goats curd and basil pesto ($16.50). Love the goats curd!!
Not being a big dessert eater, I pitched in with a couple of the girls for the 3 Cheese Plate with baguette and muscatels ($24) . I love cheese and the blue cheese on the platter was not exception! 
Soft Centred Chocolate Pudding with orange brulee and chocolate ice cream ($15). How fantastic did this look!
Strawberries in a sable pastry tart case with passion fruit creme patissiere, strawberry sauce and Alexandrina double cream ($15) 
No comments:
Post a Comment