Friday, May 8, 2009

Abyssinian

I've only been to this gem of a restaurant once, although it has been on my list to go back to for ages. I've had Ethiopian food in three countries and at 5 different restaurants and Abyssinian even tops my favourite back in my hometown of Chicago. The staff/owners make you feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door, and dining here is a unique experience. If you haven't had Ethiopian before, it is most enjoyable when you are open to sharing your food with your fellow diners. Abyssinian offers what is called a Mosab Platter, for $20 per person. I highly recommend this option as you end up with the most variety and value for money. The platter includes 3 mains and 3 sides on a platter, in plentiful amounts. My husband and I were even offered more when we had cleaned our plate, but with very full bellies already, had to turn it down. Favourites of mine are the Doro Wat, chicken legs simmered in a spicy sauce with egg, and Lamb Tibs, lamb simmered in spices with onions. Injera, a spongy, fermented, pancake-like bread, is used to scoop up the mains & sides with your hands. Sides include things like as collared greens and a variety of other veg.

Find the full menu here. Vegetarian options are plentiful, and the African beers and Ethiopian coffee are must trys.

Abyssinian
126 Henley Beach Rd
Torrensville SA

Thursday, May 7, 2009

The Griffins


The Griffins, or the Griff, or as previously known, The Griffin's Head, is a pub you literally can't miss in Adelaide, as it is on the corner of Grenfell Street and Hindmarsh Square, with tables spilling out onto the footpath, and a large balcony section overhanging the street. There any many different sections to the pub, including a restaurant and several private function rooms upstairs. I go at least once a month, and can vouch for the Griff being an excellent function venue, willing to cater to your needs without charging exorbitant rates, unlike other Adelaide pubs (ahem, such as The Austral). Mains are under $20, for the most part, and the food is well above average. Happy hour specials and meal specials available, so have a look at the web site!
The Griffins
38 Hindmarsh Square
Adelaide SA

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Honey Shoppe and Soap Box

I went around to 5 health food/organic shops today, trying to get a couple of simple things, one of which was plain vitamin E oil. I was also looking for some honey, and this was my last stop after not being able to find any base oils at the other shops. I'd had a quick browse through before, and noticed that The Honey Shopped and Soap Box stocked much more than those two things. They have plenty of natural and organic personal procducts, as well as essential oils, candles, and one of my favourite brands, Burt's Bees. I was able to get the vitamin E oil in any amount I wanted (I got a small bottle for $5) and the staff person helped me pick out a local honey (500g for $4.75) that may help with my new allergies.

Central Market Arcade opening hours:
Mon - Thurs
7.00 am - 5.30 pm
Fridays
7.00 am - 9.00 pm
Saturdays
7.00 am - 3.00 pm

The Central Market Arcade is accessable from Gouger St and flows through to the Central market.