1877 Restaurant
Editorial
Sfera's 30 years in the food industry began with a suburban gourmet food business. Today, Sfera's on the Park boasts a convention centre, a bar, a health spa, a hospitality academy, a restaurant and even a private helipad. The ornate 1877 Restaurant literally oozes “old school” charm, having been one of Adelaide's first schoolhouses. Elegance is paramount when you step onto the polished floor boards of the dining room, although the setting is secondary to chef Carmelo's classic Italian cooking. His sophisticated and classy dishes will make you feel luxurious no matter where you enjoy them. Still, it is appreciated that the walls are adorned with Italian vistas, the ceilings are high and the open fireplaces make you feel as warm as the charming Michael Sfera himself. Disappointingly, a view of the car park is an ugly blot on an otherwise lovely landscape.
This is eclipsed by Carmelo's food, Sfera's professionalism and the staff's discerning attention to detail. Taste is executed not only in the menu offerings but in the overall design, down to the very coffee cups. May I suggest for primi the calamari sale e pepe; butter-soft, South Australian baby squid are used without a tube or tentacle in sight. Ragu di anatra is the house specialty of papardelle ribbons served with a rich slow-braised duck, and Swiss brown mushroom and tomato ragout. For secondi, the excellent filetto di manzo diavolo presents chargrilled eye-fillet on roasted peppers with kumera mash. Take your coffee and dessert in one hit with an affogato of home-made vanilla ice-cream with espresso and nocello - if you're in the mood you can diavolo your dessert with a shot of Sambuca.
Roz Taylor, October 2007
User Feedback
Your Feedback
1 User review (add yours)