Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

ADELAIDE 499
IN NORTH ADELAIDE
The Manse SEAFOOD Swiss chef Bernhard Oehrli has a fine touch when
it comes to seafood, and I recommend this place wholeheartedly. This cozy restaurant
spreads out into several rooms, with log fires to keep you warm in winter and
room to dine outside on sunnier days. As for the food, the scallops here are almost
fresh enough to waddle off the warmed cucumber base and head for sea, while the
rare tuna in Japanese-style tempura is so delicate it literally melts in your mouth.
If you want something other than seafood, then you can’t go wrong with a signature
dish of venison with black pepper and a spiced beetroot glaze. For dessert try
the warm chocolate gâteau or the rhubarb gratin with ice cream.
142 Tynte St., North Adelaide. & 08/8267 4636. Reservations recommended. A$30 (US$20) for 2 courses.
AE, DC, MC, V. Fri noon–3pm (set menu); Mon–Sat 6:30–10pm. Bus: 182, 224, 226, 228, or 229.
The Oxford MODERN AUSTRALIAN This restaurant has won nearly
twice as many gold medals for cooking as Mark Spitz won for swimming (7 golds
in 1972 Olympic Games, by the way). The Oxford is praised for its creative, contemporary
food in a range of mixed-up styles–sometimes too mixed in my opinion.
It’s big and busy and housed in a character-filled 1870s building. Inside
you’ll find crisp white tablecloths, a single page menu, and a stainless steel kitchen
whipping up steam. The signature dishes are the red-roasted spatchcock (a small
chicken) with water chestnut, chicken-and-cashew-nut spring roll, black-bean
mayonnaise, and coconut broth; and the wonderful Caesar salad. Other favorites
include jellyfish with Moroccan-spiced salsa, and poached prawns with natural
oysters, served with wasabi, nori rolls, and soy dressing. The wine list is extensive.
101 O’Connell St., North Adelaide. & 08/8267 2652. theoxfordhotel@ozemail.com.au. Reservations recommended,
especially for lunch and dinner Fri and dinner Sat. Main courses A$15–A$21 (US$9.40–US$13).
AE, DC, MC, V. Sun–Thurs 9am–2am; Fri–Sat 9am–3am. Bus: 182, 22, 224, 226, 228, or 229.
SEEING THE SIGHTS
Adelaide is a very laid-back city. It’s not jam-packed with tourist-oriented attractions
like some of the larger state capitals, though the Migration Museum (see
below) is easily one of the best museums in Australia. The best way to enjoy this
pleasant city is to take things nice and easy. Take a walk beside the River Torrens,
take the tram to the beachside suburb of Glenelg, and spend the evenings
sipping wine and sampling some of the country’s best alfresco dining.
THE TOP ATTRACTIONS
Art Gallery of South Australia Adelaide’s premier public art gallery has a
good range of local and overseas works and a fine Asian ceramics collection. Of
particular interest are Charles Hall’s Proclamation of South Australia 1836,
Nicholas Chevalier’s painting of the departure of explorers Burke and Wills from
Melbourne; several examples of works by Australian painters Sidney Nolan, Albert
Tucker, and Arthur Boyd; and some excellent contemporary art. The bookshop
has an extensive collection of art publications. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
North Terrace. & 08/8207 7000. Free admission. Daily 10am–5pm. Guided tours Mon–Fri 11am and 2pm;
Sat–Sun 11am and 3pm. Closed Christmas Day. Bus: City Loop.
The Migration Museum Finds This tiny museum, dedicated to immigration
and multiculturalism, is one of the most important and fascinating in Australia.
With touching, personal displays, it tells the story of the waves of
immigrants who have helped shape this multicultural society, from the boatloads
of British convicts who came here in 1788 to the varying ethnic groups who have
been trickling in over the past 2 centuries. Allow 1 hour.