On our last day in Adelaide, my parents took us to d'Arry's Verandah at the gorgeous d'Arenberg Wines in McLaren Vale, about an hours drive from Adelaide. d'Arry's is a high end restaurant, set in the D'Arenberg vineyard - perfect for a farewell meal or any special occasion.
It was nearly 40c that day and we hadn't booked until the last moment, but we managed to get a table inside in the air conditioning (thank heavens!) As it was over the festive period, there was a two course minimum for $65, and there was also a three course option. They had two lunch sittings as it is such a popular restaurant - one at 12 and one at 2.
We had the 12 noon sitting and the staff were friendly and welcoming. There was a very good choice for starters, mains and desserts and we perused the menu with some glasses of the wonderful NV The Peppermint Paddock Sparkling Chambourcin. I know sparkling red wine isn't well known outside of Australia, but it's amazing stuff and the Chambourcin was exceptional. I've never seen such a gorgeously coloured wine being poured into a glass - a chilled mix of black, crimson and dark purple - it looked like liquid jewels. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
I started with the Coconut and Lime Cured Scallops with Lychee, Cucumber and Coriander Salad and Fresh Grated Horseradish. It was so lovely and fresh. The scallops aren't cooked, they cure in the coconut and lime and they were perfect. My main was the Pork Belly and Sesame Rice Dumpling with Grapefruit, Ginger Salad and Ginger Beer Sauce. Pork belly can be a bit of a hit or miss dish and this was definitely a hit - perfectly cooked and not fatty or greasy at all, and with a nice bit of crackling to crunch on.
We were conscious of the time, though the staff were not at all pushy, and had left our table before 2pm for the next sitting. Just enough time to poke around the Cellar Door and take some photos outside in the sunshine.
d'Arry's is a gorgeous place with fantastic food and great staff - try it for something special.
d'Arry's Verandah
Osborn Road
McLaren Vale SA 5171
AUSTRALIA
Phone:- +61 8 8329 4888
Freecall:- 1800 882 335
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