Must Do: The Vinteloper Urban Winery Project

It’s not just another day in Adelaide when you stumble across a Pop Up Winery.

Part art installation, part working micro winery, part tasting bar. The Vinteloper Urban Winery Project is a free public space for use however attendees see fit. From a unique and casual meeting spot to hands on production, you choose how dirty you want to get.

Since Vinteloper’s first release in 2009, winemaker David Bowley has been bringing his passion, enthusiasm and talent to the general public in exciting and interesting formats. Just like his ADELO varietal blend, the more obscure an idea may sound, the better it seems to turn out. From the infamous Great Pinot Pick to Intimate New Release Tasting Sessions and now, with his best idea yet, the Vinteloper Urban Winery Project.

What’s the image you have in your head right now? If it’s rustic, if it’s a little bit alternative, and a whole lotta cool, well then heck, you’re pretty much spot on.

Running until April 1, this is a rare, conceptual event that you really don’t want to miss.

The Vinteloper Urban Winery Project
Noon to midnight daily
188 Grenfell St, Adelaide
Follow the happenings on twitter #VUWP

Taste: Cellar Door Wine Festival

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Gosh darn, it is HOT in Adelaide! I'd love to know how you escaped the heat this weekend? I trust air-conditioning was involved..

Yesterday I took my heavy head and slightly tired body (see Fringe opening night) to the Convention Centre on North Tce. This year it forms part of the Fringe's newest precinct, The Big Slapple.

The Cellar Door Wine Festival is in its second year and here's hoping it stays around for a long while. Providing a fantastic chance to taste wine, beer and cider from far and wide regions of the state, it's like the ultimate wine tour where everyone's invited.

By prepurchasing our entry tickets, we bypassed the short line up for admission and waltzed straight through. We then collected our glasses and event passports. We were in. I love a well organised event, especially one filled with passionate people who live and breath the love of their industry. The talent is tangible.

Four hours passed quickly in a whirl of tastings, talking, temptations and toilet breaks. I tried a lot. Learnt a lot. And that doesn't even include fortified hour.

Don't worry if you haven't been yet. There's still time! Although you might find some stands unattended later in the day, apparently there are some grapes ready to be picked…



Last day today, 11am-6pm
Tickets available at the door

Fringe: Why don't you?

The buzz has been building. Some people have already seen a show or two. But Fringe official opening night is TONIGHT. People and parties pulling in every direction! Complete madness awaits. And someone turned on the weather all right!

If you’re heading to the east end of town tonight, why don’t you…

• Enjoy a glass of refreshing lemonade from the little van that could. Or pick up something a little stronger from East End Cellars.

• Take a picnic in the beautiful Botanic Gardens before the sun sets.

• Make a quick buck. Sneak into The Stag early and they’ll pay you!

• Capture a different view at the Garden of Unearthly Delights. Atop the Ferris Wheel? Or take a PEEP? 

• Grab a bargain. There’s still time to purchase $5 opening night tickets!

• Or maybe you’ll chance it on some late night Gluttony?

Have fun, stay safe and let the night lead you astray. Maybe I’ll see you there?

Eat: Buffalo Wings

Disclaimer: this is not first date food.

But it is delicious food. In all its spicy, tangy glory.

Gilbert Street Hotel hold Bourbon and Buffalo Wing Night every Thursday. There are plenty of people in the know about this special night (judging by the large crowd that gathers here religiously each week) but sadly I was not one of them. With thanks due to The Luxury Pie & Co. for quickly getting me in the loop, I now feel it is my duty to spread the word far and wide.

One kilogram (1KG!) of these beauties will set you back a measly ten bucks ($10!). Please do let me know if you have come across a tastier, value for money, alternative amongst the streets of Adelaide.

If you’re feeling particularly hungry at the moment, may I suggest you look away now.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Eat: Andre's Cucina & Polenta Bar

I almost walked right past Andre’s. Sunken within the unassuming lobby of the Mantra hotel on Frome St, the restaurant itself is small in size but big on heart. Our party managed to sneak in a last minute booking on a recent Friday night, voluntarily signing up for the full experience.

Brightly greeted by a bunch of trendy host and hostesses, we were seated quickly and had beers in hand not long after. We receive a full menu briefing including suggestions for how much to order and what is recommended by our on-the-ball waitress. After much deliberation we are confident with our choices of two appetizers, two vegetable share platters, one platter of meat as well as the compulsory serving of polenta (it is a polenta bar after all).

Food is bought out in waves beginning with the two delicate starters.

Fritto misto di mare – fried Sicilian seafood with lemon aioli.

Ravioli di formaggio con crosta di polenta e salsa picante – polenta crusted cheese ravioli with spicy salsa.

Bagna cauda – fresh raw & blanched vegetable crudités served with hot anchovy dip and crostini.

Assaggini di verdure – all things vegetable including sweet potato crisps, roasted mushrooms, lightly grilled eggplant and zucchini served with jerusalem artichoke puree.

Designed to share, the food is beautifully presented on the table. You really don’t need to order this much, but you probably should.

Delizie del rè, piattata di salumi misti –  selection of finely shaved Italian salami.

Polenta con salsiccia Italiana e salsa – polenta with Italian sausage and tomato salsa.

And then dessert. Bomboloni – banana donuts.

To think that we weren’t even going to order the chocolate mousse! Thank Dad we did.

Chocolate mousse – with nuts and caramel awesomeness.

Andre’s is the kind of place I wouldn’t feel awkward returning to just for dessert. The vibe is right, the place is buzzing and the staff really do know their cuts of meat.

Eat: Show us your mussels

Spring in Adelaide. It’s a beautiful thing. When the sun’s shining, the closest beer garden’s calling. And on this occasion, it was the Belgians. The Belgian Beer Cafe is neatly tucked out of harm’s way in the East End of the CBD. Why get distracted by passers-by when you can instead get distracted by a detailed eight page beer menu?
Drinks ordered. Thirst quenched. We then turned our attention to the food menu. How does a pot full of mussels sound? I’m not certain I even really like mussels but I’m all for the full experience and if mussels are the staple Belgian dish, then mussels it will be. Not to mention they come served in a massive traditional ‘Belgian Kilo Mussel Pot’. What?

Michelle opted for a much more sensible sausage and beer combo deal. But where’s the fun it that? Merguez ‘N’ Beer – Char grilled French beef sausage, caramelised onion, seeded mustard mayonnaise in a crusty bread roll served with pommes frites and a 330ml Stella Artois.

The Pot-O-Mussels comes served in your choice of six broths. I opted for Paddestoel – White wine, field mushroom, confit garlic, spring onion, cream, truffle oil and cracked pepper served with pommes frites and house made mayonnaise. It’s an impressive sight.

The creamy broth was as rich and heavy as it sounds. And although I’m assured this is indeed a serving for one, I didn’t stand a chance.

Reckon you’re up for the challenge? Mussel up boys. I think I’ll stick to the beer menu next time.

See: Cheap Thrills

Fifteen dollars doesn’t get you very much these days. On tightarse Tuesday it might cover the cost of a movie ticket or a cheap parmie, but what about the other six days of the week? Last night, a Friday, I got over three hours of quality live entertainment, a lot of laughs and change from fifteen bucks. Wanna know where?

Most Adelaidians are familiar with Rhino Room. An inner city venue that gets a thorough workout during March Madness that is the Fringe. But perhaps you didn’t know that they maintain that support of comedic talent throughout the whole year. Every Monday, Thursday and Friday, comedians and associated visual artists take to the stage, lifting the spirits of the intimately gathered crowd.

During a standard Friday night show you’ll see a handful of comedians, from beginners, youngsters and hobbyists to interstate and international guests. There’s no long queues to get in, just a bar with pretty lights. Every seat’s a good seat and you definitely won’t get lost in the crowd. You get a close up view as the funny people put their best foot forward and test their wares. Plus there are plenty of drinks breaks. And the beer list’s good.

Pre-purchase your tickets if you’re super tight organised or simply make your way down after a few work drinks. When the Fringe Festival rolls around you might even feel confident enough to recommend a local show to friends and family. Get yourself in the know and have a few well priced laughs along the way.

Mingle: Gin Diligence

If this isn't gin weather, I don’t know what is. Luckily, just in time, the fine people of Hendrick's have taken up shop in the East End of town. Here specifically to teach the young folk a thing or two about refined courtship whilst casually sipping on a G&T.

Get along to sample the Scottish brew, served in delightful little teacups. Workshops are open to any gents wanting to work on their hatiquette and any ladies of society wishing to brush up on the fine art of faniquette. You’ll be welcomed by some lovely lasses, waited on hand and foot and treated to a little behind-the-modesty-screen show (and tell).

The workshop is situated at 3/300 Rundle Street and is open to the public until Sunday. Look for the bathtub in the window.

Saturday 3 September – 12pm til 7pm
Sunday 4 September – 12pm til 7pm

Get all the details here.

Eat: What's your definition of a burger?

Sadly, father daughter weekday lunch dates will soon be coming to an end. So to go out with a bang we headed for a big pub feed, with Dad wanting to pass his own judgement on SA’s I Love Food Award winning ‘Best Burger’ at the Gilbert Street Hotel. In my mind, a burger usually includes a patty of some sort, so I was in for a bit of a surprise. But who am I to argue with Australia's largest peoples' choice restaurant awards?

Gilbert Street Hotel is a sophisticated pub providing a little corner suited to everyone’s needs. With funky lighting and quirky art works, the decor throughout is cool yet unpretentious. Everyone is welcome and the crowd at any time of day reflects this fact. There’s front bar action with high tables and seating providing a good vantage point, a quaint dining room for the hard core foodies, an urban beer garden and newly renovated function rooms upstairs.

A range of papers and magazines are available for those stopping in for a drink on their own or, perhaps like me, waiting for that certain someone who’s never quite on time.. I settled in out front and soaked up the unexpected sunshine, with a copy of The Age and a Vale Ale.

Dad arrived soon after and with no need to consult the menu, we placed our order for two burgers. We were asked how we wanted our steaks (what?) cooked, and not wanting too many juices to get in the way of the burger experience, we both opted for medium. We headed out the back to claim a table, passing by the kitchen where some great looking dishes were being pumped out.

Our meals arrived, looking promising. MSA sirloin steak, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, beetroot relish, onion jam and lettuce in toasted white bread roll, served with crispy battered fries.
I’m yet to be convinced this should be classified as a burger, and perhaps I might be the only person who cares (and has ever wasted time thinking about it). Yes, I have a strange desire for words to be used correctly, but I would never let that get in the way of a culinary tale. This is the best of both burger and steak sandwich worlds, and I’m certainly not complaining!

Good atmosphere, good staff, good beer list and good food. I am definitely keen to head back again soon to try some more adventurous menu options on my next visit. Gilbert Street Hotel is setting a nice standard for the so called ‘gastropub’. And Danny Stone’s cocktail list might very well seal the deal.

So, while I can’t cast my vote for best burger in Adelaide just yet, it’s a good starting point of reference. Let the burger (including steak sandwiches?) adventures begin!

Eat: Celsius Restaurant & Bar

A little while back, I attended the Gourmet Traveller hosted dinner at Celsius Restaurant and Bar. It really was, not just amazing food, but a great dining experience.

Chef Ayhan Erkoc, born in South Australia and raised in Murray Bridge, has thankfully returned to Adelaide after stints at Copenhagen's Noma (voted the world's number one restaurant), as well as Sydney's Pier and Marque restaurant. He sources almost all his ingredients from local producers and grows the majority of his own vegetables, herbs, flowers and greens used throughout the wonderful dishes on offer. Amanda has written a great article about the behind the scenes work Ayhan does over at Lambs’ Ears and Honey.

The whole event was fantastically well run and our little party of three certainly enjoyed ourselves. Wines matched to the courses were supplied by Alpha Box & Dice (McLaren Vale) and my current favourite beer (it’s a rotating list), McLaren Vale Beer Company’s, Vale Ale and Vale Dry were available on arrival while canapés were served.

After a little bit of mingling and a little introduction to the crowd, we weren't waiting long before the food came bustling out.

Raw wild scallops, parsley, finger lime, cucumber balls

Roast Jerusalem artichoke, chicken skin, garlic shoots

Setting the scene. Foraging in the forest with the smell of pine awaking the senses..
Rabbit, forest mushrooms, wild herbs

Chocolate, almond custard, vanilla

This was a slick dining experience. Celsius is definitely on the fine dining radar, but the restaurant offers great value for money if you’re out to impress. Their eight course degustation starts from $120 per person and the mood at night is modern, dark and romantic. Alternatively, you might want to brighten up a workday by taking advantage of affordable lunch specials, with two courses for $30 or three for $40.

Celebrate SA, local talent and local produce at its best.



PS. Much better photos and an in depth review from The Foodologist can be found here.

Mingle: #HEARTY PARTY

Winter has arrived. You need a good wine to help warm yourself up. You want something local, but you’re not sure what? Enter #HEARTYPARTY.

The first Friday of winter brought together talented winemakers, showcasing their wares in the midst of the action at Adelaide Central Market. An offer of free tastings and free food attracted those in the know (thanks Facebook, Twitter) and curious bystanders alike.

Proudly showing off their home grown products were Ducks in a Row, Vinteloper, La Linea, Mitolo, Solita, Arete, 919, Oliver's Taranga, Madeleines, Running with Bulls, Woodstock and Western Australia's Capel Vale.

We arrived, perused the crowd and quickly bustled our way towards the front of the queue. After sipping our way through some delicious varieties and blends, we were eagerly offered a taste of some food on the go, hearty paella – with a Tempernillo to match, in keeping with Spain of course. Seating was limited so all hands were on deck to juggle food and wine.

We were big fans of the 919 Shiraz which Michelle fittingly describes as cherry ripe in a glass.

Great promotional event and a fitting way to welcome in winter. A happy red wine buzz left flowing gently behind us.

Eat: Ying Chow

I admit I was feeling slightly dubious about what Friday night in the city had to offer on the late night food front. The last time I was in Adelaide, a fish and chip shop was closing when I arrived with friends just before 9pm (9pm!). But this time, I needn’t have worried..

Guided by Michelle, we followed the masses and headed to Gouger St. The central market and surrounding China town area was pumping with an assorted bunch jostling for tables and street side views. The restaurant was packed with not a spare table in sight. Our booking was made for 8.30pm and timed to perfection we arrived just as a group of four were leaving.

We were seated near the entrance which proved to be great fun watching the shenanigans of passers by. Fast paced service is the go and it seemed most patiently waiting patrons knew what to expect. You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone defending the service, it’s not great but obviously the locals love it for what it is. Noisy, cramped, quick and tasty.

Happy to put faith in my foodie cohort’s tastebuds I quickly handed over the reigns of the menu. She obliged and we decided on a starter and three mains to share. Our biggest wait of the night proved to be between being seated and holding a waiter’s attention long enough to place our order. We killed time by drinking a few glasses of our byo wine..

Once we had ordered, our starter arrived soon after. The crispy salty shallot pancakes were accompanied by a sweet dipping sauce. Lovely buttery goodness. We were pretty hungry by this stage and they were swiftly gobbled up.

The house specialty, BBC. Broad beans, bean curd and Chinese chutney. Al dente broad beans, thinly cut, lightly fried bean curd tossed in a mild chilli sauce. Nearly every table had this brightly coloured dish on their table. Lovely freshness. These little suckers put my (very limited) chopsticks skills to the test!

Steamed duck with salty sauce. Great smokey duck flavour.

E-Shand egg plant clay pot. Ridiculously tender egg plant in a sweet spicy chilli sauce. This was my favourite dish of the night.

We made a mess and enjoyed it all.

Tipsy fun in the heart of the action. But the best bit? The great conversation was free!

See: Bowerbird Bazaar

Friday night in the city, Michelle and I headed to Queen’s theatre to check out the Bowerbird Bazaar. The bazaar provides a platform for both members of the interested public and local industry associates to peruse the latest in design wares from over 75 local and interstate artists. We arrived just before 7pm and it was absolutely packed!

After paying our $2 admission fee we quickly made our way to the nearest drink stand and sorted ourselves out with a local brew from the Brewboys themselves. With beer in hand, we set off to explore the plethora of goodies on offer.

Enthusiastic jewellery designer Greg Mann uses recycled cutlery and collector's spoons to make some weird and wonderful pieces. I have seen him before at the Rose Street Artist's market in Fitzroy, Melbourne but was pleased to see his South Australiana collection on show.

The standard of beth-emily’s illustrations were incredible.

Gorgeous softies at herbert & friends. Complete with a little description of each little character’s personality and interests.
Back in her home town of Adelaide, Sydney based Jen of South for the summer, showed off her delightfully awesome headbands. Colour to brighten anyone's day!

We had already made dinner plans for later in the evening but there were plenty of tempting food options available. I have been hearing only good things about Red Door Bakery and by the looks of how empty their pie warmer was looking so early in the evening all signs lead some promising adventures in pastry in the very near future..

I was a little disappointed about the proportion of local South Australian stalls compared to the vast array of interstate producers but there was certainly quality if not quantity. Launching their local product at the bazaar was Mrs. Fairweather's Bicycle Emporium. A unique brand of recycled, reclaimed and restored bikes.

The market style set up offers a relaxed environment for all to wonder, see, touch and interact with the makers behind the products. The bazaar is running today and tomorrow. Go now. And be sure to leave room for dessert!

Queen's Theatre in Playhouse Lane
6 – 8th May & 28th – 30th October 2011

Public Entry $2, children free
Friday 4 - 9pm | Saturday 10 - 5pm | Sunday 10 - 4pm