The Archer

http://www.archerhotel.com.au/

Greetings schnitzel aficionados,

One of my favourite things about the meal we all love so, is that a good schnitty is an appropriate meal for almost every occasion. Be you in the mood for a massive feast, a quick meal before a footy match, brunch with your Grandmother or a romantic dinner, the schnitzel will always fit the bill. Today’s outing took Mark and I to a pub for our friend Dave’s birthday – and this time, it’s a Sunday lunch that we’re after. And what could go down better on a lazy Sunday afternoon than a lovely big schnitzel?

The Archer Hotel, the second time pub we’ve visited in North Adelaide, has a lovely atmosphere, and despite the fact that it’s a bit cold, the company is very warm today. It was to be a significant day for me – see I’ve always loved a good chicken schnitzel, no matter the topping! Chicken schnitzel with gravy, chicken schnitzel with mushroom gravy, ‘Mexican style’ chicken schnitzel, ‘Hawaiian style’ chicken schnitzel – and my favourite topping of all – parmigiana. And of course, a beef schnitzel can really hit the spot as well – especially with gravy or pepper sauce. But there’s one combination I’ve never been game to try – a beef schnitzel, with parmigiana sauce.

“A beef parmi?” I question my friends in the queue waiting to order - “Surely that’s just going to be strange?” But, quivering with anxiety, and out of love for you, the reader, I place my order. Did the bartender look at me like I was a big of a weirdo, or did I just imagine it? Prepare to learn, first hand, whether or not the beef parmi is any match for its more popular counterpart.

Twenty minutes later and things aren’t looking good - no schnitzel has yet appeared in front of me. Good conversation can only keep a man occupied for so long, and without food soon I’ll begin to get bored. A friend of Dave’s, who I’ve just met – Richard – has ordered a coffee to sustain him for the long wait. Unfortunately for him, the coffee has arrived lukewarm – despite a specific order that it be served ‘hot’. “This is really disappointing”, he was heard to remark.

The time seems to passing by very slowly, we’re managing to keep ourselves sane by watching a fly buzzing around the room. Finally, our meals arrive – and we are eating a full half-hour after our orders are made. Mark’s chicken schnitzel is of a respectable size, is presented nicely and tastes like it should. My beef parmigiana goes down surprisingly well – I would recommend that, if you ever find yourself not feeling like a chicken parmigiana (unlikely), that the beef be a viable alternative.

The meals are of average size, we would have been disappointed had we been out for dinner, but for a ‘lunch schnitzel’ these were appropriate. The chips and salad provided are ample, and tasty, while nothing out of the ordinary.

The Verdict: The Archer certainly knows how to make a schnitzel, and I would certainly recommend a visit for a nice lunch. If you’re looking for a big dinner, however, I would probably look elsewhere.

Size 3.5/5, Taste 4/5, Sides 3.5/5, Value 3.5/5, Experience 3/5
Total 70%