D’Arry’s Verandah, McLaren Vale
Today is a glorious Autumn day, 24oC and beautiful blue skies - what could be better than a short drive down to the Fleurieu for lunch, wine and a walk along the nearby beaches to burn (some of) it off? The hardest part was deciding between the quality restaurants in the area: Salopian Inn; Star of Greece; Lake Coolangatta Cafe (reviews coming soon!). We decided on D’Arry’s Verandah.
The restaurant (and D’Arenbeg wine tasting area) sits in a glass enclosed verdandah perched on top of a hill with great views of the valley and vales below. On warm days, like today, the bifold windows open up leaving almost nothing seprating you from the vines below. The changing colours of the season always make the view interesting no matter what time of year.
The verandah was created in 1996 in a sensitive extension of the original 19th century D’Arenberg cottage for both the restaurant and wine tasting area.
Today was an early lunch beginning at 12:00PM. However, since it was the first day after the end of daylight savings my stomach was convinced it was 1:00PM and rumbling already.
Entering D’Arrys Verandah the friendly Jo greeted and led us to our table. The linen napkins were delivered to our laps and menus to our hands with professionalism. Running through the specials, there was one clarification - no lamb: "Mary still has her lamb today" she said and then explained the rest of the menu and wine system.
Spotting a half-bottle of NV Pol Roger Champagne on the winelist sounded the perfect way to start. It’s great to see restaurants offering more half bottles - it’s an ideal way to start or for a single course when dining with two.
House Made Dukkah & Bread with Dianna Olive Oil & Brian’s Olives ($6.00 serves two) was ordered while the rest of the menu was considered. Dukkah is a delicious Middle Eastern crushed nut and spice mixture you see in many places across South Australia (and particularly McLaren Vale). The bread served was plain white and very soft - disappointing on its own but it let the quality of the olive oil and tastiness of the dukkah shine through.
The menu shows good balance between flavours and textures through both the entrees and mains. Vegetarian options were relatively limited with one choice each - although others could possibly be adapted. It’s great to see D’Arry’s Verandah sourcing local products in their menus and proudly displaying it. The menu is safe enough for grandma but interesting enough for any ‘foodie’.
I ordered Bug Tails With Chilli, Coriander Corn Cakes & Spiced Yoghurt ($19.50) while my companion selected the Local Wok Fried Free Range Egg with Lapchong Sausage & Grilled Asparagus ($15.50) for entree. These were paired with D’Arenberg’s delectable 2003 "Last Ditch" Viognier (served too cold, but without the ice bucket soon warmed up and revealed it’s goodness).
The bug tail meat was deliciously crisp outside, warm and creamy inside - nicely seasoned and well executed. The corn cakes were moist, especially with the spiced yoghurt. A slight crispiness on the cake would have been taken the dish closer to perfection. The slightly acidic and fruity salad provided a nice balance to the yoghurt and richness of the meat. An excellent start and great match for the viognier.
"Delicious! Slightly sweet, slightly salty" he exclaimed while enjoying a morsel of the wok fried egg. The grilled asparagus refreshing from the rich egg and oily sausage. The flavours worked in perfect partnership. The dish would have more enjoyable with runnier yolk and the asparagus trimmed further to avoid the occasional woody end. The garlic chips were a nice contrast but some were burnt and had become bitter. But this is just nitpicking a delicious entree!
Entree size was great - not too large to intefere with what was to come. Plates were cleared promptly and service is running smoothly. What a great way to spend an afternoon!
Onto mains: Roasted Suckling Pig with Fennel Bulb, Citrus Salad & Seville Marmalade ($28.50) and Drunken Gain Fed Chicken with Shallot Pancake ($28.00). The mains arrived after a good time from the entrees - both were larger than expected! Never one to refuse a challenge, we began.
For someone who doesn’t generally enjoy pork, the suckling pig was an adventurous choice. The meat was moist and tender, encased in a very crunchy skin. The skin was a bit too crunchy for my tastes but after separating it from the meat, I found it very enjoyable. Placing a little Seville marmalade on the pork provided a beautifully balanced taste. The citrus salad was nicely refreshing between morsels of meat.
The drunken chicken (or was that drunken diners at this point?) was tender in places and a little dry in others. The marinading process (hence the drunken) however infused beautiful flavours of ginger, garlic and soy throughout the chicken, ensuring it was very enjoyable. This dish isn’t one to have if you’re on a romantic date however - the amount of garlic in this thing will keep vampires from entering the state (and romance from the bedroom)! The base of choi sum provided a good texture contrast and refreshment.
Despite first appearances the mains weren’t too large to comfortably enjoy. So much so that after a bit of convincing we decided to share a soufflé.
On ordering the Passionfruit Soufflé with Pouring Cream it was pleasing to be advised of the 15-20 minute additional wait. Since time wasn’t a problem (for a change), the order proceeded as planned. It arrived in good time pointing skywards. Beautifully warm, moist and light. An excellent choice and finish!
D’Arry’s Verandah is the casual, professional and enjoyable restaurant we’d all like somewhere near where you live. If you’re in the area or heading down for a pleasant daytrip don’t hesitate to make a booking (in advance) for a very enjoyable lunch!
Restaurant Review Summary
The Bill: $97.50 for two people doing entree, main and half a dessert, wine $30 (plus champagne and extras).
Awarded One Roo - highly recommended.
Contact and Restaurant Details
D’Arry’s Verandah (at D’Arenberg Winery)
Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale
P: (08) 8323 8710
Open: 7 Days, Lunch Only from 12:00PM
We’d love to hear your comments… Would you like to know more about the food? wine? Something else.
Don’t hold back!!!
Administrator said on April 1, 2005 7:04 pm