Africola

This has been a long awaited post for many... my forkers have been questioning me regarding my intentions for delaying this particular post. Trust me, it is definitely not intentional, but this is a BIG post - we ordered a LOT of dishes that night and I should have posted it sooner as some of my memory hazes me, but nevertheless here it is.

In case you haven't noticed, Africola is a new restaurant which opened its doors on 12 November 2014 (officially), with Duncan Welgemoed (Bistro Dom executive chef) showcasing his South African roots. Situated along East Terrace right next to Botanic Bar and Golden Boy next door, it is definitely set to be a big scene amongst the other restaurants available in Adelaide.

In terms of vibe, it is certainly unusual - the staff, the furniture, cutlery and glassware, layout. However it all does work (in its own unusual way); this is evident in some of the photos!

As pictured above, it is definitely a colourful scene! 

In terms of drinks, they have a fully stocked bar; however to do a proper review, we ordered and tried their drinks for fun and giggles; they are indeed interesting and the combinations are quite unique. Going in clockwise starting at the top: Supa Hepi Time, Bluna, Africola - personally my favourite is Bluna (Whitley Neill, Orange wine and gooseberry shrub, Rooibos cola).

For entree, we ended up with a selection from the "Dop Snacks" and "To Start" sections. One thing I did really enjoy was the bread (as a starter) - it was a sweet style, and what made it quite "fun" and different was the fact that they brought out a board with a mixture of oil, seeds, nuts, etc. and the aim was to grind them up to make a paste for dipping the bread (definitely brings a new dimension to having bread dipped in oil!). The Coorong Angus Biltong and droer wors were interesting (I don't know if I really like it or not as it is quite different). The Sweet Potato Chips and cumin whipped cod roe were absolutely divine (the amount of whipped roe may look like a large amount, but it is just so light and fluffy that you end up with huge scoops on the thinly sliced crispy chips). The Bunny Chow curried lamb bun is a definite MUST HAVE - absolutely delicious lamb filling, and sweet flavoured honey bread makes it extremely moorish. 

For the mains, we did end up ordering a lot (there is actually a large selection!). From the vegetarian section: Smoked Heirloon Carrots (definitely extremely smoky, with some almost a bit too much of a charcoal flavour) and Charred Broccoli (this was very surprisingly delicious, a win here!). The fish of the day was barramundi which was actually booked to perfection - flaked off very nicely. Flavours from the Slow Cooked Lamb Ribs were pretty amazing - not overly smoky, crispy bits towards the bone, yet the meat still falls away easily. Okay, easily one of their signature dishes = Proper Peri Peri Chicken... the milk bread was delicious; the chicken was delicious; tartness from the chakkalaka cuts right through - just simply amazing (another must have). The Op Spit for that day was "Yoghurt Fed Pork" - amazing crackle, and very rich dish; definitely not for the faint hearted, but it was extremely tasty. Another MUST HAVE dish is the Allegaartjie Potjie which contains slow cooked mutton neck, pork breast, beef shin ... the trio of meats make it absolutely divine and the flavours literally are food-gasmic. 

No dinner is ever complete without dessert. As we went in a large group, dessert was of course everything x2. Unfortunately I don't quite recall the names of the desserts, but I shall describe what they were. The simplest dessert and one of my favourite was the fruit salad, however what made it so special was the brittle nut pieces (the sweet caramel goodness from those pieces and the flavour intensity made this another flavour explosion). Next was the cake which was nice, but not extraordinary. The Papaya fool was not anything mind blowing either (it was quite ordinary in the sense that it was a crumble, but it was different as papaya was used). The fourth dessert had melted marshmallows and chocolate with a sesame crackle which was rather nice. The final dessert was the custard which was done really nicely (dessert worth trying as well!). 

Overall the food was pretty amazing and tasty. It is definitely more of a top-heavy "meaty" type restaurant, yet quirky (I mean just look at the names on the dishes on the menu!). If you feel like going out with your friends to a place where you want to talk about what you're eating, this is definitely one of the places you should try - the wine menu however is a bit on the pricey side, but their wine recommendations for the evening was almost perfect. Only real criticism I have is the plates .... they don't have to be GIGANTIC to fit a little piece of food, but happy otherwise (especially impressed with the waiting staff for the evening) 

Hope you'll try this place out and let me know ~ Spooner.

Hoosegow

When I was first introduced to Hoosegow, I had to ask my friend to repeat the name approximately five times by saying "hoose-a-what" and then having it spelled out slowly; in Latin American, it is a slang term for prison. In terms of food genre, it is a fusion of Latin American and Asian (exciting combination) - what I would be expecting here are lots of charred flavours, as well as sweet and spicy mixtures from the Asian influences.  Located in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, this makes it a perfect location to unwind and catch up with friends and family without the hassle of worrying about parking! As a side note: due to recent requests from fellow readers, I will definitely attempt to load more photos of the restaurant layout when writing reviews!

The dark brown-black hues of the walls, contrasting with orange, pink and reds does seem to work for this place. Upon entrance, you are greeted with nice waiting staff (and pretty funky lights hanging). To the right of the restaurant is where the bar (and kitchen) is situated - the wine rack is definitely a stand-out feature of the bar. The layout of Hoosegow is unique - depending on your mood, you can sit right outside at the front for a nice beve on a sunny day, or if you're feeling a bit more secretive yet wanting to enjoy the sunlight, there's the option of the front part where the windows can be opened really wide; for a more formal dining experience, this would be the centre of the restaurant (there are also areas right at the back if you need to get down to real business). 

Like I've mentioned in other posts, the waiting staff in the newer types of restaurants are limited - however they seem to be good in their job. In terms of drinks, there is a cocktail menu along with a wine menu (decent menus, nothing too extensive). In terms of cocktail recommendations, the "hoose passion" is definitely the one to try as it features passionfruit with elderflower liqueur and gin (served in a tall highball glass as pictured below). If you are a fan of amoretto, then the "amoretto sour" is the one for you - simple ingredients, with lime to create the acidity. The cocktail pricelist is not exactly cheap, however the flavour combinations are worth the amount. Also pictured below is the "laurel & hardy"which features blueberries and strawberries (bringing out the colour of the cocktail), malibu, lime and vodka as the spirit.

Bread is served right at the start. What I do like is the different breads - the pumpkin bread with the herbs and spices is really tasty. For starters, the chilli squid with the green salad and citrus dressing is delightful; the chargrilled flavour of the squid with the spicy kick of chilli, relaxed with the citrus flavours make this a very nice dish. The eggplant rolls with a delicious salsa in the middle also makes it another dish to definitely try (not forgetting to mention the beautiful vibrant colours).

If you are not a big meat eater, do not despair as there are dishes which are full of flavours suitable for you. The mushrooms are a good size (and described very well by DT - meaty and delicious!), topped with goats cheese and fresh herbs. The fish dish features a nice piece of barramundi with tahini and roasted almonds (very nice and simple dish). The feature dish of the night however was the meat plate for two (really could possibly feed two to four!) which includes: the hoosegow signature chilli chicken, lamb backstrap, pork ribs, eye fillet and chorizo. The colours on that dish is so vibrant and beautiful that it is definitely a masterpiece. Not only are the colours fantastic, the flavours match as well. The jalapeño aioli and spicy tomato relish only complements and heightens the flavours of the meats. Pictured below are also the sides of brocollini (with tahini dressing) and roasted beetroot salad (rocket with yoghurt dressing - big approval from Mr. T).

Dinner is of course not complete without dessert. There aren't too many to choose from, but that often  means spectacular endings. The pear tart tatin does need preparation time of at least 20 minutes but this is definitely worth the wait: the stickiness and sweetness of the liquid toffee from the pear turning into shards as it contacts your mouth makes it a fantastic way to finish off the night. The chocolate blackberry tart is also another delicious option (with surprising chocolate popping candy scattered on the tart) - I personally would have liked a bit more blackberries and actual tartness (acidity) in the tart as well. The afahoosegow (playful manner with their title selections) is their signature affogato with chocolate ice-cream, espresso and liqueur consisting of grand marnier and cointreau - the biscotti is really delicious too (with orange rind baked into the biscotti). The cheese plate for two is once again a colourful arrangement consisting of fruits, bread and cheeses.

Overall this has been an enjoyable experience and I daresay that a return here is inevitable - there are still so many dishes to try so no doubt there will be another review on Hoosegow.

Happy spooning,

Spooner.

Ichitaro Dining

I have only recently discovered a new Japanese restaurant in Adelaide (courtesy of one of my forkers - Ruby). Situated in Hyde Park on King William Road, it is easily missed if you blink too quickly; a small place with an elegant and sophisticated feel of black painted walls and modern decor - walk through the doors and enter the world of Ichitaro Dining. 

The booking was for 2 hours (starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 8.30pm for dinner) which is a bit annoying, however this seems to be the trend in most of the restaurants in Adelaide. 

In terms of service, this seems to be lacking slightly at the start - limited wait staff (similarly with other new restaurants) - one would not be expect to know exactly what drink to start off with without looking at the wine list yet (unless a recommendation is provided). There does seem to be a time delay though once you actually have decided. The yuzu cocktail list on the first page of the drinks menu was definitely a hit. The sweetness of the drink does make it extremely easy to gulp down (it is a bit pricey for what it is, but delicious nevertheless) - a hint of tartness would make it even better. One of the forkers decided to order a non-alcoholic beverage, the Curiousity Cola (smells like Cola candy, tastes nothing like Coca-Cola, but more botanical and flavoursome - recommended for non-alcoholic drinkers).

Once again, service was a let down in terms of ordering food. The dis-satisfaction was quickly put aside once the aroma-filled dishes arrived on the table. The age-dashi tofu was very light and delicious in the delicate broth (poured from the teapot at the table), making this a very tasty starter. The edamame beans were served warm with Pink Himalayan Salt (served and shaved at the table) - this dish could do with a more generous serving of salt. The grilled octopus was quite tender, served with either plum pickle or wasabi, dipped in soy sauce. Sushi rolls are really without fault: aburi salmon (with a surprise filling of crab meat as well which made it absolutely delicious), teriyaki chicken (a staple sushi roll for those who are slightly less adventurous in Japanese cuisine), spider roll (lightly fried soft-shelled crab, topped with seasoned mayonnaise). 

The thinly sliced, seared yakiniku (beef) with the light garlic sauce is definitely one of the highlight starters for the evening. The light garlic sauce compliments the fresh beef so very well, along with mashed potato. The fried leek strands in the centre of the dish really does pack a punch with flavour as well (umami dish indeed) - presentation wise, just marvellous. The tempura (listed in the chef's selection) is very light and definitely a perfect dish as a starter as well - assorted seafood and seasonal vegetables with gorgeous colours. Chef Nobu makes this dish different by offering 'green tea salt' and 'curry salt' as part of the tempura dipping sauce (after the pieces have been dipped into the broth) - absolutely fantastic flavours, especially with the 'curry salt'.

The main dishes were just as impressive as the starters. Delicious teriyaki chicken with a soft-boiled egg (goes surprisingly well) and crispy chicken skin crackling is only the starting highlight of the mains - comes along with a side of salad (with light Japanese dressing). The eggplant and tofu with sweet miso is very unique and served very differently to other varieties which I've tasted in other Japanese restaurants.

The signature house dish: amazing medium-rare duck, with a lovely sweet sauce and a very unique yuzu pepper (which gives it a slight acidic tang and kick) - very delicious and again, umami experience. This is definitely another vibrant dish not to be missed.

To finish off, dessert and hot beverages of course. Two classic style Japanese desserts are available: green tea ice-cream served with mochi and red-bean paste (slightly heavier dessert), and a yuzu sorbet served with seasonal fruits (very light, spring-like dessert). Hot sencha to finally wash everything down as well.

Overall, chef Nobu has done a spectacular job at Ichitaro Dining with the quality of food. Although dining here isn't exactly a cheap experience, the flavours definitely make it worthwhile. Highly recommended for couples/small groups (probably up to 5-6 people) if you're after a quality Japanese experience.