river cafè
ADELAIDE

It is possible to see an identity crisis for the River Cafè because it looks so stylish, and has such a wonderful aspect. To put it in context, the food at the River Cafè is best described as good bistro-style food, especially in Autumn and Winter when there is plenty of good slow cooking using cheaper cuts that one can rarely find time to cook at home. Food that is tasty and approachable and although there are pepper and salt on the table I have never, in 20 plus years of dining there reached for the salt. A pepper fiend I like pepper being available without having to ask for it but never season my food without tasting it first. At my recent ‘Déjeuner Seule’ I did their Autumn Food Festival just $40 for house-made focaccia, a tasting plate, choice of six mains, and a perfect little sweet shot petit four to finish.

They make a decent focaccia and serve it with nice olive oil and balsamic. I was reminded of the horrid focaccia, that was more like an American biscuit we were recently served at an Adelaide Hills winery restaurant. Happily, no comparison and I had to hold myself back from demolishing the lot.

The tasting plate is set and is comprised of three large snack-sized morsels, each with individual flavours, this time a saffron arancini with aioli and parmesan….. whipped ricotta, grilled marinated vegetables, olive oil and crostini …..sticky balsamic pork belly with apple and pickled red cabbage. I’m in heaven watching the rowers and Popeye leisurely passing by and enjoying a glass of the excellent Sidewood Adelaide Hills NV Estate Sparkling, so good a second glass was ordered.