PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIABuilt to serve residents of the south-east corner of Adelaide, this landmark has been feeding and watering patrons since 1849. Shayne and Jill White have held the reins of the Arab Steed for the past 20 years. Meals can be enjoyed on the vine-covered verandah, in the bistro or in the “mixed bar”. The dining room’s leadlight windows are embellished with proud black steeds and offer glimpses outside to Hutt Street. A corner gallery of framed photographs shares the hotel’s past, while fabulous art deco light fixtures are also a feature. However, the chairs stand out for not so aesthetically pleasing reasons. Their ghastly patterned padding deserves to be sat on. Avert your eyes to the menu.
Shayne describes the Arab Steed’s menu as great pub food. Dedicated hotel diners will be comforted with predictable fish and chips, wedges, steak sandwiches, lamb, fries and burger options. The Arab Beef Burger is particularly popular among those with Coopers Ale-fuelled appetites. Meat fiends will pounce on the 300g porterhouse steak served with salad and chips or vegetables, and pepper or mushroom sauce. Lamb rump rests on potato mash and partners with an unusually delicious tomato, rosemary and mint gravy. The holy grail of pub grub – roast of the day – can be found on the specials board. If you’re going to dine out on sausages, this is one place to do it because in the kitchen, Paul Cox uses Cimarosti Brothers’ special snags. Those looking for more sophisticated dishes will appreciate the flavours of port and peppercorn pate, Tasmanian smoked salmon, and char-grilled pumpkin, fetta and baby spinach salad with pitted olives and pine nuts. The cheese plate procures Aussie blue, Edam, brie and cheddar.
Roz Taylor, September 2008
