Ginza Miyako

Posted on February 17, 2024 by kathy

Japanese food is one of Michael’s favourites, unfortunately it is something of a rarity in Tasmania and so, we relished the opportunity to dine at the highly recommended Ginza Miyako while in Adelaide. The menu is described as a blend of Japanese cuisine with French influence, using fresh South Australian produce to highlight the flavours of Japan with French cooking techniques. For those unable or unwilling to sit on the floor, there is a generous western style seating area. We opted for the traditional style seating, separated from two private function areas by elegant Shoji screens.

We abandoned our shoes at the door where a row of ‘slip-ons’ awaited to wear for the inevitable trip to the bathroom. The attentive ladies, dressed in delicate traditional garb, advised us on our selection of dishes and promptly delivered two flasks of Sake, one warm and one cold.

Beautifully presented entrées arrived on shared platters. Pork Gyoza and Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with citrusy homemade ponzu dressing and umami sesame aioli.

Chicken Karaage, deep fried Japanese style

and a stunningly vibrant Sashimi Platter.

Nearly thirty years ago, I first tasted eel at another Japanese restaurant in Adelaide and was instantly smitten. For main course, I couldn’t resist Unagi Don – grilled eel with yakiniku sauce and delicious accompaniments.

The 300g Wagyu Beef Scotch Fillet satisfied our steak loving friend

while the Teriyaki King Salmon Bento with Miso Soup was equally as colourful as it was delectable.

None of us had room for dessert, maybe next time.

Grünthal

Posted on December 30, 2023 by kathy

We have many fond memories of times spent in Grumpy’s Brewhaus at Verdun in the Adelaide Hills, not least the evening of our farewell in November 2008 before relocating to Tasmania. Tragically, fire gutted the restaurant in 2016 and, although the brewery survived, it was the end of Grumpy’s. The site remained undeveloped for nearly five years until new owners realised their vision for the historic venue.

While in Adelaide recently, we visited the new incarnation, Grünthal, the name given to Verdun by the original Prussian settlers meaning Green Valley. The expansive restaurant space offers a variety of seating options as well as a conservatory for private functions.

Saul and Sheree Sullivan already had years of experience creating specialty cheeses at their Udder Delights factory, also in the Adelaide Hills, before Saul decided to try his hand at the art of beer brewing. A wondrous display of local smallgoods, patés, terrines, crackers, honeys and delicious produce greeted us at the door.

Complimentary cheese tastings are offered daily and despite a looming lunch engagement elsewhere, we couldn’t resist a nibble and chat.

For those not enamoured with the amber brew, a comprehensive range of colourfully labelled Hesketh Wines are available at the bar. The family owned winery sources fruit from premium South Australian wine estates, making the most of the individual strengths of different growing regions.

While Sheree works with an offsite distiller to produce Grünthal gins,

Saul’s dedication in the brewery can be found on tap.

We selected a tasting paddle (with driving duty, I restricted myself to a small stout) and made ourselves comfortable.

While Michael finished his breakfast, I wandered outside to peruse the grounds and outdoor seating options.

I’m so pleased we were introduced to Grünthal, they have done Grumpy’s proud.

The Store

Posted on September 23, 2023 by kathy

We were looking forward to exploring Marlborough wine country on our way to Blenheim but, sadly, early morning is not the time for winery visits. We indulged instead in a leisurely coffee and cake stop somewhere amidst the eye popping countryside. Another hour down the road, we came across The Store at Kēkerengū, perfect timing for lunch.

First established in 1994 as a tearooms and garage, The Store was transformed twenty years ago into the restaurant, café and gift shop it is today. There are options for indoor and outdoor dining

and a stroll around the grounds revealed a thriving kitchen garden.

Despite the overcast skies, we opted for a seat in the fresh air at the top of the stairs,

with a front row view of the Pacific Ocean and resident seals preening on the sand.

Beachfront campsites are available with mountain views and secluded bays from which to enjoy East Coast sunrises.

Tempting though it was to partake in a stroll along the beach

or a short post-prandial nap,

it was time to continue the journey to our next destination, Kaikōura.

Moutere Hills Vineyard

Posted on June 18, 2023 by kathy

We had planned a day discovering the many wineries of the Nelson region but, having spent longer than anticipated at the World of WearbleArt and Classic Car Museum (that’s another story), our day was considerably shortened. Heading north along the coast, we detoured for a closer look at Ruby Bay. The name was inspired by the small ‘rubies’ of red chert (also known as flint or jasper) found in the gravel of the Moutere region, though the colour wasn’t really obvious.

Further north, at Motueka, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at TOAD Hall Brewery & Café. I think I was too hungry by then to take photos but I do recall the scrumptious cider. Driving inland through picturesque countryside, we discovered Moutere Hills Vineyard. Grapes were first planted on the lower home block of the 12 hectare property in 1993, with further plantings on the north facing hill block in 1998. The vines benefit from the unique microclimate of the Sunrise Valley where it is often 2°C or more warmer than the Nelson city area.

The original winery and cellar door was destroyed by fire in 2006 and a new café and winery was built. The unassuming entrance to the cellar door is almost hidden within landscaped native gardens.

The interior is welcoming and offers a comfortable space to sit and sample at leisure. The wines are sold exclusively at the cellar door or online through their website.

Beyond the tasting room, the café received a complete upgrade in 2018 and Forsters Moutere Hills restaurant now offers superb dishes prepared by award winning chef (and owner), Alistair Forster.

The views from the restaurant, over vineyards and beyond, are spectacular.

Following the fire in 2006, the old hops barn was partially restored and in 2013 it was reborn as the Fox n Grapes bar, a popular watering hole for locals on a Friday night.

Antico Borgo

Posted on November 6, 2021 by kathy

As soon as we arrived in Seggiano, we knew Antico Borgo was the place to partake of lunch. The blissful setting in Piazza Umberto guaranteed a relaxing repast.

Within the renovated building, dating back to 1878, there are three apartments offering bed and breakfast accommodation. The Taverna is on the ground floor and the interior is astounding. Carved entirely out of stone on which the town rests, there are several rooms, all softly lit to evoke an intimate atmosphere.