RESTAURANTS - NED KELLY'S RETREAT

Today, in the eyes of many, Ned Kelly has become Australia's foremost folk–hero and a symbol of national pride. Certainly, Ned possessed qualities that far surpassed the other bushrangers of his era. He was an expert with a “running-iron” on stolen, unbranded stock and was a deadly–accurate shot with a revolver or a rifle. Despite being a largely self–educated man, he was surprisingly articulate, boasted an almost poetic turn of phrase and a sardonic sense of humour. Ned’s family meant everything to him and he was the man of the family at the age of twelve. He was fiercely loyal his friends and supporters, to the extent that he would risk his own skin to ensure the well-being of an ally. Over the years the Kelly Gang have been the subject of numerous books and articles; radio and television programs; movies and theatre productions; and countless souvenir and consumer items. To better understand the Kelly uprising, we recommend further research starting with our book reference section. As readers we gain valuable insight into the depth of Kelly’s resolve. We need look no further than the famous exchange between Ned and his nemesis Sir Redmond Barry during the final stages of his Trial. It was here the self-important Barry, who prided himself on his eloquence and ability to match wits with the best of them, came unstuck when he initiated a courtroom exchange with a man of little formal schooling. That Ned showed Barry up for what he really was — a pompous aristocrat completely out of touch with the common man — became Ned’s final masterstroke. And now in Adelaide, Ned Kelly’s memory lives on in Ned Kelly’s Retreat – a family restaurant that is fully licensed. Situated in the midst of North Adelaide’s popular O’Connell Street, the restaurant is full of memorabilia of this Australian Larrikin. From murals to posters to paintings to large metal sculptures, Ned Kelly is immortalised. But the restaurant does not stop there. The fare available is brilliant Australian cooking with names that add to the dining experience. Most menu items draw their names from Ned, his gang and from the area where he reigned “supreme” as a bush ranger. Start the meal off with some hot toasted damper with cheese and bacon – my favourite – followed by Stringy Bark Creek Chook – tender warm pan-fried chicken strips served on a bed of salad with sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms as an entrée. Then it is a gourmet’s delight to select something from the mains menu appropriately called Ned’s Main Hold Up. My favourite is Grandma Quinn’s Jolly Jumbuck – traditional Aussie loin of lamb cooked the way Grandma Quinn did at the family farm with a choice of roasted capsicum or spring onion sauce – the onion sauce is superb! And then if you have enough room after the very generous serves, various Aussie desserts are available to hold up your culinary interest. To accompany your course, a varied selection of good Aussie wines is also available. If you have young children with you, then they are catered for in a menu appropriately called Ned’s Little Outlaws. To visit Ned Kelly’s Retreat’s home page click here.

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