Skillogalee Wines — Attraction in Spring Gully

Part #2

After our previous visits, we were excited to invite our friends for an easter long weekend lunch.

Unfortunately this time our experience wasn't as memorable. The defining factor being the 90min time limit on our stay. I totally understand that turning tables is key during any busy period, but it shouldn't come at the cost of the diner.

By the time we settled, decided on wine and chose our meals, we were already 15min into our allotted time. Then as the restaurant filled and the kitchen got busier, the main meals took longer to arrive leaving us with only 20min.

We overheard two other tables also express their disappointment when told it was time to vacate by their waitress.

I would make a strong recommendation that they please extend seatings to 2hrs.

The food this time was a little less "wow", and a little more "meh". The usual punchy flavour profiles and finesse we had experienced previously just weren't there this time around.

One more thing, we told our waitress we would be sharing the entrees between four of us, so when each dish arrived with only three pieces we were a little bemused. Had we been told, we would have been happy to pay more so to increase portion sizing as to share each dish evenly. It's this attention to detail that separates good from great restaurants.

Part #1

The Clare Valley just keeps on giving...

Nestled amongst vines and guarded by old man olive tree, Skillogalee delivers an array of classic & traditional al la carte dishes with bags of flavour. Sometimes you don't want a Chef thats trying to reinvent the wheel, you just want food that is honest and damn tasty.

The day we visited, Chef was cooking homemade Chicken & Leek pies to order... yes to order! The pastry and filling was incredible; so much so, I ordered one for desert (true story) hahaha.

Just make sure you allocate a few hours for your visit, because anything less...

My advice - save your money and dine elsewhere in the many excellent Clare Valley restaurants. We waited nearly two hours to receive our meal. The wait staff were unapologetic for the delay when we asked what was happening. When finally delivered to our table, the children's "oven baked chicken bits" were an embarrassment (my son described them as "chicken toe nails"). The bits were small, chewy, floury and had obviously been overcooked; further there were only 6-7 bits the size of a 10 cent piece per child with the plate padded out with an unappertising clump of lettuce and a few strings of carrot. (As a comparison, two nights later in Adelaide, we paid a comparable amount of $10 per child in LaBoca at the Stamford (North Terrace) and the chiIdren received an absolutely delightful meal (e.g. beautifully cooked steak, fish with a thoughtfully constructed salad). Back at Skilligallee, our negative experience continued - the special which was a fish curry described by the wait staff as being made using Barramundi when my husband specifically asked what fish was used, in fact appeared on our table and was made with salmon. The salmon flaked apart and the curry was an unappertising mush. So disappointing when we paid so much for these meals. We are happy to support local restaurants and are happy to overlook minor issues. Unfortunately, we would say give Skilligalee...

Winery: The wines aren't the standout reason to visit as the restaurant experience is so fabulous. That being said, the wines are all very drinkable and sparkling Riesling is not common so it's definitely worth stopping by. Restaurant: Beautiful food at a great location! Perfect for a romantic occasion or a meal with a small group. (More than 6 would be a challenge). If the weather is suitable, reserve a table under the tree outside. If it's chilly, the verandah is closed in with heaters and is the next best option. Inside has a lovely cottage feel and wood fires, but just can't match the outdoor options that overlook the cottage garden and vines. Weekend lunch is minimum 2 courses per head and bookings are recommended every day as it's a popular location. Wine matching recommendations are shown on the menu to help you choose. Rustic charm abounds and the service matches the rustic feel. Don't expect to be served super fast so come prepared to enjoy a lazy lunch. The laid back service allows you to to fully enjoy the scenery in a relaxed atmosphere. Prices $35-$50/main meal....