In amongst the latest round of elbow jostling by new restaurants to capture the collective stomach of Adelaide’s CBD diners, there have been a few old favourites who have quietly set about reinventing themselves without the constant online tagging fanfare.
One such venue, arguably the most prominent hotel in the CBD if you consider their location, is The Stag. Since their reopening late last year, there have been a few hurdles but in recent months the Rundle St/East Tce hotel seem to have seen hit their stride. Long gone is the defiant and dated ‘Worst Vegetarian Restaurant’ tag. In fact, with their stylish and airy new fit out across the Bistro and Front Bar, upstairs Champagne lounge and completely reworked wine menu, it would be fare to say that they are enjoying a complete renaissance.
From today, the final piece of the puzzle is being slotted in as their new menu, shared across their Bistro and bar areas, launches today. It’s modern. It’s diverse. It’s loaded with SA produce. And it has a few personal touches from manager and part owner Robby Lippett.
Amongst the pub classics sit a host of eye-catching new tastes including Scotch Fillet Mac & Cheese with Onion Rings and a Truffle Sauce. The Murray Valley Confit Pork Belly and Dukkah Crusted Atlantic Salmon will certainly hit the spot this winter, while smaller share plates of Satay Quail, Panko Crumbed Lamb Bites, Tandoori Scallops and Coconut Prawns can be combined for a tasting plate to last a whole afternoon.
Vegetarian options include Handmade Gnocchi with Cauliflower, Blue Cheese, Porcini and Kale, as well as a fresh Quinoa, Orange and Fennel Salad as well as a Kale Caesar. Add chargrilled Cyprus Haloumi to either if it takes your fancy.
This is good pub food. In fact, it’s better than good. And it’s another confident step forward from The Stag who, for many, had become a forgotten quality in Adelaide in recent years. Rest assured, this appears ready to change and come summer when their upstairs balcony comes into play, you’ll be sure to see this flagship back in full flight.
The Stag Hotel is located at 299 Rundle St. To see what they have coming up, follow them on Facebook. Photography by Josh Geelen.
