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Martini Restaurant Norwood

Saturday, February 12th, 2011 at 8:14 pm

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Last night we decided to dine out and as is our want to try out new places to eat we decide on Martini Ristorante which is located on 59A The Parade Norwood SA 5076. Upon waking into the restaurant I thought it had a really nice atmosphere especially with the presence of a lovely wood oven, which I thought would lend to some really traditional cooking, especially the pizza. Nothing better than a tasty wood oven pizza.

Unfortunately we were directed to another room which apart from the bar was really very drab looking. As we sat down we couldn’t but help notice all the noisy chatter, especially from one table of revelers. The noise was such that it really spoiled out dining experience, completely different from Chianti which I reviewed on my Chianti Classico Restaurant Adelaide, A Great Experience post. Perhaps management should consider doing something to that room that would absorb the noise as well as lift the atmosphere of the place.

Martini is obviously and Italian restaurant, and being of Italian background I was looking forward to a lovely meal.

As an entree I decided on the Gnocchi al Ragu, a house made gnocchi with tender veal pieces in tonato ragu. Although this was really a main I asked for it as an entree and I have to admit it was absolutely divine. The gnocchi dumplings were absolutely divine, definitely the best I’ve ever had, so light and fluffy I’m sure the only thing stopping them from floating off the plate was the sauce and tender veal pieces, both of which only added to the a very tasty entree.

For my main I chose the Risotto alla boscaiola with portobello & porcini mushrooms, sage, barolo wine & baby spinach. Those of you who follow my reviews would know that I love my risotto, unfortunately this one, as far as I was concerned, was below par. Although the rice was cooked to perfection the dish just wasn’t very flavorsome. It definitely could have done with a little more salt but considering the ingredients I was expecting more. I let my wife sample some of it and she thought it was alright but sorry I can have alright at home, when paying for a meal I want something more.

Speaking of the wife, she had the Pappardelle con Anatra, a flat wide ribbon pasta served with slow cooked duck and field mushroom ragu. Now that was something that looked really tasty and so I had to sample me some and it was as tasty as it looked. After speaking to the others that were dining with us it seemed that I was the only one whose dish was left wanting. Oh well, c’est la vie.

By that time the noise had become intolerable and after telling the waitress we would love to stay for dessert but we couldn’t eat with all the noise around us she has us moved to the front of the restaurant. Much better, and not longer after the move we noticed another table from the ‘noise’ room were right behind our heals. Seems we weren’t the only ones that found the noise level intolerable.

For dessert I had the Bombaloni di banana, a banana & chocolate beignet with vanilla custard. This consisted of four tasty balls that were of a cinnamon donut consistency and texture, with a chocolate center, each surrounded by a little vanilla custard. Don’t know where the banana came in. Overall it was passable. The wife had the Crème Brulèe, a vanilla crème brulée served with house made almond biscotti which was quite tasty.

Apart from the risotto and the noise the only other disappointment was the service. Although the staff was very friendly they just were not around often enough. There were times when we needed drinks and no-one was around to ask. I also think that the it took way too long for the main to come out. We sat down at about 7.30pm and we weren’t served the main till after 10. Other than that it would have been a very enjoyable evening.

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Chianti Classico Restaurant Adelaide, A Great Experience

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 at 3:45 am

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The other night we went to Chianti Classico for my mother-in-law’s birthday and I have to admit I was pretty excited because I heard so much about it. Located on 160 Hutt Street Adelaide they’re open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We all rocked up at roughly the same time and from the moment I walked in with my family we were greeted by staff who were exceptionally friendly. Actually throughout the whole dinner they went out of their way to make sure that everyone had a great time. There was never a moment when we were left lacking service as can happen at some restaurants.

Something that I liked about the restaurant was that unlike a lot of cafes the noise level was such that I could actually hear myself speak to the person next to me.

As to the meals, I had the Risi e Bisi, a
Venetian summertime risotto of vialone nano rice, fresh peas, smoked speck & parmesan. My wife looked at me as if I had made the wrong choice, but once she a taste of my risotto she was amazed at the flavor. Now I have many a risotto and I have to admit that this only just missed out from being the best ever.

Nick, the brother-in-law’s meal really looked a treat. They say that if the meal looks appetizing then you’ve won half the battle. Well his meal looked simply scrumptious and according to Nick it tasted as good as it looked.

Probably the only one who was a little disappointed was Sam, the other brother-in-law, who is somewhat of a regular. That alone speaks volumes as to the quality of the food at Chianti Classico, as you wouldn’t go back if the food was lacking. Anyway, Sam had rabbit and he thought it was a little dry. Sorry Sam, I reckon you should have had the risotto old son.

Seeing as how it was a birthday celebration we brought our own cake and so I didn’t get to sample any of their desserts. Normally if a restaurant was to present a birthday cake which a customer had supplied it’s just cut into slices and put on individual plates. Not Chianti, no they presented it as if it was part of their own dessert. I have to admit that in itself was pretty impressive.

All in all we had a great experience. The food was great, as was the atmosphere and the wait staff were exceptional. I would recommend Chianti Classico to anyone, so if you’re ever in the area you may want to drop in for a great meal.

They also have a website in case you want to check out the menu and opening times.

Make my day and shout me a beer.

A Night At The Riverside Restaurant At The Hyatt Regency Hotel

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 at 2:32 am

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It was my wife’s 50th birthday last week and so we decided, seeing as how it was a momentous occasion, we would celebrate it in style. That being the case we decided on the Riverside Restaurant which just happens to be one of Adelaide’s favorite buffet restaurants. I didn’t realize how sumptuous Riverside’s buffet selection really was until we rocked up on the night.

Even though I’m not a seafood fan, my wife is and it is her night after all, and it just so happened that the Riverside features a great range incorporating the best of local seafood and produce, as well as a range of decadent desserts, and I have to admit the desert was to die for.

Like I said I’m not into seafood but Anna and the guests were and they absolutely loved it. It consisted of fresh prawns, oysters and crabs. As can be seen from the following photo the presentation was superb.

Next is a photo of some of the selection of salads and stuff.

What I really liked was the roasts and desserts, and the fact that the service was impeccable. They were even nice enough to organize a small section of the room just for us. This photo is a view of the restaurant from our little special spot.

As I said they supplied great service which included this margarita just for Anna.

It was a great night and the family had a great time. You’re all wondering about the price. Well the buffet itself was $65 per head which I though was more than reasonable. They had a nice selection of wine, of which the guests chose Lehman Shiraz at $45 per bottle and Kalleske Clarry’s Grenache Shiraz at $46 a bottle, both which was dearer than what you would pay in a bottle shop but withing reason for a restaurant of this type.

Beers included Coronas, James Boags and Crown Lager which were $10.50 and $9.50 respectively, and Hahn Light at $7 a pop. The only thing that knocked me for a six was that they charged $10 for every bottle of water (Santa V Still) which I thought a bit rich.

Anyway, like I said, it was a great night and well worth the money spent and I didn’t even need a cheap cash advance to get through it. The Riverside Restaurant is located at North Terrace in Adelaide and if your interested in more details about this Restaurant please phone them on (08) 8238 2384.

Make my day and shout me a beer.

The River Torrens Cafe And The Red Ochre Restaurant

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 at 12:23 am

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I had some time to kill the other day, a four hour wait whilst my Honda Civic was getting serviced, so I figured I would take my camera for a walk. It was a nice enough day so I wandered down the River Torrens towards Cafe Lago. I’ve been to Cafe Lago a couple of times and I was always impressed with it’s menu. In those days the menu had a Tuscan flavor to it which was probably one of the reasons it appealed to me so much. That and the picturesque view of the city while I dined.

To my surprise Cafe Lago was no more as it is now known as the River Cafe. I went inside to ask if I could take some pictures of the city from the outside deck area and the manager graciously gave me his permission. Once on the deck I was presented with a great shot of Adelaide’s business district. From memory it was even more stunning at night, especially if the Torrens was very calm.

I’ve never actually had a meal on the deck, but I reckon if you wanted to have a meal whilst having the City of Adelaide as a backdrop, then the deck area would have to be the perfect spot. I also noticed the soothing sound of running water from a pond somewhere on the left which would only add to the whole eating experience.

This next shot was taken from the dining area which is down a few steps from the bar area, but not to worry as a small lift was installed to help the wheelchair bound diner.

The River Cafe is only part of the dining experience as it is, as was Cafe Lago, associated with the Red Ochre Restaurant, located upstairs, which also has stunning views. I must admit that I have never really tried ‘contemporary Australian Cuisine’ and this restaurant is touted to have innovative Australian food with a native influence. Perhaps it is time that I checked both out, the River Cafe to see how it stacks up against Cafe Lago, and the Red Ochre Restaurant to finally sample some traditional Aussie cuisine.

Make my day and shout me a beer.

Pelicans Congregating At American River

Monday, August 4th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

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I took this shot while I was at American River which is located on Kangaroo Island. I was actually surprised to see the black swan there. While it was quite awhile ago, the only thing that I remember about American River was the peace and tranquility of the place and the fact that there wasn’t much to eat there except fish and chips.

Apart from the pelicans and swans American River is teeming with other bird life including the ibis and the rare glossy black cockatoo. Because there is so much other wildlife in the area you, more likely that not, may even see some wallabies, possums and echidnas roaming around.

If you are heading that way perhaps you would like to stay at the Golden Chain Motels where I hear that the restaurant serves a whole lot more than just fish-n-chips!