Profiled by de Groots MediaThe Old Adelaide Inn holds a stately presence. It is an old favourite of tourists, business people, and bouquet-throwing brides as well as home to the renowned Snooty Fox Restaurant. In the grand lobby an affable concierge greets you under a gloriously glam chandelier. The cocktail lounge presents the delightful option of whetting one’s whistle before dining. Claret carpets, wood panelling and white roses make for plush surrounds. Take a regal seat in a high-backed chair or slide onto a dimpled, dark leather banquette. The ambience is classically clubby, but not stuffy; it would be easy to imagine yourself in a Manhattan grillroom were it not for the surprisingly contemporary menu.
Australian meats and seafood are touched by the Mediterranean and Asia. The antipasto plate features pheasant pate, Kanmantoo bacon crisps, smoked kangaroo, quandong chutney, and Mt Barker salmon. This entree of Oz produce is a perfect prelude to the house speciality, the Fruit De Mer Platter. It comes laden with plump parmesan-crumbed prawns, meaty garlic and ginger Moreton Bay bug tails, moist smoked salmon and South Australian oysters. Spicy salt and pepper squid and a fish fillet of the day complete this impressive array. Onkaparinga kangaroo fillet is a hit with tourists; pan-seared, it is served with a house-made hot potato salad and juniper berry glaze. For lunch, don’t turn your nose up at the Snooty Fox Steak Sandwich which bulges with egg, bacon, cheese and salad. Chantilly Meringue for dessert? Tally ho!
Roz Taylor