Restaurant Month 2: The Culpeper

Situated at the Viaduct on Princes Wharf, The Culpeper beckoned my friend and I for a work-night dinner. With the Viaduct location to boast, we headed there after parking nearby under the Lower Hobson St ramp, all dressed up, expecting to be impressed.

I thought 4 courses at Odettes for $40 was a good deal, but this!

The Culpeper offered 2 courses for $25 during August's Restaurant Month, and upon being seated, the waitress suggested that we share one Restaurant Month Menu with the addition of something else from their regular menu.

For $25, we enjoyed a starter and a main, which was one whole chicken between the two of us; hence the sharing. 

First course Beetroot hummus with lentil tabbouleh and flatbread
Although the flatbread was slightly on the chewy side than crisp, it brought a smoky flavor to this otherwise unimpressive dish. Nothing that made us go "wow".

Second Course ‘Aunties’ Jerk Rotisserie Chicken served with dirty rice and buttermilk ranch dressing.

This main came on a warm plate looking quite delectable and hearty.
I loved the 'dirty' rice (Cajun style rice traditionally cooked with chicken liver and herbs which gives it that 'dirty' look). It was flavorsome and complimented the spiciness of the chicken, which my friend noted a slight toughness to it. I thought the chicken was very tasty and loved the black beans with the rice.
Does anyone have a recipe for dirty rice?

Additional dish The Botanist winter leaves, radish, pickled vege, pumpkin seeds, mustard maple dressing.
Because we shared the 2 courses, we ordered a salad with beef brisket as an extra dish.
The brisket was the highlight of the night. It was smoky, tasty, tender and brought the whole dish together. The blackened edges added a slight crispiness and depth of flavor which contrasted perfectly with the tang of the dressing.
I was glad we added the brisket, otherwise it would've been a very plain salad, although it was $7 extra.
So the salad was $20... Why so expensive for a salad?

Looking at the rest of the menu, it certainly wouldn't be my go-to place because of the price. Granted, a lot of the dishes are for sharing, but based on what we had, it all seems very overpriced... Which echoes what another friend had said about the restaurant- "Good but... overpriced".
Not complaning though, since you could just share the Restaurant Month menu without ordering anything else. I ended up taking a couple pieces of chicken home and having it cold the next day with lettuce greens, which was delicious!

So $25 for two people, and if you pay with a registered & eligible American Express, you get $10 back... $15 for 2? Probably the cheapest date if you're looking to impress!

The drinks menu was extensive... Actually I wouldn't know since I'm not a wine drinker, but the wines and spirits were listed by categories. Are you a "pink & fruity", "round & full", or perhaps "sweet" kinda person?
Great for the wine illiterate.

Let's talk about the interior and decor... There's a fireplace which created a cosy little nook at the back. The raised area with half walls (pictured) made a suitable semi-private dining area.

Wall benches, tiled floors and photo frames created a 'diner' feel. Vintage decor and overhanging lamps reminded us of the movie The Help; '60s.

And palm trees everywhere. The furniture was light wood rattan and contributed to the fresh, tropical feel.

Nice place to dine with friends and have a tasty cocktail (they call it "herbal remedies" in the menu). Despite being situated at the Viaduct, very few tables offered a view. Although the view was only the adjacent wharf.

Bottom line: nothing extraordinary. The best time to go check out this high-end restaurant is this month. Otherwise you'll leave with an uneasy feeling after overspending.

Halfway through Restaurant Month, where to next and who's joining me?

Signed,

Elisa