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Xanadu Wines and some Chocolate, Margaret River

Posted by  | Categories: Featured, Margaret River, Regional WA, Restaurants, Travel, Winery

It was our first morning at Chandeliers on Abbey and we woke up to nothing but the soft twitter of birds.  The peace and quiet of the country coupled with an amazingly comfortable bed had allowed both of us to get the first uninterrupted night’s sleep since my evil gastro hit nearly a week ago.  Although I still wasn’t quite 100%, I definitely felt much more revived, refreshed and ready to eat again.  What perfect timing.

Our chalet had a fridge stocked with some fresh orange juice, milk, eggs and butter and a pantry stocked with tea and coffee.  I had presumed there would be nothing for us to eat in the chalet for breakfast, so I brought some gluten-free bread, avocado and tomatoes from our fridge at home. These fresh provisions were combined for a quick and satisfying cooked breakfast and feeling energised off we set on a self-guided tour.  I planned to stop in at a few old favourites mixed in with a couple of places we hadn’t visited before.

Our favourites included the picturesque Clairault Wines where I was delighted to see they had a special on their cases of Chardonnay – obviously I had to take advantage of this offer!  The Boy was so sweet and without complaint was my skipper for the day.  He knew what a horrid week I had and wanted me to enjoy myself too. So that he didn’t bore too much from winery upon winery, we stopped in at the Bootleg Brewery where he grabbed a mixed six-pack and some Pilsner to enjoy back at the chalet later.

"Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "chocolate" "gourmet" "Margaret River Chocolate Factory" "Gabriel chocolate" "single origin chocolate"

Assorted truffles at the Margaret River Chocolate Company

No visit to Margaret River is complete without a stop at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. I get so excited at their tubs of free choc buds – they contain white, dark and milk buds.  Kids line up at the tubs scooping out handfuls at a time (thankfully using the spoon not their bare hands!)

Margaret River Chocolate Company on Urbanspoon

"Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "chocolate" "gourmet" "Margaret River Chocolate Factory" "Gabriel chocolate" "single origin chocolate"

We bought a sample of their truffles to enjoy for the drive down to Xanadu for lunch but as we journeyed further south we drove past another much newer chocolatey venue called Gabriel Chocolate. I recall reading a review of this place on Food Endeavours of the Blue Apocalypse and was intrigued to see how they compared to the mainstream MRCF.

"Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "chocolate" "gourmet" "Margaret River Chocolate Factory" "Gabriel chocolate" "single origin chocolate"

Gabriel’s sources of cocoa beans

Gabriel chocolate differs from many fine chocolatiers in that they import the actual cocoa beans (rather than chocolate) to make all their lovely treats.  This basically means that they can make chocolate from beans that have been obtained from only one part of the world or even just one plantation. Just like wine made from the same grapes but grown in different regions, the flavour from cocoa beans can vary depending on the climate they are grown in and we both found it fascinating comparing different textures, aromas and taste that each region imparted to its beans.

Gabriel Chocolate on Urbanspoon

"menu Xanadu" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "Xanadu Wines" "Margaret River wineries" "winery lunch"

Being the Easter weekend, Xanadu Wines was fully booked and as we arrived a number of less organised people were being turned away due to a lack of a reservation.  All the staff were all so bubbly and welcoming, and within minutes of us being seated at our table the manager came over to acknowledge us and advised me he was fully aware of my allergy requirements.  I was advised that most items off the menu could be easily adapted and we were introduced to our waiter for the afternoon.

"Wild mushroom" "quinoa" "butternut pumpkin" "salted ricotta" "sage" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "Xanadu Wines" "Margaret River wineries" "winery lunch"

Wild mushroom with quinoa, butternut pumpkin, salted ricotta, sage (no onion)

Of course I ordered the mushroom entrée.  My obsession with this vegetable continues.  Served with soft butternut pumpkin and quinoa I felt like I was being so good to my body while still enjoying such wonderful flavours.  This was my first time trying quinoa at a restaurant and I enjoyed the nutty texture.  Prior to my gluten-free days I was a big fan of couscous and it is one of the things I miss (along with buttery croissants).  I can see how this ancient grain could serve as a replacement to couscous in many of my old recipes!

"Masala prawns" "seafood" "curried lentils" "carrot & yoghurt puree" "coconut dressing" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "Xanadu Wines" "Margaret River wineries" "winery lunch"

Masala prawns, curried lentils, carrot & yoghurt puree, coconut dressing

The Boy ordered the Marsala prawns with curried lentils, carrot and yoghurt purée topped with a coconut dressing.  A good indicator of the quality of his meal can always be measured by how quickly he devours it and trust me those prawns didn’t linger long on the plate!

"grilled gold band snapper fillet" "sweet corn" "pickled mushrooms" "pancetta" "olive and green bean salad""Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "Xanadu Wines" "Margaret River wineries" "winery lunch"

Grilled gold band snapper fillet, sweet corn and pickled mushrooms, pancetta, olive and green bean salad

As my stomach was still undersized from its usual capacity I stuck with ordering light meals and chose the fish of the day.  It was a Gold band snapper fillet and the chef kindly adapted the sides to accommodate for my allergies. The fish flaked away gently under my fork and I was surprised at the size of the portion.

"Confit duck leg" "smoked duck breast" "fig salad" "orange braised witlof" "quince vinaigrette" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "Xanadu Wines" "Margaret River wineries" "winery lunch"

Confit duck leg, smoked duck breast & fig salad, orange braised witlof, quince vinaigrette

The Boy ordered the duck which came with zesty orange braised witlof and a fig salad.  It was drizzled in sweet, sticky quince vinaigrette.  The duck was tender and not overcooked or dry.

"Mandarin and almond cake" "almond praline" "olive oil ice cream" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "Xanadu Wines" "Margaret River wineries" "winery lunch"

Mandarin and almond cake, almond praline and olive oil ice cream

Despite feeling pretty full I was determined to have dessert.  There were a number of gluten-free options available which was quite exciting.  I chose the mandarin and almond cake with olive oil ice cream.  It was so moist and was warmed slightly. As I scooped a mouthful of ice cream and cake simultaneously onto my spoon I delighted that the ice cream melted perfectly into my mouth and not on my plate.

"Poached pear" "smoked vanilla cream" "oat cookie" "caramel ice cream" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" Chompchomp "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Margaret River" "Margaret River restaurant reviews" "Margaret River accommodation review" "Xanadu Wines" "Margaret River wineries" "winery lunch"

Poached pear, smoked vanilla cream, oat cookie, caramel ice cream

The Boy wasn’t going to have any dessert as he was also feeling near capacity but I coaxed him into trying the poached pear on the fact that it came also with ice cream.  His addiction to ice cream parallels mine for mushrooms.  The caramel ice cream was nothing short of amazing and mixed in with the vanilla cream I had to stop myself from stealing all his dessert.  I will definitely be back!

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Xanadu Wines
Boodjidup Road, Margaret River 6285 | (08) 9758 9500 | www.xanaduwines.com
 
Price:                     $$$$ Accepts Entertainment Card (Entrees $18, Mains $36, 2 course special $49, 3 course special $65)
Food:                    4.8/5 (wonderful fresh, clean and locally sourced food))
Service:                5/5 (discreetly attentive, friendly, oozed great teamwork and positivity)
Ambience:          3.5/5 (would have been better with a bit of a view)
Drinks:                  4/5 (we shared a bottle of the lively fruity Xanadu Sauvignon blanc Semillion 2011)
Total:                    17.3/20
 

Xanadu Restaurant on Urbanspoon