You know those times when you’ve just finished a long day at work or a successful day of shopping and you’re STARVING?! You’re on the hunt for a place to eat and drink (or just drink, we won’t judge) that’s a little more regal and ambient than the Myer food court? If you answered yes to all, or even part of the above, then the Hotel Richmond has your name written all over it.
Nestled in Adelaide’s bustling business and shopping district, the Hotel’s First Lounge Bar & Restaurant is a 1920s Art Deco oasis for the exhausted shopper (it’s a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it), the CBD worker, or the discerning traveller. Needless to say, when we were invited to try their new summer food, cocktail and wine menu, we jumped at the chance.
Featuring the finest SA local and seasonal produce, we hit the ground running with entrees, diving headfirst into the pleasantly surprising Pumpkin and Goats Curd Tart served on a beetroot relish and finished with a sticky, but sweet honey dressing. Not something that’d usually tickle our fancy, but hoo-boy, this one got us good!
Next, came the Tomato and Basil Arancini, and though, as far as we’re concerned any fried rice ball is a welcome fried rice ball, this one, served with a zingy aioli, was a straight-up crowd pleaser.
For those looking for something a little heavier, the main course menu did not disappoint. The perfect summer take on a traditionally winter dish, the Lamb Rump served with pearl couscous, spinach, orange and harissa yoghurt was downright delectable. Picture succulent, melt-in-your mouth lamb, a light sauce, and a citrus zing to take the dish to the next level (we know, we were drooling too, serious food goals).
Straying from your classic pub grub, the mains menu even boasts a hearty Thai Red Curry, Atlantic Salmon and Chicken Breast with a mushroom filling, but adds beetroot, spinach and a horseradish aioli for a gourmet twist on the classic Steak Sandwich.
And for all the carb lovers out there, rejoice and be glad, for the goodness that is the Risotto with Sundried Tomato Pesto and Goats Curd. A dish that even Masterchefs struggle to conquer, the creamy goats curd was this dish’s crowning glory.
As if hearing our sweet-lovers prayers, the Hotel Richmond won our hearts with what came next, our favourite dish of the night, the Rocky Road Brownie. Chocolate, oozy goodness in the middle and crumbly on the outside, this brownie is what a chocolate lovers dreams are made of. Complimented with a perfectly pink cherry ice cream and topped with a pillowy marshmallow, such was the majesty of this decadent dessert.
But never fear, the dessert menu includes a Passionfruit Pavlova with a raspberry sorbet (uh, yum!) and an Orange Crème Caramel that had us tasting summer with every bite, for those wanting to skip the heavy and indulgent.
Updating their drinks menu just in time for summer, the Hotel also offers an extensive range of local beverages, including the Bent Creek Sparkling Pinot Noir and The Lane’s Pinot Grigio. But you can’t go past the aptly named Tickled Me Pink passionfruit and gin cocktail concoction, or the largest range of Espresso Martini’s we’ve ever seen (did someone say after work drinks? Yes please!).
With warmer weather just around the corner, the Hotel Richmond is the perfect place to grab a bite, or a drink or two, this summer.
Located at 128 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, the Hotel Richmond is open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 12-4pm, and Sundays from 12-5pm, and for dinner from Monday to Saturday from 6pm-9pm.
For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
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