Paradise of a Happy Life

Australia, a huge country which America has little knowledge. As an example, let’s take its cities. When you see or hear the word “Australia” quite possibly the first image that comes to mind is the Opera House in Sydney, the contour of the map, a kangaroo, some music personality or the aborigines.

While this huge nation, Oceania has all its major cities on the coast and the inland is populated by very few people, it’s a land of peaceful coexistence between Aboriginal towns and the cities whose modernity does not depend on size. Adelaide is the fifth largest city on the continent, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are larger, but Adelaide is the first in several topics that surprise and invite us to learn more about this unique city and the very high level of happiness of its inhabitants.

 

 

 Adelaide

Adelaide is friendly and vibrant. It´s surrounded by hills, world-class beaches and a serene lifestyle that is hard to find in other cities. The people of Adelaide, capital of South Australia, believe that theirs is the most livable city on the continent. Although it’s true that there is a tendency to favor our home town, it is also true that no one knows a city better than its inhabitants. In any case, the opinion seems well supported by its 10 marinas, its modernism and the unexpected beauty of this city. The Economist included Adelaide in its list of 10 Most Livable Cities in the World in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and the Property Council of Australia called it the first of the country in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Its population exceeds the million 300 thousand inhabitants, with a density of 659 people per square kilometer, this contrasts sharply with the total state, which numbers are 1 million 650 thousand inhabitants and 1.67 persons per km², including Kangaroo Island. Its economy includes agriculture, livestock, trade and tourism. By the way, the state of South Australia is the only land in which no jails were constructed when colonized, this was customary for British when they occupied the land.

 

Adelaide’s mild climate, it’s proximity to the best wine and seafood regions, over 100 restaurants with full range menus from around the world, bars, clubs, galleries and frequent festivals, everything, to satisfy both kind of travelers, the adventure lovers and those who prefer the convenience  a metropolis. Adelaide’s good taste goes beyond gastronomy, and reaches the arts in all of its manifestations. Many attractions are only a short drive away. Ten minutes to the Penfolds winery headquarters, 20 to the beaches and hills, an hour to Barosse and its vineyards, and a little closer to McLaren Vale, “where wines meet the sea”.

Adelaide keeps the wonderful architecture of the early settlers who arrived in 1836. The living legacy of its stone buildings gives the city an air of elegance and order. It is the cultural capital of Australia, a title earned by its WOMADelaide (Adelaide Festival), the Adelaide Fringe, the Feast Festival, Adelaide Cabaret, Adelaide Festival of Ideas and the Adelaide Fashion Festival. It also hosts world-class sporting events such as the Santos Tour Down Under, the World Tennis Challenge and the Clipsal 500 Adelaide. In Adelaide we discover the local culture of the Kaurna, traditional owners and custodians of the plains.

 

Culinary Adelaide

Every day, establishments using local produce who take pride in having impressive cellars increases in Adelaide. For most of the year the climate is very suitable for outdoor dining. The high quality of it’s food and wine culture comes together at exclusive restaurants or casual cafés, in taverns and bars alike. It’s cuisine reflects the Mediterranean, Asian and modern Australian influences and are tailored to each taste and appetite. Of course, the local ingredients are also present, oysters and shrimp from the Eyre Peninsula, homemade Barosse cheese and seasonal produce from the surrounding hills.

Adelaide is the center of detonation of the Australian wine industry. The closest vineyard is “a cork’s throw” from the center of the city. The National Wine Centre of Australia, at the end of North Terrace, presents an exhibition of the national wine industry. It has a tasting gallery and interactive displays, covering all aspects of wine making. Penfolds, the maker of the Grange label, is only15 minutes away, offering tastings and historical tours.

There are entire streets with countless choices for lunch or dinner. Rundle, for example, is known for its outdoor cafes. Gouger Street concentrates Asian restaurants and is ideal for seafood and excellent steaks. Melbourne and O’Connell Streets in the north are famous for its eclectic mix of pubs, fine restaurants and cafes.

The Australian Good Food Guide lists 489 restaurants in Adelaide. Executive Chef Dennis Leslie from The Brasserie Restaurant at The 

Adelaide Hilton Hotel was awarded with the huge golden cup “International Robarra Epicurean Award”. The Robarra is a native fish from Lake Awoonga.

 

The Brasserie is a meeting place for friends, corporate events and very cheerful fashion shows on Friday. The new morning menu includes 150 choices, fresh fruit juice, eggs any style and “homemade bakery.” For lunch, The Brasserie offers 28 delicious dishes prepared with the finest local produce we highly recommend the grilled Barossa feta cheese. Fleurie Milk is a dessert worthy of kings and queens made with Creme Catalan, Tuile licorice and sweetened orange juice. 

Dinner crowns the day with a cut of Wagyu (cattle originally from Japan) accompanied by Broccolini with lemon and Béarnaise sauce. A treat that will require some time to rest before going to bed.

Along with The Brasserie, several restaurants are at the summit of fine dining in Adelaide, Our sample was chosen a bit at random, but it would be unfair not to make a special mention of the Lenzerheide. This restaurant serves not only traditional dishes that have stood the test time, but also innovations worthy of palates who seek to know what the excellent cuisine in the Lenzerheide has to offer. A sumptuous elegance holding 30 culinary awards since 1995. The view from Windy Point is as spectacular as the Carpaccio Huon Salmon with aioli squid sauce, shredded and fried passion fruit and the smoked paprika oil, a contemporary Australian cuisine prepared with local produce. You might consider also the Silvestri’s Restaurant, which knows how to satisfy its clientele, and Chloe’s, a villa with Victorian architecture and a tasteful decor which only enhances the culinary experience.

 

 

Three 5 Stars Hotels

 The Sebel Playford Adelaide Hotel

The Sebel Playford Adelaide is a boutique hotel which mixes with great taste the classic luxury Art Nouveau style and the contemporary. It has 182 rooms that show a refined taste in decor and a careful selection of furniture and accessories. Cleanliness, functionality and all the necessary details for a restful sleep. It’s located at North Terrace, 9 km from the airport and surrounded by the Convention Center, The Sky City Casino, near the Festival Theatre, the Parliament and right in the Central Business District area which concentrates a wide selection of designer shops and restaurants at the level of the most refined taste. This central location is ideal for the traveller.

Even if you are not staying here, the bar is worth a visit to enjoy its excellent cuisine and music. The staff has such disposition to help guests, that everything becomes easy in the Sebel, I must give credit on this, to Mr. Daniel Sparr, who is in charge of the hotel management.

All rooms have a classic and creative décor, they are spacious and clean. The standard room is equipped with a king size bed, and is stocked with gourmet tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The Playford room can have a king size bed or two double beds. The De Luxe rooms are equipped with king size beds and are located on the upper floors of the building, all the furniture is first class and all rooms include 3 hours of free Internet access.

The Studio Suite consists of a bedroom with a king size bed and a flat screen TV, a separate room, a kitchenette, shower and Jacuzzi. The Loft Suite is a two-story New York style loft with luxury finishes. Upstairs is the master bedroom with a king size bed and a flat screen TV, below is the living room. It has a shower and Jacuzzi. Smoking Suite is available upon request. Finally, the North Terrace Suite has its own Spa. It has almost residential amplitude, a particularly attentive staff and a King Size bed.  Of course, there is also gourmet tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

Its award-winning Playford Restaurant is at the helm of Chef Tania Tauakume and offers an international variety of dishes prepared with produce from South Australia. It also has an extensive cellar of fine wines from this and other regions. The chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto are worthy of mention. It is one of several dishes of Playford that will remain forever in the memory of those who try it.

 

InterContinental Adelaide

The entrance to the emblematic InterContinental Adelaide Hotel is majestic, large, and ostentatious, with no visual obstructions in front to appreciate it, only a green meadow and some ornamental trees. Consequently, the Lobby is spacious, full of light and has that glow that heralds the good service and cleanliness of its facilities. It is alongside the Torrens River, an excellent starting point for everything that is important in this interesting city. It is a short distance from the galleries, gardens, the Festival Centre, exclusive boutique shops and the Adelaide Oval.

If you are looking to satisfy your appetite and taste for excellence, you don’t need to leave the hotel. Both of it’s restaurants are a guaranteed feast. Discover why the Shiki has many awards, by tasting their local and Japanese seafood recipes. Something else that must be enjoyed without leaving the hotel is it’s outdoor pool located on the roof terrace and it’s view of the city captured from the top of the building and, of course, their stunning rooms.

 

The Superior and Superior King Bed Rooms are spacious, well-equipped, with king size beds, marble bathrooms, separate toilet, Internet and a desk. The Superior Suites with a King Size Bed are located on the upper floors and have amazing views of Adelaide’s river, and the Cathedral of San Pedro, with the hills as a scenery background. The distribution and furniture are cozy, and the bathrooms have the same features as the suites described above. This Suite adds a plush comforter to each bed, a large work area and many comfort and luxurious details. The Club Intercontinental Room is designed according to the parameters of the Club Intercontinental rooms around the world. It is located on the 21st floor and guests have access to a hot breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Those staying at the King River View Club Intercontinental,   have access to the Club Lounge, which serves buffet breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The Intercontinental Suite on the 12th floor, is equipped with a king size bed and is distinguished by its ample open areas. The bathroom is a separate room from the bedroom and has a huge work area. It is optimal for business or family travellers.

 

The InterContinental Adelaide has an outdoor pool, a health club and sauna for guests to enjoy. Services include a business center, meeting rooms and a ballroom, currency exchange and a smoking area.

 

 Hilton Adelaide Hotel

Location, location, location, is the main factor that makes the Hilton Adelaide Hotel ideal. It is in the heart of the city, boiling point of all the fun that Adelaide has to offer, its shopping and good restaurants. It is next to Central Market and within walking distance of Victoria Square, Chinatown and Gouger Street (with it’s string of superb restaurants). Definitely worth the short drive to Glenleg, a popular beach near the suburb with the same name, in Holdfast Bay.

Other interesting destinations not too far by going along North Terrace are the Casino, the Convention Centre and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Most of Adelaide’s major attractions are within a five minute walking distance, two examples are the Adelaide Oval and the Botanical Gardens.

The Hilton Adelaide is four miles from the airport and a mile from the Convention Center. It has 17 flexible meeting or special event rooms. The Business Center provides secretarial assistance, 

Internet and mail services. The Health Centre (SPA) is open 24 hours and is equipped with a sauna. The outdoor pool is heated and the hotel also offers a tennis court.

The variety of rooms of impeccable presence and décor, are enhanced by the careful design of lighting. The hotel includes Suites, Executive Rooms and Deluxe Rooms. The windows of each of the rooms at the Hilton Adelaide bring amazing sights of the city, the hills and the Adelaide Bay.

The formal restaurant, The Brasserie, described above, is an exciting shiny enclosure, with several times award-winning cuisine and holder of the trademark for authentic local style, the Seriously South Australian ®. For after lunch or dinner, relax in the cozy Lobby Lounge with your favorite beverage. If you prefer to retire to your room, the Room Service from The Brasserie is open 24 hours. Now, if you want lengthening the night.

 

 

Nightlife

By nightfall different places come alive. They are the taverns or “pubs”, clubs and bars at the Rundle and Hindley Street area, the Light Square Plaza. If we add all the theaters, the big movie theaters and the Adelaide Casino, the result is a huge variety of options to spend a wonderful evening. My recommendation in Adelaide, seek help from the locals when you do not know which place to choose, they always help willingly.

The greatest shows come to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Hindmarsh, and to the   Adelaide Festival Centre Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Town Hall and the Lion Arts Centre. All these places are present the South Australia’s opera, the theater and contemporary dance companies, and theater touring groups.

Hundreds of pubs and clubs all across Adelaide feature musicians, bands, comedians and DJs. The movie theaters range from Megaplex to beautiful Art Deco and are operated by local organizations and art galleries. Worth attending is the Moonlight Cinema in the Botanic Gardens, where they feature the latest blockbusters and classic dramas alike. In the historical building of the Adelaide Railway Station is the Adelaide Casino, which offers an exciting mix of bars, restaurants, live music and gambling.

The National Wine Center is an architectural delight, but the real attraction is its contents. Located at the edge of the wonderful Botanical Gardens, is an exciting tourist site featuring the Australian wine industry “from wine to the bottle”.

 

The Concours Café is open every day, so we can relax and enjoy tasting a good assortment of Australian wines, an espresso, and a selection of Australian cheeses or, we could order from the weekend menus and “a la carte” with delicacies of the season.

 

Art and Culture

Adelaide is a city, famous for it’s creative culture, both modern and traditional. This is shown in the Art Gallery of South Australia. The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery in the South Australian Museum on North Terrace, houses the largest existing southern hemisphere collection of artifacts used by the Aborigines. The guides bring their unique vision of the ceremonies and ancient cultures.

Near Grenfell Street is the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, the oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed facility. It exhibits the work of Torres Strait Islander and emerging artists.

Warriparinga is only 20 minutes south of downtown, in Marion. It is a traditional Karuna camp, where you will find the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre. Only 25 minutes west of the city, in Port Adelaide is the Better World Art Gallery which also specializes in local art and beautiful handmade rugs, cushions and jewelry.

 

In the field of science, the small city of Adelaide has already four Nobel Prize winners. William Henry Bragg, for his studies of X-ray crystal structure; William Lawrence Bragg, the youngest, so far and the only winner whose father also won a Nobel Prize; Robin Warren, for his studies on the Pylori heliobacteria, and Howard Florey, who played a role to make penicillin accessible.

 

 

Text: Alfonso López Collada ± Photo: South Australia Tourism Office / NING / Pier /Mattsko / Ozin / XERO / Academic Acu /