The Whale and Ale was recommended to me last year, and I've been hanging out to give it a try.
So I organised for a group of us to go, and 12 of us rocked up on Easter Saturday night. Their website is down for maintenance, which is inconvenient, and they refused to email or fax me a copy of the menu, which was disappointing.
However they have a huge menu, with something for everyone, including a whole page dedicated to vegetarians.
I ordered the gammon steak ($22.90), which turned out to be two gammon steaks, with a pineapple ring and fried egg and huge serve of chips. Maybe too much, but it was delicious.
The service was great and we didn't have to wait too long to get our meals, which was a nice change in this town!
For dessert I shared a banoffee pie ($6.90), which was good value, though the plate we got it on was far too big and would have looked better with some chocolate drizzled over it, or something. There wasn't a lot of banana but a shitload of toffee, in fact it seemed like condensed milk in a biscuit base. We couldn't finish it, but I was glad we ordered it. Banoffee pie is rare around here, and usually uber expensive. And sometimes the offee turns out to be coffee! Yuck.
The restaurant wasn't packed, but I think even if it was it wouldn't be too noisy. The tables aren't too close like in many restaurants. It's all very airy and modern, and brightly lit, which I like.
The Whale and Ale is tucked away in Clarkson, and the fact it wasn't full was testament to it being unknown. But it's a top pub and definitely worth the hike. It's also in the gold section of the Entertainment Book, offering 25% off up to $30.
Highly recommended.
Showing posts with label Australian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australian. Show all posts
13 April, 2009
01 February, 2009
Flutes Restaurant, Margaret River
To start the three of us shared the Flutes Dip Plate ($15), which came with Turkish bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, dukkah, smoked salmon dip and marinated olives. For the price I was impressed with the quantity, although we did order one more serve of Turkish bread ($5) to lap up the last of the oil and dukkah.
For mains, I had the Amelia Park Lamb Loin ($37), Miss Field had Peking Duck and Mushroom Spring Rolls ($17) and Kirstie had fish of the day, barramundi fillet ($36).
I was very pleased to be asked how I wanted my lamb, pictured above, done. It frustrates me how so many restaurants think beef is the only meat diners should be given a choice on. The lamb, which was tender and succulent, was served on a bed of white bean mash, with green beans with a sticky balsamic reduction. The sweetness of the reduction was perfect for the rich meaty lamb. I could eat this everyday of my life and not get bored. I might get fat though.
The spring rolls, pictured above, which was actually an entree, was beautifully presented, came with two dipping sauces, sweet chilli and coriander and soy, and was easily big enough for a main. Miss Field found them to be light and tasty and not greasy as spring rolls usually are.
Kirstie's barramundi, pictured above, came with bocconcini which complemented the light, fresh flavours. It was perfecctly cooked and was a very good alternative for those who don't eat meat. Kirstie is great to have around, as it means we always have a fish or vegetarian meal to review.
The service from start to finish was fantastic. Our waiteress was knowledgable, polite and attentive without being overbearing. We were served our drinks promptly, and weren't kept waiting once. That said the staff mimicked the relaxed atmosphere. As an added bonus, they didn't scratch off their square on the gold card, telling us they'd prefer us to come back. Which we would, regardless.
Aside from the great service and the magnificent food, Flutes is one of the most beautiful restaurants I have ever come across. The setting is nothing short of breathtaking. The restaurant has stunning views of the lake and surrounding vineyards and you can eat on the balcony if you prefer.
As the restaurant belongs to the adjacent winery Brookland Valley, the grounds are stunning and are perfect to stroll in after your meal. There is also an art gallery attached which you can browse through at any time. Artwork is also displayed on the walls throughout the restaurant, which provides for stimulating conversation.
I would go back to Flutes in a second, regardless of the three hour drive. Very highly recommended.
For mains, I had the Amelia Park Lamb Loin ($37), Miss Field had Peking Duck and Mushroom Spring Rolls ($17) and Kirstie had fish of the day, barramundi fillet ($36).
I was very pleased to be asked how I wanted my lamb, pictured above, done. It frustrates me how so many restaurants think beef is the only meat diners should be given a choice on. The lamb, which was tender and succulent, was served on a bed of white bean mash, with green beans with a sticky balsamic reduction. The sweetness of the reduction was perfect for the rich meaty lamb. I could eat this everyday of my life and not get bored. I might get fat though.
The spring rolls, pictured above, which was actually an entree, was beautifully presented, came with two dipping sauces, sweet chilli and coriander and soy, and was easily big enough for a main. Miss Field found them to be light and tasty and not greasy as spring rolls usually are.
Kirstie's barramundi, pictured above, came with bocconcini which complemented the light, fresh flavours. It was perfecctly cooked and was a very good alternative for those who don't eat meat. Kirstie is great to have around, as it means we always have a fish or vegetarian meal to review.The service from start to finish was fantastic. Our waiteress was knowledgable, polite and attentive without being overbearing. We were served our drinks promptly, and weren't kept waiting once. That said the staff mimicked the relaxed atmosphere. As an added bonus, they didn't scratch off their square on the gold card, telling us they'd prefer us to come back. Which we would, regardless.
Aside from the great service and the magnificent food, Flutes is one of the most beautiful restaurants I have ever come across. The setting is nothing short of breathtaking. The restaurant has stunning views of the lake and surrounding vineyards and you can eat on the balcony if you prefer.
As the restaurant belongs to the adjacent winery Brookland Valley, the grounds are stunning and are perfect to stroll in after your meal. There is also an art gallery attached which you can browse through at any time. Artwork is also displayed on the walls throughout the restaurant, which provides for stimulating conversation.I would go back to Flutes in a second, regardless of the three hour drive. Very highly recommended.
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