How fabulous is this? I am looking at an art deco wooden bar fridge in superb condition.  It is definitely the central feature here, laden with quality South Australian wines.

We had been on an afternoon walk around the Hahndorf Resort grounds where we were staying and wandered into the Three Gums Bistro just before sunset.

The massive fire was lit, and in my usual form, I instantly started chatting – this time to the manager, Sharon.

We grabbed a drink and decided this was a better option than cooking dinner.  I do love to cook, but with us heading to Indonesia in two days, my food supplies were dwindling and discovering that the manager’s husband John was the fabulous Head Chef here, we wanted to stay.

Feeling relaxed, we soon were mingling with the other guests.  I love the friendliness of country folk, and soon we were talking about education and travel – two of my favorite subjects.

I must confess, we decided to order ‘comfort food’, with Explorason ordering his favorite Chicken Schnitzel.  But we had been out to dinner in Hahndorf town the night before, and as this is a German town, we really wanted something other than German food for our second night here.

As it turns out, this is a common theme with visitors.

After a few days sampling German fare in Hahndorf, many seek a stylish and alternative Menu that the Three Gums Bistro offers.

(You can view the Menu here)

I decided to try the delicious Roasted and Stuffed Red Peppers, and it was a fantastic vegetarian choice.

We continued to chat with various people throughout the evening as many came and went.  Being a layback and casual restaurant, we met campers arriving who couldn’t be bothered to cook, guests at the cabins and resort, and also others who popped in for an evening meal. Others came for a coffee or a drink at the bar.

I think looking at the prices, it was less expensive than the German Pub in the main street of Hahndorf in my opinion, and also immaculately clean with fabulous service too.

Most of the evening we were served by the manager’s daughter, Megan who was just lovely, and although they were really busy, the service was fantastic.

The Three Gums Bistro is not only named because the gums that reflect in the moonlight outside but also because this is owned and run by a family of three.

We had such a great time on the first evening, that we came back on our last night prior to leaving Australia too.

I wish I had known about this hidden gem for my last birthday.  We ended up at a really noisy pub, and my 90-year-old father could hardly hear.  That wouldn’t happen here.  It has two separate areas in the main dining room, plus a large second dining room, and an outdoor area for warm weather.

So is great for both public and private functions, and is often booked out on weekends for that special occasion.

When we return to Adelaide, we will be staying in the Adelaide Hills, and I hope we get the chance to have another dinner here.

We love the cozy winter feel with the fireplace, and it is a perfect place to watch the sun go down over the gum trees beside the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre, and the Adelaide Hills.

We wandered back to our cabin on our last evening feeling full, satisfied, and very relaxed.