Lifesize Horse Model - Photo by Allan
I travelled past a banner hung alongside the Port Wakefield Road for several years never knowing that I was missing one of South Australia's most reasonable and delicious buffets. The banner said "Sunday Buffet $16". It was never Sunday when I passed, or I was in a hurry, or I could not see a restaurant there. However, one Sunday I had a companion who was happy to stop and explore this mystery with me. What did we find? Globe Derby Park, Bistro, Bar and Paceway Restaurant.
Globe Derby Park is associated with the South Australia Harness Racing Club. According to
trotsguide, harness racing uses "standardbred horses" that race around the track puling a two wheeled cart sometimes known as a "sulky". The sport is also referred to as "the trots". Race meetings are commonly Friday or Saturday nights. Admission is reasonable, according to the SAHRC web page $7 for adults and $4 concession. Children under 16 are free. Ample parking is provided.
During events, food is served in the Paceway Restaurant on the first floor. At other times, you can purchase food either at the bar or the downstairs bistro. The Bistro is open for lunch 12 pm to 2pm and Dinner 6pm to 8pm. You can phone 82582569 for bookings, but on a regular day, this is not necessary. During a racing events, however, I am told many hundreds of people attend.
The regular Bistro menu starts at $10 for Fish 'n' chips, Calamari rings, Chicken or beef schnitzel, Roast of the day, Hamburger or Steakburger. Full-price "mains" range from $14 for Chicken or beef parmagiana to $16 for Garlic Prawns or seafood basket. Steaks are $21. (These menu prices were valid at 10/7/16).
The Sunday Buffet includes baine maries full of roast beef, roast vegetables, one pasta dish, one Indian dish or curry, fish and meatballs or other alternative. There is a salad bar and desert bar.
Fish and Lasagna - Photo by Allan
Indian Curry - Photo by Allan
I have been absolutely addicted since I discovered their Apricot cheese cake. It seems almost home-made and the cheese filling is more tart than your average over-sweet supermarket or cake-shop cheese cake. The cheese cake is not on the desert bar every week, but Pavlova is a fairly regular desert. Fruit salad, jelly and orange cake are dishes which pleased my companion, who does not have as sweet a tooth as I have.
Desert Bar - Photo by Allan
The atmosphere is unique, as there is an extensive children's play area in sight of the dining tables. A children's movie is often screening and the sofa in front of it looks inviting. The walls are decorated with framed jockey jackets and other racing memorabilia. There is a life-sized model of a horse in the foyer area.
Children's Play Area - Photo by Allan
References:
saharnessracingclub.com.au/racing/admission
trotsguide.com.au/new-to-wagering/why-sa-harness-racing
