What a disappointment!!!!
A group of 20 of us, many driving up from Victor and Goolwa had the most terrible service.
My first experience of Concubine was sensational. The food was fabulous and Aubreen Lee was the perfect hostess. I had a long conversation with her about her menu etc that first day, and was delighted by her enthusiasm and foodie knowledge. I have since sent many a foodie friend to Concubine with high recommendation.
I am sure Ms Lee would have been embarrassed and appalled by the terrible and rude service we received. Not only were there 20 customers there spending big money, but many foodies were in the mix. And we all know how we gossip about our restaurant experiences.
Sorry Ms Lee........ I will always love Kenneth Ting's quail, but I cannot recommend Concubine as long as the service is so terrible.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Restaurant: Flying Fish
Restaurant: Flying Fish
As all my foodie friends are aware, I LOVE the Flying Fish. A new Autumn menu is on hand and it is fantastic. Make sure you check it out. The only problem with the menu is what to choose! I can't wait to go back!!!
As all my foodie friends are aware, I LOVE the Flying Fish. A new Autumn menu is on hand and it is fantastic. Make sure you check it out. The only problem with the menu is what to choose! I can't wait to go back!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Restaurant: Hotel Elliot
The Strand
Port Elliott
http://www.hotelelliot.com.au/hotel_elliot_bistro.html
One of two pubs in Port Elliot, the Hotel Elliot stands out as a great place to meet up with friends. The decor is sleek yet comfortable with large open doors opening to an outside courtyard. A great spot for a cold Coopers in the summer.
We arrived just before six, and despite being early. The waiter was happy to take our order and get it into the kitchen. The place was already relatively busy, with the after work knock-off drinks crowd. The laughing and the constant steam of arrivals made for a great atmosphere.
The wine list was very generous with the local wines, with an excellent selection by the glass. I did find it a bit pricey for a pub however, with the Nepenthe Sauv Blanc selling at $9.50 a glass. A good selection of reds could have been complemented by an addition of a McLaren Vale Shiraz by the glass.
The menu had an excellent seafood range and some vegetarian options. Main courses were varied with steak, duck, chicken, lamb and kangaroo all making an appearance.
Specials adorn an outside blackboard with very reasonable prices almost every day of the week. Although we were there the night WITHOUT the specials, the Steak night apparetely is a local favourite
All and all I was very pleased with the service and food at the pub. We were in a rush to pick up my son fom soccer, and the friendly (and very good-looking I might add) bartender made sure the meals were out quickly and there was no compromise on taste or presentation.
The Strand
Port Elliott
http://www.hotelelliot.com.au/hotel_elliot_bistro.html
One of two pubs in Port Elliot, the Hotel Elliot stands out as a great place to meet up with friends. The decor is sleek yet comfortable with large open doors opening to an outside courtyard. A great spot for a cold Coopers in the summer.We arrived just before six, and despite being early. The waiter was happy to take our order and get it into the kitchen. The place was already relatively busy, with the after work knock-off drinks crowd. The laughing and the constant steam of arrivals made for a great atmosphere.The wine list was very generous with the local wines, with an excellent selection by the glass. I did find it a bit pricey for a pub however, with the Nepenthe Sauv Blanc selling at $9.50 a glass. A good selection of reds could have been complemented by an addition of a McLaren Vale Shiraz by the glass.
The menu had an excellent seafood range and some vegetarian options. Main courses were varied with steak, duck, chicken, lamb and kangaroo all making an appearance.
Specials adorn an outside blackboard with very reasonable prices almost every day of the week. Although we were there the night WITHOUT the specials, the Steak night apparetely is a local favourite
My daughter ordered the salt and pepper squid. The batter was light, and not oily. The squid was very tender... not rubbery at all. At $12.90, a very reasonably priced meal. The soy and sesame dipping sauce was a fantastic condiment!
I ordered Wood Smoked Barossa Pork Kassler Chop. ($19.90) It was served on braised red cabbage, rhine potatoes, gravy ad apple chutney. It was absolutely FANTASTIC. The apple chutney was spicey and sweet and the red cabbage gave just the right combination of flavours. Accompanied by a cold Pale Ale, a dish I would highly recommend.
All and all I was very pleased with the service and food at the pub. We were in a rush to pick up my son fom soccer, and the friendly (and very good-looking I might add) bartender made sure the meals were out quickly and there was no compromise on taste or presentation.Monday, March 16, 2009
Shopping: Absolutely Asian Groceries
Shopping:Absolutely Asian Groceries
531 Marion Road
South Plympton
From the outside you would be fooled into thinking this shop would have little to offer other than some deep fried spring rolls and perhaps Western style sweet and sour pork drying in the bain-marie... how wrong!
Although not a traditionally Asian shopping area of Adelaide, this shop has become a welcoming stop for locals. Easy access without the fighting for a parking spot, make the perfect stop on the way home.
Recently, they have expanded their range of take-away foods. Still carrying the fantastic laksa that made me a regular customer while living in Adelaide, they now also have a HUGE range of great take-away. Green Chicken Curry, Phad Thai, Fresh Spring Rolls, Thom Yum Soup... the list goes on.
The fresh Asian veggies are fantastic to find, and saves the shopping trip fighting the large crowds at Central Markets!
531 Marion Road
South Plympton
From the outside you would be fooled into thinking this shop would have little to offer other than some deep fried spring rolls and perhaps Western style sweet and sour pork drying in the bain-marie... how wrong!Although not a traditionally Asian shopping area of Adelaide, this shop has become a welcoming stop for locals. Easy access without the fighting for a parking spot, make the perfect stop on the way home.
Recently, they have expanded their range of take-away foods. Still carrying the fantastic laksa that made me a regular customer while living in Adelaide, they now also have a HUGE range of great take-away. Green Chicken Curry, Phad Thai, Fresh Spring Rolls, Thom Yum Soup... the list goes on.
The fresh Asian veggies are fantastic to find, and saves the shopping trip fighting the large crowds at Central Markets!
A huge range of dry goods are available. Conveniently, they have generally separated all goods according to countries they are from. Japan, China, India etc. Even Korean foods are available!
While paying for my yummy treasures, I am so pleased with the friendliness and idle chit chat that always takes place here. Locals come and go, grabbing the paper, kids come in for an ice cream, and an elderly Chinese lady reaches for some unidentifiable frozen goods. Somehow, the staff know most everyone that comes in either by name or face ....everyone is acknowledged with a friendly hello.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Restaurant: Hotel Victor
Restaurant: Hotel Victor
http://www.victorhotels.com.au/
Victor Harbor
For those who have been to the hotel Victor in the past.... you will be shocked!!
The tacky Vegas carpet is GONE!
The toilets have been moved to the back of the old lounge area, leaving room for side windows opening out to the street to be put in. The place has been transformed into a great-looking modern pub.
I went with a large group from work. Someone was told the Chicken burgers in the cafe were fantastic so we all headed off to give them a try.
Imagine the disappointment when we were told on arrival that the Cafe kitchen was flooded, and we couldn't order from that menu. We decided to stay despite having to order from the dining room menu.
At my end of the table, a couple ordered Caeser salads. One ordered a Chicken Caeser without egg, and the other ordered a plain Caeser with no anchovies. When brought out there was confusion as the plain Chicken Caeser without the egg, did not have chicken on it. As this was being explained, the waitress rudely remarked that "her arm was going to fall off" if she didn't put the plates down. After some time, the chicken for the Caeser was brought out seperately.
All three people who ordered the Caeser's remarked that there was way too much bacon in the salad. The eggs looked fantastic, and were runny as you would hope, but were cold.
http://www.victorhotels.com.au/
Victor Harbor
For those who have been to the hotel Victor in the past.... you will be shocked!!The tacky Vegas carpet is GONE!
The toilets have been moved to the back of the old lounge area, leaving room for side windows opening out to the street to be put in. The place has been transformed into a great-looking modern pub.
I went with a large group from work. Someone was told the Chicken burgers in the cafe were fantastic so we all headed off to give them a try.
Imagine the disappointment when we were told on arrival that the Cafe kitchen was flooded, and we couldn't order from that menu. We decided to stay despite having to order from the dining room menu.
At my end of the table, a couple ordered Caeser salads. One ordered a Chicken Caeser without egg, and the other ordered a plain Caeser with no anchovies. When brought out there was confusion as the plain Chicken Caeser without the egg, did not have chicken on it. As this was being explained, the waitress rudely remarked that "her arm was going to fall off" if she didn't put the plates down. After some time, the chicken for the Caeser was brought out seperately.
All three people who ordered the Caeser's remarked that there was way too much bacon in the salad. The eggs looked fantastic, and were runny as you would hope, but were cold.
The prawn rissotto looked very nice but was a huge disappointment. I don't even think that it was finished. The lack of flavour may have been fixed with a bit of garlic.
One of the specials of the night, was stuffed peppers. The chef made a huge mistake with this one! Obviously to hold the peppers intact, toothpicks were put through them prior to cooking. Unfortunately he/she didn't take them out before baking the peppers covered in sauce and cheese! Luckily they were discovered before being swallowed! Not good!
On a positive note, my special of Vietnamese Chicken Salad was fantastic. The flavours were very well balanced. The chicke was lovely and tender. A great dish!
The steak was presented very well, and was cooked as ordered.
Next time, I am going to order the mussels. They looked so good and one of my favourite things is a bowl of mussels and a cold beer! Still wouldn't mind trying that chicken burger one day!
One of the specials of the night, was stuffed peppers. The chef made a huge mistake with this one! Obviously to hold the peppers intact, toothpicks were put through them prior to cooking. Unfortunately he/she didn't take them out before baking the peppers covered in sauce and cheese! Luckily they were discovered before being swallowed! Not good!
On a positive note, my special of Vietnamese Chicken Salad was fantastic. The flavours were very well balanced. The chicke was lovely and tender. A great dish!
The steak was presented very well, and was cooked as ordered. Next time, I am going to order the mussels. They looked so good and one of my favourite things is a bowl of mussels and a cold beer! Still wouldn't mind trying that chicken burger one day!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Shopping: Sugar and Spice Cakes
190 Goodwood Rd
Millswood SA
http://www.sugarandspicecakes.com.au/contact.htm
My daughter turned 11 a couple of weeks ago. She is on this hippy chick stage, and when asked what kind of cake she wanted, she said she wanted something colourful with happy faces and peace signs. There was no question that I would get Sugar and Spice to do the cake.
They did such a fantastic job........ as usual! I only gave them that description which my daughter gave me, and this is what they came up with! ($85) They even made a small gluten free cupcake, decorated in the same style for one child that needed a gluten free piece. (no extra charge)
While living in Adelaide, I got them to do a couple of cakes for me, and was never disappointed. Now that we live an hour away, I still use them and will continue to do so. The above cake was for one of my daughter's parties. She wanted a "Cook Island" themed party. It was so much fun and the cake as amazing.
My son's pirate-themed birthday. We added the spiders as he was/is bug obsessed.
My son's Pokemon cake.
190 Goodwood Rd
Millswood SA
http://www.sugarandspicecakes.com.au/contact.htm
My daughter turned 11 a couple of weeks ago. She is on this hippy chick stage, and when asked what kind of cake she wanted, she said she wanted something colourful with happy faces and peace signs. There was no question that I would get Sugar and Spice to do the cake.They did such a fantastic job........ as usual! I only gave them that description which my daughter gave me, and this is what they came up with! ($85) They even made a small gluten free cupcake, decorated in the same style for one child that needed a gluten free piece. (no extra charge)
While living in Adelaide, I got them to do a couple of cakes for me, and was never disappointed. Now that we live an hour away, I still use them and will continue to do so. The above cake was for one of my daughter's parties. She wanted a "Cook Island" themed party. It was so much fun and the cake as amazing.My son's pirate-themed birthday. We added the spiders as he was/is bug obsessed.
My son's Pokemon cake.The flavour choices for birthday cakes is huge! They include: chocolate mousse , white chocolate mousse, ebony and ivory, hazelnut torte, chocolate truffle cake,strawberry gateaux, carrot and walnut cake, lemon cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, lemon and poppyseed, mud cakes (various flavours), fudge cakes (various flavours),tira mi su, blackforest,chocolate hedgehog,banana cake and banana caramel pie. YUM!
The staff are very friendly, and the day I picked up the recent cake, there were many people in ordering wedding cakes. Sugar and Spice are an Adelaide institution when it comes to wedding cakes, and the huge display of beautiful and unique cakes in store is great.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Restaurant: The Flying Fish
Horseshoe Bay
Port Elliot
http://www.flyingfishcafe.com.au/
This is by far one of my favourite restaurants. Not just in SA, but of all time. Affectionately known as "The Fish" by locals and foodies, it is the PERFECT place for lunch. Great food and a great location with an amazing view, keeps bringing people back.
The summer brings out huge amounts of people to Horseshoe Bay, for Surf Lifesaving, or just a swim in the beautiful bay. Not to mention a jump off the jetty!
I have eaten here many times, and can honestly say, I have never been disappointed with my meal.
The most recent visit, was a VERY hot day. SA was in a disgusting heat wave.
As always, the wait staff were fantastic. I was seated by my "favourite" waitress. She is so attentive, and fantastic at her job. She recognised me and mentioned that I would probably order two entrees rather than a main, personal attention is always a bonus!
The heat was incredible, and I watched as she checked on every table's comfort, as well as bringing ice periodically to top up water on the table, keeping it cool. Despite the heat, the place was almost full by 1:15, indicating to me that no matter how uncomfortable the weather may be, the food is worth it!
The heat brought out the worse in some people and the table across from me, was a nightmare. The young waitress certainly had her hands full with the rude attitude of those customers. Substituting orders, answering phones constantly, loudly speaking about their last trip to Europe etc etc........ it was truely nauseating and I give that waitress huge points for not letting them get to her. I know as a customer I was surely sick of them, especially their phones ringing!
I did, as expected ordered two entrees. There are so many wonderful things to choose from on this menu, you really HAVE to have two dishes! http://www.flyingfishcafe.com.au/pdf/lunch.pdf
My first course was
Finely sliced raw market fish w a new style sashimi broth & coconut vinaigrette ($15)
On a hot day, the delicate flavours of the raw fish was beautiful. The presentation was beautiful and simple........ very Japanese. I thought the Asian napkin under the broth was a real lovely touch.
I found the terminology of "broth" somewhat confusing. I would think that a broth would be something you drink... like a soup. It is probably my ignorance, but I did not do that, dipping the fish in the broth. The broth had a very strong soy taste, surely not something you would drink, but dip. The fish was incredibly fresh, melting in my mouth. Perfect and very reasonably priced. The only thing I would suggest is less broth and more waikeme!
For my second course I had the Grilled marinated Quail w a Kim Chee salad & sesame lime mayonnaise ($15). A wonderful dish which I have had before. Again a simple, Japanese-style presentation. Just beautiful. The lime mayo perfect with the spices on the quail.
I had a couple glasses of Sauv Blanc with my meal which was fantastic. The wine list at the Fish is really good. In fact, I brought a group of people a few months ago to a set dinner, and a good friend, who is Swiss French with a great appreciation for wine, (and with a substantial cellar), was very impressed. There is a extensive collection of local wines, but they have also made sure to have the best of other regions and countries as well. Italian, French and Portuguese wines are also on offer including a fantastic French bubbly range. http://www.flyingfishcafe.com.au/pdf/winelist.pdf
The music was at a perfect level, playing Norah Jones and Jack Johnson... perfect.
The deck outside is also a great place to eat. Although I was in the restaurant this time, I have had fish and chips outside a number of times, and have always been so happy with our meal. The fish is always so full of flavour and the atmosphere, of sitting on the deck or even on the beach with a cone of amazing fish and hand-cut chips is such a treat!
I didn't order dessert, but have had dessert here before and the presentation of those dishes is like a work of art. Although part of their winter menu, so not available right now we had:
Poached baby pears suspended in a white chocolate custard tart, served ẃ
a hazelnut praline crumble & vanilla syrup
Winter fruit & saffron tarte tatlin ẃ house made butterscotch ice cream & Persian fairy floss
House made green tea ice cream ẃ caramel nori wafers & liquored dark chocolate caviar
Amazing combinations!
Their summer dessert menu looks great. I might just have to indulge next time! http://www.flyingfishcafe.com.au/pdf/dessert.pdf
Courtney and all of her staff should be so proud of the consistency of great food and service.
Horseshoe Bay
Port Elliot
http://www.flyingfishcafe.com.au/
This is by far one of my favourite restaurants. Not just in SA, but of all time. Affectionately known as "The Fish" by locals and foodies, it is the PERFECT place for lunch. Great food and a great location with an amazing view, keeps bringing people back.
The summer brings out huge amounts of people to Horseshoe Bay, for Surf Lifesaving, or just a swim in the beautiful bay. Not to mention a jump off the jetty!I have eaten here many times, and can honestly say, I have never been disappointed with my meal.
The most recent visit, was a VERY hot day. SA was in a disgusting heat wave.
As always, the wait staff were fantastic. I was seated by my "favourite" waitress. She is so attentive, and fantastic at her job. She recognised me and mentioned that I would probably order two entrees rather than a main, personal attention is always a bonus!
The heat was incredible, and I watched as she checked on every table's comfort, as well as bringing ice periodically to top up water on the table, keeping it cool. Despite the heat, the place was almost full by 1:15, indicating to me that no matter how uncomfortable the weather may be, the food is worth it!
The heat brought out the worse in some people and the table across from me, was a nightmare. The young waitress certainly had her hands full with the rude attitude of those customers. Substituting orders, answering phones constantly, loudly speaking about their last trip to Europe etc etc........ it was truely nauseating and I give that waitress huge points for not letting them get to her. I know as a customer I was surely sick of them, especially their phones ringing!
I did, as expected ordered two entrees. There are so many wonderful things to choose from on this menu, you really HAVE to have two dishes! http://www.flyingfishcafe.com.au/pdf/lunch.pdfMy first course was
Finely sliced raw market fish w a new style sashimi broth & coconut vinaigrette ($15)
On a hot day, the delicate flavours of the raw fish was beautiful. The presentation was beautiful and simple........ very Japanese. I thought the Asian napkin under the broth was a real lovely touch.
I found the terminology of "broth" somewhat confusing. I would think that a broth would be something you drink... like a soup. It is probably my ignorance, but I did not do that, dipping the fish in the broth. The broth had a very strong soy taste, surely not something you would drink, but dip. The fish was incredibly fresh, melting in my mouth. Perfect and very reasonably priced. The only thing I would suggest is less broth and more waikeme!
For my second course I had the Grilled marinated Quail w a Kim Chee salad & sesame lime mayonnaise ($15). A wonderful dish which I have had before. Again a simple, Japanese-style presentation. Just beautiful. The lime mayo perfect with the spices on the quail.I had a couple glasses of Sauv Blanc with my meal which was fantastic. The wine list at the Fish is really good. In fact, I brought a group of people a few months ago to a set dinner, and a good friend, who is Swiss French with a great appreciation for wine, (and with a substantial cellar), was very impressed. There is a extensive collection of local wines, but they have also made sure to have the best of other regions and countries as well. Italian, French and Portuguese wines are also on offer including a fantastic French bubbly range. http://www.flyingfishcafe.com.au/pdf/winelist.pdf
The music was at a perfect level, playing Norah Jones and Jack Johnson... perfect.
The deck outside is also a great place to eat. Although I was in the restaurant this time, I have had fish and chips outside a number of times, and have always been so happy with our meal. The fish is always so full of flavour and the atmosphere, of sitting on the deck or even on the beach with a cone of amazing fish and hand-cut chips is such a treat!
I didn't order dessert, but have had dessert here before and the presentation of those dishes is like a work of art. Although part of their winter menu, so not available right now we had:
Poached baby pears suspended in a white chocolate custard tart, served ẃ
a hazelnut praline crumble & vanilla syrup
Winter fruit & saffron tarte tatlin ẃ house made butterscotch ice cream & Persian fairy floss
House made green tea ice cream ẃ caramel nori wafers & liquored dark chocolate caviar
Amazing combinations!
Their summer dessert menu looks great. I might just have to indulge next time! http://www.flyingfishcafe.com.au/pdf/dessert.pdf
Courtney and all of her staff should be so proud of the consistency of great food and service.
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