World Class German Arms Hotel & Restaurant

Welcome to the German Arms
Hotel & Restaurant, Town of Hahndorf

Since the last round of exploration, now it is time to tug in for lunch :) We came by the German Arms Hotel & Restaurant for a German meal, of course! It lies beneath at the basement, which seems a rare find.

Quote of the day!

Pork knuckles! Believe it or not we had half of this left to take-away

This portion we had was unexpectedly humongous for three!

From its menu, this stimulated our senses~ 'Why not try the limited release Monteith's "Apricot Wheat Beer" & or Apple and Honey Hybrid Cider'.  Hence here we go and ordered these two pints. We sure had our fill!

While we stroll, I have gathered some shots along the streets of Hahndorf..

One of the fixtures belonging to a German eatery

'The Best Coffee in Town' of Cafe Assiette

Across the streets under the fine weather in Hahndorf

Ice-cream that I was close to having!

Well-known candy sold at Hahndorf Sweets
54 Main Street, Hahndorf SA 5245, Australia

We finally reached one of our destinations, recommended for candy purchases. Indeed, there is a fair spread of favourite sweets and lollies from childhood stocked here (i.e flavoured fudge, etc), up for grabs if you are a candy-lover. 

Hahndorf Hill Winery

The exterior of Hahndorf Hill Winery appears to be a historical village, known to be the oldest German settlement in Australia.

From previous references, I read that Adelaide Hills wine region is renowned for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, cool-climate Shiraz and fresh rosé. With the urge to explore the finest wines of classic varieties found here, I feel excitement to witness a wide selection for wine tasting. To have a better appreciation for their offered variety, we took time to sit through their introduction on the more popular selection. 

Featuring Fresh Rosé 2013,
Sauvignon Blanc 2012 & Pinot Grigio 2013 (from left) 

After the tasting, bought a bottle of Rosé 2013, which I personally liked with a tinge of sweetness in itself. On its menu, it is a new release!

'HHW Rosé 2013 - Trollinger and Blaufrankisch

Totally different, totally unique. This exotic Rosé is a blend of the red German/Austrian varieties. 

Trollinger and Blaufrankisch. Hahndorf Hill Winery is the only producer of these two varieties. This juice was fermented dry and crisp like a zesty white wine. Super fresh with tart cherries quince and rose petals plus excellent structure on the palate allows this to be the perfect match with seafood, Thai or chilli-based cuisine.'

As it says, to match Rosé with seafood or any chilli-based cuisine, I had never attempted to do so though. Still, it tastes brillant by itself!

If you are feeling a little more passion, craving for a zesty and zingy taste, loving fresh tropical flavors and would like a twist, you may wish to go for Sauvignon Blanc. 

Seats that seem inviting for tourists
@ Hahndorf Hill Winery

Exploring the whole of it by the fireplace!
indulging in its cultural heritage

Provision of a corner to enjoy the light breeze
under the sunlight in Adelaide Hills!

The drive off Adelaide

Time for Hahndorf winery! Today I took the wheel :)

Is it the start of spring? 9 August, 2013

The day we collected the car and all ready for the road ride! All excited and anxious as it seems for this road ride. I was so looking forward to it till the moment we had a glimpse of the car and finally getting to drive it. We headed first for Mount Lofty Summit. From Adelaide, it was approximately 20 minutes for a ride to Mount Lofty. 

15km from Adelaide, Mount Lofty Summit

View at Mount Lofty

Panorama of the Mount Lofty Summit

Mount Lofty has been a “must see” destination for any visitor to South Australia, like what is stated on their website. The moment I reached, I was prepared to catch a bird’s eye view, capturing a panoramic view from the landing of the peak for which is 710 metres above sea level! This spectacular view must not be missed. Above is panorama of the Adelaide’s highest peak.

Sight of Koalas! 

Morning of 9 August

The much recommended Haigh's Chocolates
Pretty much love its macadamia nut chocolate and truffles!

Gloria Jean's Coffees 

http://www.gloriajeanscoffees.com.au/

Before setting off to collect our car for the days ahead, we need to fulfill our stomachs’ crave for a satisfying breakfast! There are several choices when it comes to chilling out at cafes. We finally decided to head for Gloria Jean’s Coffees, a place close to our hearts. 

Strange enough tho, I have never once settled at any of Gloria Jean’s Coffees joint found locally in Singapore! This time, made my first step to its café. Gloria Jean’s Coffees originated in Australia and is still expected to expand with more than 400 coffee houses.

Settling down for our orders

Now you see it!

My choice of flat white (Steamed milk + Espresso coffee) as usual to perk the mornings :p

Additional cravings on my breakfast list:

Chicken Deli Sandwich

Lemon Tart

Guess what! 2 white police horses came by while we were indulging in our wholesome breakfast : J

White charming horses. What a surprise!

breakfast with excellent companions!

Along the streets of Rundle

the night seemed to have ended too soon :{

5pm of Rundle Street - it has darkened so soon! 
which is usual during the winter season

T2, a place for tea-lovers

Following, our visit was to T2, a tea haven!

It is where we find Australia’s largest range of loose leaf tea, herbal tisanes and collectable teawares. 

This place is definitely worth a visit for tea devotees!

There is a variety of flavours for tea shoppers to choose from. They are certainly spoilt for choice!

Generous display of tea samples

A unique set-up for its teawares

It was a difficult decision to pick from the many available impressive tea flavours on its shelf!

The variety of tea selections

The exquisite, vintage teawares that any tea lover would be tempted to bring home!

A Zen corner for tea! Luxurious?
Tea-for-two

I personally chose from Herbal Tisane..

Lemongrass & Ginger 

Flavour as per described on the website: "sweet with a bite" 

The lemongrass contrasted the spicy flavour of ginger, leaving a taste of freshness within the warm spice. It was a sensational experience while I had it both hot and chilled separately. 

Having tasted both servings, I prefer it in its chilled condition in a tea glass. :)

Leisurely down Rundle Street..

We came by The Stag Hotel (Serious About Meat), Adelaide’s Best Steak Pub as the website suggests.

299 Rundle Street

Adelaide SA 5000

(08) 8223 2934

Alongside, we found a restaurant pub set-up with a wide selection of meat, wine and beer. The reason why we headed for this restaurant was for the steaks that were ½ the price for members. We were awaiting some great meat tasting!

Interior of The Stag

'bird's eye view' from our table

Dinner came unusually early, as my first dinner in Adelaide. 

My usual preference would be for a medium rare when it comes to steak feasting :p The menu says Jim Barry ‘Three Little Pigs’ Shiraz/Cab/Malbec. 'The most tender of cuts' appealed to me in the menu and hence my choice!

Fillet Steak (GF)

200g Eye Fillet

The other choices on the menu were as follows:

Clare Valley Rump (GF)

South Australia’s Clare Valley region provides a temperate climate for feeding cattle. From T&R Pastoral’s feedlot these British breed cattle provide consistent tenderness and marbling insuring “standout” eating.

MSA*Certified Australian Angus Beef (GF)

300g Porterhouse

Certified Australian Angus Beef is a premium grade product fed on grain for up to 120 days. Great with a Shiraz from the Barossa Valley.uality. Great beef from the Clare deserves a great Clare Valley Shiraz, we suggest the 2009 Georges ‘Exile’.

MSA*Certified Australian Angus Beef (GF)

We decided that we could settle for some cider instead of wine. (although according to the menu, my steak deserves a tender wine to go with) Rich flavours were available for the cider choices. 

We had fruit cider kicks of Apple with strawberry kiwi, apple with strawberry and raspberry and apple with mango and passionfruit! Two out of three tasted flavourful. Apple with strawberry kiwi was all time refreshing! Not for the apple cider with strawberry and raspberry which was found to be disappointing.

A reindeer coaster which
I would like to have in a different colour!

Glenelg Beach

Our metroticket to Glenegl

We traveled to Glenelg (City-Glenelg Tramway), a delightful seaside haven suburb of Adelaide, located on the esplanade. Its convenient to get there by tram and once we hopped off, we are already on the beach! The esplanade offers also a wide range of restaurants, bars, internet cafes, ice creameries and shops. As we walk by the beach, we didn’t get an opportunity of attempting what we understand the beach to have an array of outdoor activities during summer. It was definitely a place to relax, explore and experience serenity.

tempted for seashells?

View from Glenegl's seawall

Pigeons and seagulls settling in at the green patches of Glenegl. They hovered around for food treats!

 

After a friendly visit to the Glenegl beach, we decided to splurge a little along Rundle Street. 

Rundle Mall, in the Adelaide city centre, with over 1000 of retailers, is the destination of shopping in Adelaide. I am glad to walk down Rundle Street with many boutiques and eateries. I had managed some shopping at Rundle Mall with many large Australian retailers. Rundle Street area is also one of the city’s hot spots for nightlife. However so, we didn’t manage to witness that. 

We retired as soon as the most of the shops closed at 5.30pm!

Structure spotted in the middle of Rundle Street

That didn’t stop me from having purchased some fave items :p One of the items I found at Typo, which carried my initial :O Not sure if i have missed this but I have never seen it retailed in Singapore?

shop.cottonon.com