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Redsalt bar and Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Hotel

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Named after redsalt found in the Murray River region which is famed for its high quality and unique flavour, Crowne Plaza's Redsalt lays claim to the same attributes. Although not entirely unique (the restaurant is based on a model found in Crowne Plaza hotels throughout the country bearing the same name), the concept is at least unique to Darwin. And the environment gives one the impression that here, things are done with care. Cane chairs sit at linen-clad tables upon honey-coloured wood floorboards, while gorgeous photographic prints hang from whitewashed walls and wooden Venetians split the room.

There are no surprises on the menu, but it is enticing nonetheless. If you're looking for something light to have with drinks in the bar area, the mezze plate (including grilled octopus, kalamata olives, seafood chowder, lamb kebabs and grilled salmon) is your best bet. But if you want the whole kit and caboodle, start with the likes of warm crusty bread accompanied by a seafood entree such as oysters Kilpatrick or the chargrilled baby octopus with fattoush salad and chickpea dressing; follow with one of Redsalt's premium steaks (fillet, scotch fillet, sirloin or rib eye) served with your choice of creamy mash potato, potato gratin or chunky chips and sauce; and top it off with rhubarb and ginger crumble with vanilla anglaise.

Shelley Hepworth, June 2007