Pikes wines opens Slate Restaurant in the Clare Valley
Dining in the Clare Valley has been given a significant boost with the opening of a stylish new eatery at the Pikes cellar door.
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Dining in the Clare Valley has been given a significant boost with the opening of a stylish new eatery at the Pikes cellar door.
Slate Restaurant is part of a recently completed structure alongside the brewery that also includes a new tasting room and cellar.
The 75-seat dining space opens to a large deck and looks north over rows of vines.
Capacity can be increased further for functions by incorporating the tasting room.
Chef Max Stephenson, who has moved to the region with his family to take over the kitchen, was previously at Mona in Hobart and before that in Europe.
His contemporary Mediterranean-themed menu includes grilled octopus with romesco sauce and pickled basil, locally raised “Wunderbar” lamb rack with harissa, pumpkin and grilled spring onion, and apple tarte tatin with Bryksy’s honey gelato.
A selection of wines from Pikes (and Pike & Joyce) will be expanded to include Australian and international labels in complementary styles and varietals.
They will be stored in a cellar which also doubles as a private dining room for up to 25 people.
Andrew Pike says the restaurant has been a dream of the family business for a long time but the project had become more serious in the past three to four years.
“It’s been a gap in our offering for many years,” he says. “We’ve happily sent customers off to eat all over the Clare Valley. After a while you think we’ve got to be missing something here.”
He says the development reflects confidence in “the industry and our business”, as well as the experience with the Adelaide Hills cellar door of Pike & Joyce.
Slate, he reckons, will offer “elegant casual dining”.
“We’re not tablecloths and silver service. But the aspect and the decor really sits well together.
“And the food that Max is doing is as good as anywhere in the region.”
Slate will reopen Jan 4 for lunch
Fri-Mon. 233 Polish Hill River Rd, Sevenhill, 8843 4370, slate.pikeswines.com.au
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