Best Life Australia

First time I saw Windy Point was back in 2005. It’s one of the places that should be in a tourist’s travel itinerary when visiting South Australia. It’s a good 15-minute drive up the hills from the city of Adelaide.

Windy Point, though not the highest point in South Australia, is popular for the spectacular skyline view of the city and its surrounding suburbs. You can even see as far as to where the land touches the sea. If you’re a local, you can distinguish the bay havens, i.e. Glenelg, Henley, Grange, Brighton, etc, that litter the coastline esplanade. Adelaide is, after all, known for its easy access to the beach life, which probably explains why most folks there are so warm and wonderfully laid-back.

Though Windy Point is actually the name of the posh restaurant and cafe, young locals frequent the place for its friendly reputation; allowing folks to simply park their cars and hang out; tourists to enjoy and take photos of the view from the Windy Point Lookout, which shares the name.

Skyline View, Windy Point, South Australia | Best Life Australia

But it was only in January of 2009 did I discover that Windy Point is for chocolate lovers, too.

The Windy Point Dining Experience

Before heading back to Manila, I was treated to a full course meal over at Windy Point. It was quite unexpected since I was aware of the restaurant’s somewhat expensive reputation but I reckon it was a friend’s way of sending me off.

Stepping inside, the interiors were something I’ve only seen in magazines, and the service, in movies. I’ve had my fair share of fine dining experiences, but I never fail to be impressed by new restaurants I get to visit and dine in. The place offers a spectacular view of the sunset, casting warm light over the cityscape. The view in itself had helped create the unmistakable rich ambiance that patrons luxuriate in, topping it off with gorgeous modern architecture.

Having enjoyed a bottle of Stella Artois (Belgian beer) while waiting to be seated, my appetite to try everything — from the Windy Point Grilled Oyster (topped with double smoked bacon and Windy Point’s own spiced sauce) entree, the main course of Roasted Lamb Rack (served with Moroccan lamb shoulder brik, tahini yoghurt and pineapple chutney) to the Fruity Sorbet refresher — didn’t wane. Which was truly fortunate since everything was pleasure upon pleasure to my virgin taste buds. The experience was both enigmatically delicious and interestingly entertaining. I say entertaining because getting this opportunity to try something new had been quite a fun journey, filled with snickers and cry of delight in between bites. This opportunity to dine at Windy Point had indeed widened my taste palette. Something I really appreciate.

But the night’s not over yet till the fat lady sings dessert has been served. I had joyfully discovered the very thing that makes this Windy Point feature special. Allow me to introduce you to a Windy Point special dessert — Chocolate Mélange for Two.

Chocolate Mélange for Two, Windy Point, South Australia | Best Life Australia

Mocca panna cota
Hazelnut chocolate palet
White chocolate cheesecake
White chocolate & butterscotch creme brulee
Dark and white chocolate mousse
Chili chocolate parfait

A six-piece dessert that can be described with the same number of adjectives — sweet, creamy, spicy, cold, rich, and exquisite. A fantastic dessert choice to cap your full course meal at Windy Point. If you love chocolates, this is something you really have to try.

The Chocolate Mélange for Two dessert is priced at AU$ 32.00.

If you’re interested to give this restaurant a go, I suggest that you check out the full menu and wine list to make that decision more concrete.

Windy Point serves dinner only and is located at Windy Point Lookout, Belair Road, Belair, South Australia 5052.

Operation Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 6 pm to late

Christmas Day, Open for bookings only

For reservations, queries, and further information, you can reach them through (08) 8278 8255.

P.S. This (now) fat lady has sung and will happily sing again given the chance. SRSLY. Hehe.

Caffé Primo is probably one of the biggest café franchises in Adelaide. Without much knowledge on how the restaurant franchising works for this particular chain, a handful of bad experiences in a different location put me off the eating at Cafe Primo for a long time.

However, Ara Ohanessian, owner of Caffe Primo - Norwood, helped to change my views on the subject of dining at Primos. “Different Primos are run differently,” says Ara. “My goal is to run Caffé Primo in my own way and do my best. Hopefully, customers see that.”

This food lover and businessman showed a lot of passion for his work and his ownership of this Primo branch in the upscale suburb of Norwood. Looking at the place’s decor and layout, you can see that a lot of thought has been put in to its presentation.

Caffe Primo Norwood even offers some food that are not available in other Primos. And, it appears like they really try to keep the initial spirit of what made Cafe Primos successful in Adelaide in the first place.

With reports from Sasha Manuel.

Disclosure: Caffe Primo Norwood offered to sponsor a meet-up of the Adelaide Bloggers’ group last January 2009.