Palmer is a quiet one-pub town on the road to Mannum in the Adelaide Hills. The fields surrounding the town are littered with granite boulders and many have been vandalised by nature hating egotists with spray cans. The small town and disappointing vandalism is hiding a brilliant secret - the wonderful Palmer Hotel.
I have visited twice now, the second time to ensure my first experience was not a fluke. The interior of the hotel is typical of an old country pub. Thick stone walls and rustic decoration, but clean and well kept. The tables in the dining room are plain and no tablecloths are supplied.
The first time I booked in, the only 'table' available was the pool table. A sheet of chipboard on top and a couple of chrome table number stands gave 2 extra places when the 2 other dining areas were full. This gave me a clue that this place was more than a rough and basic restaurant reheating frozen garbage.
This popularity, despite the rather unsophisticated surroundings made sense once I took my first bite of that ol' staple - Chicken Parmy!
The chicken was juicy and tender. The breading an even golden, with no burning. Even and light, the topping was tasty and beautifully presented. Quality cheese without any oily aftertaste.
Half size portions were available, which my wife appreciated. The serves are a 'normal' size, no 'huge schnitzel that hangs over the plate' gimmick needed here. Just wonderfully prepared fresh food, finished to perfection and served without fanfare.
The family at the other end of the pool table made it clear to the waitress that this was the best schnitzel they had ever had. I reserved my own praise, but I admit I felt the same.
On our second visit, I revisited the Chook Parmy and my wife tried a seafood basket. The Parmy was as before. The fisherman's basket at the same level as most pubs (prawns, mussels being the bulk frozen variety available at all pubs and nothing to get excited about) but the flathead fish was cooked to perfection and the batter light and perfect. It appears that where the kitchen has the chance to work, the results are exceptional.
The huge dog lazing on the couch, simple tables and cutlery wrapped in paper napkins. A tiny town with little traffic and limited opening hours. This pub should be dead, but instead it's restaurant is often reservations only - proof that if you put love and pride into your work, success will follow.
Highly recommend - search out the 'home made' items on the menu. read more