Ondeen

Ondeen is home to what might be one of the Adelaide’s most thrilling food and drink pairings. On one hand is a menu by Topiary’s Kane Pollard, who’s bringing his locavore philosophy to the equation. On the other is a complement of small-batch spirits by Full Circle, one of the state’s most exciting distilleries. It all comes together inside a heritage homestead in Verdun with spectacular countryside views.

As part-owner and culinary director, Pollard’s à la carte and set menu offerings embrace the bounty of the surrounding landscape, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of the journey from farm to table. Opening menu highlights included brined tomato and smoked mussels on fried toast; pickled sardines served with cauliflower cream and sweet corn; and a honey malt crème caramel with fresh honeycomb.

In harmony with Pollard’s closed-loop cooking, head distiller and Ondeen co-owner Rose Kentish sources botanicals for Full Circle from all over South Australia, from backyard oranges to Riverland lemons from Kangaroo Island. Multiple spirit tastings are on the cards, including a vodka and gin tasting, a liqueur tasting, a whisky tasting and a non-alcoholic tasting.

Ondeen is the first stage of a long-term plan by Pollard, Kentish and co-owner/general manager Deborah Kingsbury to turn the 1850s property – with its sweeping views and surrounding vineyards – into a sustainable, experiential tourism destination showcasing local producers and artisans.