The Scenic Hotel has a very cosy, country pub feel to it, despite only being five minutes up Norton Summit Road. It feels like you’re hours out of town, which is quite nice after a long day at work. The restaurant itself is very intimate, with only a couple of tables in each room, providing a great sense of privacy and tranquillity. The view over the hills from the balcony is sensational.
The Scenic gets extra credit for A) having two schnitzel nights per week (clearly they recognise the important things in life) and B) having four different types of schnitzel available. In addition to your token chicken and beef schnitzels, the Scenic also offers kangaroo and – yes, you are not mis-reading this – an eggplant schnitzel.
Naturally we chose one of the schnitzel nights (Wednesday, I believe – Tuesday is the other night), and took advantage of the $13 meals on offer. And for that price, they were excellent. My kangaroo schnitzel was pretty similar to a normal beef schnitzel, although the kangaroo flavour gives it a little extra. A much-welcome patriotic spin on a pub classic. The crumb-to-meat ratio was perhaps a little high but, aside from that, difficult to fault. Everybody who got the chicken schnitzel was also very satisfied. The meat was thick, tender, unprocessed and nicely crumbed. The taste was pretty close to a perfect five. The chips and salad were also to everyone’s satisfaction, although I don’t know why 90% of restaurants insist on hiding the chips underneath the schnitty.
The eggplant schnitzel was predictably average but hey, points for trying. At least they’re extending a hand of friendship to our vegetarian brothers and sisters.
The desserts here are also definitely worth a look.
The Verdict: A nice drive, a nice place, a nice schnitzel, a mighty fine night. Give it a go.
Taste: 4.5/5, Size: 3.5/5, Value: 4/5, Sides: 3.5/5, Dining Experience: 4/5
Overall: 78%
