If there’s one thing I dig more than a fantastic and lasting first impression, it’s having my mind changed for me after a bad one.
When a ‘Meh, whatever…’, turns into a ‘Love you forever!!’
I don’t like admitting this, but sadly when it came to Windy Point, Cory and I have always been huge fans of the Café, but never cared much for the Starlight Room restaurant.
Granted, we haven’t dined there in over 8 years so obviously alot would have changed, and I won’t bore you with the details, but you know the old adage… Once bitten, twice shy…
Anyhoo, Cory and I were fortunate enough to be invited last week by our good Friend Dougal and Justin Miles, the executive chef and general manager at Windy Point, to an 8 course degustation of their new 2015 Summer menu.
And, I’ve gotta say, I was excited.
I felt it in my waters, the strong tides could be about to turn, and the die that had been previously cast all those years ago, could be about to roll again…
Dish #1 – House Made Olive Bread with Hindmarsh Valley butter
On the drive home when I opened my goodie bag and found one of these bread rolls in there as a parting gift from Windy Point, I did a little happy dance.
When this delectable, cold proved (overnight) bread filled with kalamata olives made its way to the table accompanied by a perfectly salted butter, I immediately thought, THIS is death row, last meal material.
Warm and deliciously fragrant. Even with the anticipation of the following seven courses, I still went back for seconds. Order it, or be prepared to live with the regret… Just saying…
Dish #2 – Chilli French Beans with rosemary and garlic custard, parsnip chips, mushroom pangrattato
I inhaled this dish. Inhaled it.
Perfectly cooked beans with a hint of chilli, balanced out with a velvety custard. The crunchy parsnips and the pangratto… A herbivores delight, but even the most carnivorous person will appreciate this dish.
I wanted more, and judging by the empty plates surrounding me, I definitely wasn’t alone.
Dish #3 – Huon Ocean Trout Carpaccio with squid ink aioli, citrus crisps, smoked paprika oil.
This dish was my pick for the most beautiful plate, and I’m sure you can see why.
It looked like a garden party and tasted like a beach party.
Melt in the mouth trout with that perfectly salty aioli, then finished off with a hint of citrus and some party popping roe. This is a truly gorgeous dish, one of my top picks, and I would order it again without fail.
Dish #4 – St. Vincent Gulf Snapper Fillet with olive braised octopus, smoky leek and skordalia.
My piece of fish was cooked to per-fec-tionnnnnn. Crispy skin, and still glistening and slightly translucent inside. It flaked into pieces, under the lightest touch of my fork.
The garlicky, salty skordalia and melting octopus… Yiamas!
But, then, the smoked leeks… THE. SMOKED. LEEKS… That is all.
Dish #5 – Eunju Gui Pork Belly with pineapple chutney, apple caramel, carrot salad
I’m going to be totally honest here and say, this was my least favourite of all the dishes.
Please know, this is not because it was bad, quite the contrary, I did enjoy it and it was as pretty as a picture. But, when you follow something as delectable as the Snapper and precede something as awe inspiring as the next dish… It’s a seriously tough gig.
Look, maybe I’m just being harsh, because I adore pork belly and I eat it a lot… So, dear friends, I will leave it up to you to decide for yourself, you will likely love it…
Dish #6 – Lacquered and Confit Duck Leg with duck and spiced pumpkin tart, kohl rabi remoulade
I was looking forward to this, and it didn’t dissapoint. I absolutely annihilated this little duckling.
I was excited about the remoulade having never knowingly eaten kohl rabi before, and it was the perfect, refreshing accompaniment to the unctuous, rich meat and the crispy, crumbly tart.
Ohhhh, and the tart. Did I mention the tart…? Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick.
Dish #7 – Fullblood Sher Wagyu Rib and Seared Sea Scallop with carrot and cumin velvet, charred broccoli, orange and peanuts.
This was, without a single doubt, my drool worthy, Dish. Of. The. Day.
10 out of 10.
I’m not even going to bother describing it. Just do yourself a favour and order it. The end.
Dish #8 – Belgian Chocolate and Hazelnut Palet with brandy snap crumb, blood orange sorbet.
I’m a dark chocolate kinda girl and more of a savoury tooth, so although I enjoyed the Chocolate and Hazelnut Palet and can truly appreciate the mastery behind it, after two bites, I was done.
But, that blood orange sorbet… Whoa Mumma! I could’ve easily done the rounds, licking the icy remnants off my dining companions plates, because I freakin’ loved it!
It was a tangy and smooth delight. A triple scoop cup of just that, and I’d be one happy camper.
Overall, the food was beautiful, the perfectly matched wines were thoughtful, the service was impeccable. And to top it all off, the parting goodie bag filled with all kinds of wonderful… #happiness.
The tides and my mind, have changed.
The experience was nothing short of splendid.
Delectable, delicious and all things fabulous.
Bree’s Verdict: (In the timeless words of Arnie…) I’ll be back.
Until next week xxx
For More information or to make a booking;
Windy Point Restaurant & Café
Windy Point Lookout
Belair Road, Belair
Tel: 08 8278 8255
Windy Point Restaurant, Summer degustation 2015
7 Courses
$185.00 per person with wine pairing
$115.00 per person food only
24 Hours Notice required
All guests at the table must dine on degustation menu
Vegetarian degustation menu available on request
6 comments 
sisterfields of awesome said on February 16, 2015 You do realize, if Cory can't/wont go with you to any type of foodville, let me know & I'll fly straight down & be your + 2! I'm glad Alpaca was not on the menu 
Bree said on February 19, 2015 I'll hold you to that Sisterfields of Awesome xxx
Dougal McFuzzlebutt said on February 16, 2015 So glad you enjoyed it Bree. Windy Point is one of my favourite restaurants for special occasions when you want to wow someone. Justin has definitely taken this restaurant to new heights and his food is something that leaves you drooling for more. 
Adelaidefoodies said on February 16, 2015 A well written article indeed. Glad to see you again Bree. Windy Point's quality of food was truly the top. Hope to see you soon. 
Joanne T Ferguson said on March 3, 2015 G'day great write up of the experience on the night as not only was the food and wine pairing great...was good to catch up with ol', not old friends and any time Cory is unavailable and you need a +1, I'm there Bree! :) Cheers! Joanne