The Federal

LOCATION
North Terrace, Adelaide

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS
The Federal has a new-ish feel, the plush renovations proof to the hopeful that this hotel at least, does take food seriously. The Federal could give quite a few Adelaide restaurants lessons in service. All the staff are impeccably dressed, attentive, and familiar with the menus eccentricities. Try the smoked trout and leek puff pastry tart served with a roquette, spinach and fennel salad and a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette to start, followed by the pan-fried Kangaroo fillet marinated in red wine and fresh herbs, served with poached pear and red onion chutney. The Federal is trying, and it’s not doing a bad job of it either. The suave decor and smart staff should be encouragement enough to visit, so take your preconceptions of hotel restaurants and check them in at the door – The Federal has had a makeover.

February 2007