ADELAIDE is a growing town of about 1 million people located in South Australia. It is also near one of the wine centers of Australia, the Barossa Valley. Adelaide reminds me of the city of Napa about 25 years ago, just before Disneyland of wine invaded. There are a ton of mediocre eating establishments and a few very good ones. Adelaide even has a small Chinatown area and a central market that is worth the visit. Gouger Street is a main restaurant row with several decent choices including Star of Siam (Thai). Here are a couple places to try out of the Gouger Street district. For good Italian food and a fun atmosphere try Amalfi Pizzeria Ristorante. Reservations are a must and even then there is usually a line out the door at dinnertime. This is pretty simple, basic Italian fare well prepared and satisfying. Basic appetizers are Minestrone Soup, Calamari Friti, Eggplant Parmesan, Mussels, Caprese Salad and Oysters. The garlic bread is a specialty. Pizza choices include 10 different selections such as traditional Margherita, Hawaiian (ham and pineapple), Marinara (seafood) and Amalfi Special with everything. Then there is a choice of 10 pasta dishes. I tried the linguini Zingarella featuring pasta, prawns, red pepper (capsicum in local parlance), onion, broccoli and fresh basil in a tangy-sweet chili, honey, butter stock sauce. It was a bit on the sweet side but portions are large. You can get the pastas in either of two sizes, appetizer or main course. Usually the appetizer size is plenty big. Main courses are tasty and include chicken, 3 veal dishes, filet steak, risotto of the day and a calzone. In addition there are a few daily specials. Desserts are tempting, especially the profiteroles. The wine list offers Australian as well as Italian choices. Prices are mid level, Appetizers $AU 9.00 - $16.00, Main courses $18-$24. Amalfi Pizzeria Ristorante: 29 Frome Street: Tel: 8223 1948. Open lunch and dinner Monday - Friday, Dinner only on Saturday and Sunday. All credit cards. For simply grilled skewers of meat, prawns or chicken with a Greek influence try The Original Barbecue Inn. Cooking is done over charcoal grills. Food is fair, prices are reasonable and the owner is one of the most friendly people you will meet in Adelaide. The restaurant has been there since 1956 so they do some things right. Just don't expect gourmet! The Original Barbecue Inn: 194-196 Hindley Street: Tel: 8231 3033. Open lunch and dinner 7 days. No Amex.
Copyright Marc R. Kauffman 2008 - 2011. All rights reserved.