Eat: Red Door Bakery

A beautiful sunny Saturday morning provided the perfect excuse to head out for a little drive to the other side of town. After a tough week of joblessness (note sarcasm), I decided it was time for a treat. Off we ventured to Queen St, Croyden, having heard good things, but not knowing exactly what to expect.

I presumed with the name Red Door Bakery, there would be a giant red door greeting me. I’ll admit I was a little bit disappointed. But that would prove to be my first and last disappointment of the Red Door experience..

Expect to be awed. Whilst the range is not overly extensive, the display of goodies is seriously impressive. I felt like I could literally smell and feel the love in the air. Gareth and Emma Grierson own and operate the bakery, along with a beautiful and friendly team of staff. These are passionate people, duly proud of their product.

Pork and sage sausage roll. Ask for extra chilly jam!
Lemon fizz with house made lemon gelato. Perfect to wash down the chilly hit.

Roast pumpkin, caramelised onion and Persian feta pizza. Folded in half and toasted for easy cutlery free eating.

Almond croissant. Authentically made with day old croissants and generously filled with crème d'amande. These usually sell out FAST so you want to get in early.

Crème brûlée tart. OMG. I can’t even begin to describe the perfection of this dessert. Just do yourself a favour and get one. Amazing. Really, truly amazing.

For me, this place lived up to the hype. I’m so glad I don’t live close by because that would just be too dangerous.

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: Fish Out Of Water

During the past five years, on my numerous short trips back home to Adelaide, I would always try to fit in at least one lunch stop at Fish Out Of Water. I’ve been gradually making my way through the menu and am yet to be disappointed. I view this as both a positive and negative. Yes, everything is amazing but it makes it so damn hard to decide!

The menu is extensive covering standard fish and seafood options, battered nibbles and standard burgers. Then into more gourmet territory with pitta wraps, the infamous vicious burgers, over a dozen salads as well as perfect-for-sharing gourmet packs.

On this occasion, I couldn’t tempt any of my fellow lunchmates to split a gourmet pack, so we all chose individual items off the menu. Plus some chips to share.

Laura’s pitta wrap - Deep fried calamari legs with salad and tzatziki.

Tim’s vicious burger - Grilled chicken breast, bocconcini, eggplant, chargrilled capsicum, sundried tomatoes, olives, lettuce and sweet chilli sauce.

Uncle Johnny’s vicious burger - Grilled chicken breast, jarlsberg cheese, eggplant, chargrilled capsicum, sundried tomatoes, olives, lettuce and sweet chilli sauce.

My cevapcici vicious burger - Spicy sausage, bocconcini, eggplant, chargrilled capsicum, sundried tomatoes, lettuce and sweet chilli sauce.

Chips in a box, not a soggy specimen in sight!

Prices are above average for a suburban fish and chip local, and that’s because this place is definitely above average in my opinion. The quality is great and everything is cooked to order. Be prepared to wait while staff make up your meal with care and a little bit of love.

I’m already thinking about what to order on my next visit..