Dinner at the Victory Hotel

On our first visit to McLaren Vale in December 2007, Carol read about some crazy biker bar with an extraordinary wine cellar and good food. It was just bizarre enough for us to give a try.

We have returned from time to time and now we're back again. On our first visit we were seated at plastic patio tables and plastic chairs drinking fine wine from Riedel glasses and a Riedel decanter. We had visited the incredible wine cellar and picked a couple of iconic Aussie drops. It was a wonder we were dining at all. On arrival, the place was as described. The parking full of motorcycles. The bar packed with ruffians looking like they were holding a ZZ Top reunion; a half dozen brogans with beards down to their waists.

They've cleaned up the place a bit. Gone are the plastic tables and plastic chairs. The cellar continues to serve up an amazing selection.

CJ takes advantage of the incredible cellar and selects a French burgundy to compliment both meals. For starters, we splurge for a reasonably priced Pol Roger champagne.

Another fine dinner overlooking the ocean from on high. Carol has salt and pepper squid and CJ on of the best steaks, a filet, he's had in Australia. Like every where else on the planet, there is no substitute for US beef. We don't do a lot great but no one can match US beef. That was a very good and very large filet.