Loft Wine Bar

by Jenny Esots (subscribe)

Adelaide CBD is slowly getting more interesting. There are new fine dining options with Jamie's Italian, Sean's Kitchen and Hill of Grace. Small bars like Clever Little Taylor and The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange. Plus the more established café and restaurant scene in Rundle street and Gouger Street. Gouger Street is the fresh food capital with the Central Markets and restaurants from many cultures and cuisines.

It is also home to the quite opulent Loft Wine Bar on level one of 128 Gouger Street. It is stylish and sophisticated with high ceilings and a balcony outlook onto Gouger Street. Close to the Central Market, Chinatown and within a short distance to Her Majesty's Theatre. Entrance is via a long staircase which does have disability access via a stair chair lift. The décor, atmosphere and menu are all tailored for discerning clientele. It features an amazing array of cocktails and the best champagne.

I recently had the chance to enjoy some of the hospitality of the Loft Wine Bar and sample some of their delicious autumn menu. The bar is hosted by manager Edward Adler, who has a wealth of knowledge about cocktails from all over the world. He also acknowledges being close to the Central Market as an inspiration for the changing seasonal menu.

For something light and sweet to start try the Cobbler. A vodka and apple liquor mix, with cranberry, apple and ginger. A very refreshing indulgence. Team this with some Truffle Sui Mai or try their vegetarian option, which has cherry tomatoes, cheese and onion. The gin fizz has that cosmopolitan European vibe with a dill garnish. A moorish side dish to order is the Peking duck and pancakes which comes with its own little bamboo steamer. It is the attention to detail that really shines at the Loft Wine Bar.

Edward set the scene with exotic stories of the Zombie cocktail, originating in San Francisco in 1934. Which came with sparkler drink and table decorations and plenty of lime and rum. In fact five different rums, fresh lime, pineapple juice, Absinthe & Grenadine. It was turning out to be a fine night! It is hard to go past the garlic butter bug tails with a dash of chilli and Edward has still more cocktail creations to show us. The Georgia Julep originated in Kentucky USA and has a potent mix of bourbon and berries. As with all the cocktails, it is beautifully presented.

Moving on to my personal highlight, we have The Contender circa 2010, originating in Sydney. A divine concoction of strawberry infused gin, mandarin and rosemary syrup and apple juice. It comes with a smoking sprig of rosemary and toasted marshmallow. It was time to savour the moment of this imaginative cocktail.

The other menu options that were highly rated were the lamb cutlets and a vegetarian option of arancini. For those who have a sweet-tooth there is a deconstructed cheesecake with toffee pieces. Plus the Coffee Experiment which is the Loft Signature Espresso Martini, a house specialty. It comes out looking like Guinness but has a real caffeine hit. It includes dark rum, spiced caramel and shiraz reduction and espresso.

What a range of menu choices and selections! The cocktail selection is outstanding, in addition to wine, beers and bubbles. Patrons here can relax in comfy chairs and have time to talk. The music is not loud and distorted making this a lovely spot to stop by either pre or post dinner or theatre. A very elegant bar that is definitely in the top five in Adelaide.

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*Jenny Esots was invited as a guest

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When: 3pm onwards

Website: www.loftbar.com.au

Where: 128 Gouger Street, Adelaide SA 5000

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