Currently ensconced in VA Lounge ADL awaiting return to MEL - thanks a million to those who responded to my cry for assistance - quick report:
Hilton - 3 nts in Junior Suite at mates rates thanks to my good cobber - you know who you are
Free brekky as HH Dia - I still do not know how I have retained Dia for like 5 or 6yrs with next to no activity - but it is what it is. Very restrictive practice at brekky but food more than adequate. No EL but those with EL access get 1 plate Canapés ea (omg so tiny and really only a token effort) plus 2 free house pours beer, wine and spirits in Lobby Bar. NFI if you can get more than 2 as we only had a glass of Veuve each on 2 nts - they don’t miss with the pricing of $31 glass and first not was nigh on flat - 2nd nt made sure they opened fresf bottle.
No valet parking so you pay $25nt to be able to park best part of 1km away and go retrieve yourself. NO not lazy just a bit of a head scratcher IMHO.
Gauchos - wined and dined our new SA/NT Agent here first nt - always love the wine box panels adorning the table tops here - service was spectacular - our female wait staff member was just a star - the mystery bags for entrees extremely good - main course steaks such a let down - how does a so-called specialist steak restaurant not know to cut steak thicker - all 3 steaks - eye fillet, scotch fillet and t-bone requested med rare and served at least medium - someone please send a Gauchos rep to Olive Tree in MEL so Emelio can teach them how to cut and cook a steak? An Elderton Command and a Rockford Basket Press eased the pain with food quality but didnt stop the wincing when I got the bill
The River Torrens Cafe - selected by the Ette - food was very good - service excellent - Shadrach in my hitting zone - but OMG do those curved windows play havoc with the peepers when you are trying to look out of them.
La Trattoria - I said I would never return after last experience but circumstances saw us back there last night - great table given to us by Mia who was kinda Maître D’ and whose level of service was so attentive, professional, courteous and just a pleasure to experience - now this is the level of service that needs to be applauded - food was FABULOUS - the Ette had entree size Sgetti Marinara and claimed there was more seafood in that serving than she had anywhere else. Did I mention what a fabulous wait staff member Mia was? Just a STAR
Next to no reds last night as after a full day tasting at Charles Melton, Rockford, Elderton and Henschke I had red wine running out my ears. What Elderton and Henschke did for me yesterday is just reinforce how overrated Rockford wines are IMHO - lucky we are all different huh?
Again thanks to all for your invaluable contributions
