LOCATIONA short walk from the Central Markets.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAChef Megan Guglielmi takes full advantage of the Queens Arms Hotel being so close to Adelaide’s famous market. She calls hers the “market menu”, basing it on an ever-changing, ever-evolving selection of five dishes: seafood, chicken, steak, vegetarian and one alternating meat such as pork or lamb. Examples of how she works the produce are found in the maple-infused pork, twice-cooked crispy spatchcock and American T-bone with sauteed bok choy and slow-roasted tomato. Should swordfish be catch of the day, it might be presented as a herb-marinated fillet on a tomato and rocket salad. Mediterranean vegetable penne with Napolitaine sauce may not win points in originality but with Guglielmi’s Italian heritage and her time at the impressive Enoteca restaurant, you can assume her version will not be average. Diners are informed: “The items are on the menu until the fresh ingredients run out, then another trip to the market is made and the dish evolves into something new. Time and care is taken with each dish, we do not rush the process nor do we leave you waiting.”
While you are anticipating your meal, you will be doing so in a bistro-style dining room with wooden floors, chairs and linen-dressed tables. Burnt orange walls give an even cosier feel to a space warmed with a fireplace and glowing, diamond-shaped lights. Aside from the “market menu” scribed on the wall, there are no further flourishes to the decor. The wine list is also streamlined, on which around a dozen choices in both red and white are offered with one sparkling available by the glass. Should you need any informed advice on your vino or food, rest assured manager Sergio La Forgia is on to it. Passionate about his business, he prides himself on personalised service and strives to ensure each guest has a memorable experience.
Roz Taylor