Well, well. What a gem hidden in the West.. This place is surreal. And incredibly good.
From the outside, it could almost be mistaken as a diner, or side business for the ageing petrol station that shares the street frontage. Access to the property is difficult if heading South on Wallgrove Road, and seeing the restaurant whilst heading North on Wallgrove Road is near on impossible. There is nothing for miles, just semi-rural properties and small farmlets.
But curiosity got the better of me, and I am glad it did. So, I thought I would go in and make a booking.
Once you walk in the doors, you are transported into a very professional restaurateurs vision of class, order, quality, and comfort. My first impression was, WOW. Before me was a very neatly laid out venue that comfortably seats 250 people with room to spare, quality fittings, white table cloths, linen napkins, perfectly set tables, open kitchen, neat and modern bar, and at 4pm, I was welcomed like an old friend by the Head Chef who took my booking for 6.30pm that evening.
We (my Wife and child), arrived at our booked time of 6.30pm, and were the first customers there. Now, as a foodie willing to give anything a run. I have been to many restaurants where there are no other customers, and usually it is a bit of a red flag, but something about the quality and feel of the place made it feel like it did not struggle to get bums in seats. I was not wrong, as there was a steady flow of people that followed, and from what I overheard, regulars.
We were seated at a table for four. In the configuration of the night, most of the tables were set in settings of four, with spatterings of six, or eight. In the protected and heated/air-conditioned semi-alfresco areas, there were settings for larger groups and even a conference which was set in a very relaxed yet professional and private setting.
Service and wait staff. There are a couple of key words that describe the service and wait staff. Friendly, professional, well presented, knowledgeable, respectful, homely, attentive, observant, and timely. They really were standout. I got the impression that one of the young ladies that assisted with our service was learning, and the senior waiter was also a brilliant coach. He was firm, patient, trusting, and specific. Whoever hired the staff, or drove the culture of this business needs recognition.
The Menu. The menu is extensive enough to almost be overwhelming, but certainly not in any bad way. First, after ensuring that you are looked after with comfort, refreshments etc, the staff respectfully brief you on the specials menu (changing according to availability of produce/weekly), and the standard menu. Prior to taking their leave, they offer appetizers as you take your time selecting your meals. The Menu is Modern Italian with some classics, lots of seafood, lots of game and a spattering of exotics. There is a wide range of Pizzas, salads, side dishes, entrees, pastas, risottos, seafoods, and some very reasonably priced and generous kids choices.
The meal. Well, I can only comment on three meals. First, our son had a woodfired pizza. He said the base was incredible, which is a pretty big call for a 13 year old... He insisted on the uneaten slices being taken home. My meal, a woodfire baked seafood hotpot was incredible. The meal chosen from the specials menu, Seafood XO, was the standout of the night.
Prices. The prices are high end. And deservingly so. A restaurant meal is not measured on the food alone. When the effort has been put into all of the other elements such as staff, quality of produce, presentation, and hospitality, your dollar is buying so much more than a meal. This place surprised me, and I must say that it is incredible value for money, and will be a hard act to beat in the West.
We finished the night off with a complementary port, and personal attention agian from the head waiter ensuring that we knew that we were welcome to stay as long as we liked.
Very, very impressed.
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