2 /5 Red from the West: Disappointing.
For $155 per person for a 5-course lunch, one would expect an exceptional dining experience.
Total Cost $358 (yes, 358) for 2 people, 5 course set menu, Saturday lunch, included ONE 150ml glass only of estate Chardonnay for ONE person (i.e. not 2 glasses of wine – one of us had to drive...)
Have NEVER seen bread included as one of 5 courses before – but here the bread is considered to be the second course of 5...the bread is nice, but really, NOT 2nd course worthy.
The 3rd course of scampi tortellini was ONE tortellino only. The tortellino itself was fairly flavoursome although the pasta was leathery; and the tempura zucchini flower garnish looked beautiful but was cold and stiff, as though it had been stored before use (overall 3/5 for that course).
The wagyu biffteck ‘main’ was good (4/5) – but was not accompanied with any sides. Sides were extra $ on top of the $155 per person. We opted for garden fresh beans which were zingy fresh and delicious ($12 more, 4/5).
Dessert was simple and good – meringuey and tart, eton mess style of confection (but not messy per se), 3/5 for that.
The tables on the verandah have table cloths, apparently. We sat in the Dining Room itself. It is something of a faded rose, comfortable enough and the tables are not too close together. However when we noted to the staff that the tables inside would benefit from tablecloths because they looked like something from a 90’s airport lounge, and were not suited to a $350 dining experience, (anaemic Ikea-look blonde wood, scratched, crumbs embedded in the joints), we were told that ‘the owners like the timber aesthetic’. Well, we didn’t (1/5 for the tables).
The service was a saving grace, attractive staff, very attentive (4/5).
The grounds are lovely, a couple were having their wedding there, and the venue is suitable for that sort of event.
