100 things you must eat in SA

LOOSEN your belt and feast your eyes on this bucket list of the state's best food experiences. 

SA's Top 100 Food Experiences: Part 6.

Reviews: Simon Wilkinson, Dianne Mattsson, Tony Love, Kylie Fleming, Katie Spain, Renato Castello, Michelangelo Rucci, Tory Shepherd, David Jean

Banana cake

Banana cake at Devour Dessert Bar.

Never think ho-hum at Devour, even if the simple description is banana cake. Softly spoken, modest chef Quang Nguyen’s personality is reflected in the menu writings, but on the plate his inner extrovert plays out, this time in a layered concoction not quite deconstructed, rather a construction of delicate cake, caramel banana cream and white chocolate vanilla mousse. Not stopping there, the cake is brought into true dessert realms with a stalk of beautifully caramelised banana, and textural wonder in toffee popcorn, popcorn powder and popcorn ice cream. Will you ever eat the regular BC again?

While you’re there: For a full menu, including all-day breakfast and lunch cook-ups, try Quang’s new Devour Patisserie in Richmond.

Devour Dessert Bar
96 Prospect Rd, Prospect
0411 536 343
www.facebook.com/DevourDessertBar

Sfogliatelle

Sfogiatelle at From Scratch.

Young baker Jonny Pisanelli, now running From Scratch on his own, makes the closest version we’ve found to the heavenly sfogliatelle of Naples, where some places will take them from the oven every 15 minutes to sell them warm and super-crisp. Jonny’s little ridged shell is golden, light and crunchy, filled with a ricotta mix that never strays too far to the sweet side. Look out for his move to a permanent home during the year and, until then, his little cart in Leigh St each Friday morning.

While you’re there: She might not win a beauty contest, but Ugly Rasp-betty is the jam doughnut of your dreams.

From Scratch
Leigh St, Adelaide on Friday
Adelaide Farmers Market, Sunday 

Cannoli

Cannoli at Dolce Classico.

It’s hard to believe we have only just found these divine cannoli. The buttery pastry tubes are made fresh each morning by hairdresser-turned baker Maria de Ieso and gleam with a newly baked glaze. They are then filled with a smooth, creamy egg custard for a dessert that is the ultimate luxury alongside a good cup of coffee. Door sales at Dolce Classico's Norwood bakery or at Mercato and Bottega Rotolo on Saturdays.

While you’re there: Look out for the diplomatico, layers of buttery pastry, custard and sponge soaked in liqueur.

Dolce Classico
33 Chapel St, Norwood
8362 9723

Waffles

Waffles at Naughty Spot.

It’s easy to waffle on about The Naughty Spot run by Aurelie Maldague and Magenta Potocnik.

The waffle menu here changes all the time so expect something different each visit. Sweet delights include the indulgent but sublime Swiss Invasion waffle served with double Swiss chocolate ice cream, Belgian chocolate and grated Toblerone. Waffle queen Aurelie follows the classic Belgian style and uses sugar pearls which caramelise when cooking and add a nice chewy texture.

While you’re there: Balance the sweet with the savoury. Try an Alps baguette with prosciutto, French raclette cheese and American pickle.

The Naughty Spot
Hutt St, Adelaide
8373 2044
www.facebook.com/spotonhutt

Macarons

Macarons at the Mac Factory.

Macarons might not be quite as fashionable now as a few years back, but when they look as good as these, who is going to resist? Silvana Agostino has perfected the art of making the glossy almond biscuits so they always have the perfect balance of crisp shell and inner-chew. They come in a rainbow-range of colours and flavours that sometimes aren’t what you expect — the green watermelon, for example, or purple raspberry. Presentation is spot-on in boxes holding anywhere from two to 50 macarons.

While you’re there: Silvana makes macaron towers and pyramids for weddings and other functions.

The Mac Factory
Upstairs, 190b Hutt St, Adelaide
8223 3887
www.themacfactory.com.au

Black Forest doughnut

Black Forest doughnut from Clarendon Bakery.

From the outside, this big brick of a doughnut looks all sweet and simple, with a sugary coating that sticks to lips and fingers. But bite into the package and you will find a generous filling of plump cherries that make it all quite delicious. While it’s only a short drive from the southern suburbs, this bakery has the feel of a proper country business.

While you’re there: If you really want to ramp up the indulgence, ask for your doughnut to be split open and slathered with fresh cream.

Clarendon Bakery
Main Rd, Clarendon
8383 6016 

Jelly cake

Jelly cake

A reminder of nanna’s specialty, normally reserved for the grandchildren and a few sneaky adults, these vivid pink, jelly-soaked cakes are split around a dollop and a half lashing of fresh cream, all rolled in long shreds of coconut. This bakehouse version has the same excellent crumb, with jolly good coffee, or make it a hot chocolate for a double treat.

While you’re there: Take someone along so you can also bite into a vanilla slice with just the right sweetness and silky, oozy custard wobble.

Fullarton Bakehouse
Shop 1, 383 Fullarton Rd, Fullarton
8299 9890 

Fleur de Sel

Steven Ter Horst chocolatiers.

The master chocolatier has moved into a bigger cafe/showroom in the East End and expanded his range of jewel-like creations and exquisite gateaux. The little ridged cup of the Fleur de Sel might seem a “plain Jane” among the other “girls” with their elaborate painted decorations. But we still can’t go past that filling of luscious caramel offset by just the right number of flakes of Maldon sea salt. A classic.

While you’re there: Meet Claire, Jeanette and Zoe.

Steven ter Horst
256 Rundle Street, Adelaide
7226 6216
www.steventerhorst.com.au 

Chocolate frog

A giant chocolate frog from Haigh’s.

Yes, it’s only a few days since Easter and you probably don’t want to look at another chocolate egg. But the Haigh’s frog is a treat you can have all year round, whether it’s a sneaky little fella to get you through a day, or the 375g Super Frog for the true chocoholic. All sizes are available in that trademark honey-toned milk chocolate, milk with peppermint and dark.

While you’re there: For those with a more serious interest in chocolate, try the Ecuadorean single origin.

Haigh’s
2 Rundle Mall, Adelaide
www.haighschocolates.com.au 

Golden North Honey Ice-Cream

Golden North honey ice cream.

The taste of summer holidays and long drives through the country. Whether it’s bought in a supermarket tub or scooped into a cone, the honey ice-cream is super-creamy and has a delicious caramel sweetness from the blue gum honey that’s used in the mix. Golden North is still based in the Mid-North town of Laura and owned by five South Australian families.

While you’re there: Look out for the new Sumptuous range, including a honey ice-cream with choc-honeycomb chunks.

Supermarkets and ice-creameries
www.goldennorth.com.au