Go completely feral in Parachilna!
The
Prairie Hotel has a most unusual menu and, if you're in the area, you simply must pop in and do some
"All Day Grazing" in the front bar, or book in to the restaurant for the full dining experience.
Prairie Hotel, Parachilna (©paula mcmanus)
The Prairie Hotel was first licenced in 1876 and was purchased by the current owners, the Fargher family, in 1991. The pub is the "local" for the family who live in the area and run a sheep and cattle station on 800 square kilometres.
The pub is situated in the middle of town. Actually, it is the town. The official population of Parachilna is 2.
The Prairie is the only pub in town and is the last stop for drinks, food and petrol until you get to Leigh Creek or Hawker, depending on which way you are travelling.
The most famous reason to visit the pub is to sample the "FMG" - the Feral Mixed Grill which is listed in the "Top 100 Gourmet Experiences in Australia" and is their signature dish.
Feral Food - burger trio tasting plate, Prairie Hotel (©paula mcmanus)
The FMG is made up of kangaroo fillet, emu fillet mignon and camel sausage. As well as these, you''ll also find: smoked kangaroo, emu pate, kangaroo mettwurst, goat cheese, red curry of goat, bush tomato chilli jam, Spencer Gulf whiting, quandongs, yabbies, native limes, bush tomatoes and much more. It's a menu like I've never seen before. Never fear though - if you're not game to try the game, there are non-feral food options and gluten free and vegetarian choices too.
If you're planning a trip to Parachilna, you don't need a 4WD. The road is sealed and the views are simply spectacular all the way.
Parachilna is approximately 500kms from Adelaide. There's so much to see and do nearby that you could easily stay for a week to see and experience all of the natural wonders of the Flinders Ranges.
Camel sausage roll, Prairie Hotel, Parachilna (©paula mcmanus)
The Prairie Hotel offer luxury self contained accommodation, meals, fuel, scenic flights over Lake Eyre and the Flinders, internet access and lots more. Check their website for current
stay/fly/eat packages.
There are some summer closures, so check before you go to avoid missing out.
I loved my visit to the pub. I'm not sure that I'd be buying camel and emu at Foodland next week when I do my grocery shopping, but was happy that I gave it a try. As they say "when in Rome....."
All day grazing, Prairie Hotel, Parachilna (©paula mcmanus)
