Reviewed: The one-dish diner Spaghetti Crab
SPAGHETTI Crab’s menu comprises only one dish - crab and spaghetti. The one-dish wonder is great for a crowd, with no problems splitting bills, and no worries about who has what.
SOMETIMES, out with friends not seen in a while, we’re so busy talking that making menu decisions seems to get in the way.
Sometimes, the chef’s “feed-me” option is a quick solution.
On a more cheap-and-cheerful outing, this diner, run by the local Ruby Red Flamingo crew, offers a different take. While the enduring pop-up’s business plan surely wasn’t designed to kowtow to “busy talking”, the menu comprises only one dish - crab and spaghetti. Handy.
The one-dish wonder is great for a crowd, with no problems splitting bills, no worries about who has what.
There’s a super party vibe at simple blond timber booths set around central fun-bus stations and an open kitchen. And we all look a bit silly together after donning plastic neck-to-chest bibs, so who cares if we splatter ourselves or the paper-topped table.
A retro flowered plate, just like mum’s old dinner set, or a group spag-crab platter is loaded with perfectly al dente pasta doused in tasty tomato. On the side is bread, chilli, and a little pan with more sauce in case anyone wants the spag swimming in it. Splayed on top are freshly cooked crabs aplenty, all for $29. For me, the added chilli clinches the flavour.
The dish is borrowed from an old family recipe of Carmela Ventura, wife of Adelaide restaurant stalwart and Ruby Red owner Vic Ventura.
We’re assured the crab is the locally treasured blue swimmer. Right now it’s not at the height of its season, which might explain why it is not quite as firm and sweet as we might expect, with a slightly mooshy texture. Perhaps, it’s because I make a clumsy mess picking meat from the shells, or, could it have had a minute less in the pot?
Drinks are also limited to a red, white or prosecco, or BYO is $12.
Go easy on that pasta. Concentrate on the crab. We’ve hoed in, so never consider asking for a Drumstick, reportedly on hand for those who still need sweets.