Mediterranean Fine Dining.
Lunch Review.
Auge is one of those well-known Adelaide restaurants with a large reputation for fine dining and wine to match. Unfortunately my last visit back in September 2011 didn't live up to that reputation and left me feeling very disappointed that my favourite iconic European restaurant had dwindled into the background like a lot of others in a tight Adelaide market.
However, lo and behold, I was pleasantly surprised to see the staff had changed and the overall feel was back to its striking best. We were greeted and waited on by Martin, who had a pleasant manner but adapted well to our cheeky and humorous behaviour. Martin always portrayed a professional manner and a good knowledge of the food and wine we ordered.
We decided on the three course lunch menu for $49 per head and let Martin choose our wines to match. As none of us really eat dessert, we asked if we could possibly have two entrees and a main, to which we were graciously advised we could. There were six entree options with three being pasta dishes. Our order was virtually identical and consisted of the following:
Entree 1: Fritto Misto di Pesce - Fried local fish & shellfish with fresh lemon.
Entree 2: Rabbit Parpadelle.
Main: Filetto di Manzo Black Angus con Purea di Carote, Pomodorini e Verdure Biologiche - 250g black Angus grass fed beef fillet with carrot puree, cherry tomato & organic heritage vegetables.
Each of the courses was served with a matching decanted wine starting with a Chenin Blanc and followed by Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Cabernet Sauvignon and finally a Shiraz to accompany our cheese platter.
I cannot think of a single element that was disappointing, the service was swift and friendly yet not intrusive, the food light yet flavoursome and filling and the wine was matched to perfection.
I am pleased to report that Auge is back on my favourites list - as it had been for so long. I look forward to dining again very soon and discovering what delicacies they can tantalise my tastebuds with. In the meantime, I highly recommend that you add it to your list.
Darren Richards
(Dougal McFuzzlebutt)
Express Lunch Menu Pricing (set menu, Friday only)
2 courses $39
3 courses $49
Where: 22 Grote Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Trading: Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Sat 6pm-late
Website: auge.com.au
Contact: 08 8410 9332
