Audi Camp is one of my preferred venues for dining out: the atmosphere is pleasant and the food is reasonable.
This time around we were a group of ten, including three children. When we arrived the power was off, so it was all paraffin lamps and be careful on the staircase. Luckily the power came back on a few minutes after we sat down.
The bar and restaurant were not particularly busy, half-a-dozen upstairs at the bar and between one and two dozen dining downstairs. Part of our group arrived on time, and we arrived late (too many children to get ready).
Our host had to go and find the drinks waiter after assuming he would notice the new arrivals and volunteer his services. Very irritatingly the waiter’s cellphone started ringing as he was taking the order, he appeared to cancel the call, then it rang again and ignored it. When we suggested he switch the ‘phone off he did, but it took him quite some time to do so. Anyway, he managed to take our order and delivered them some time later – not long, but not exactly quick either. Hey, maybe the cellphone is a part of his culture?
The food waitress appeared with menus – we did ask whether there was anything in the menu that was not available (generally advisable, otherwise you get the news 5 minutes later that “x is finished.”
For starters we ordered calamari rings and nachos – we were a bit foolish and only ordered one of each, two would have been better given how many we were. The nachos were acceptable, although the cheese was poured thickly over the top so that the underlying ones were kind of dry. Dips were frankly unidentifiable and bland. Calamari rings were also okay, although the bowl of tartar sauce was too small to dip into.
To the main course: the dishes that people commented on were “Audi Rump” (me), “Panfried Kingclip” (wife), “Oxtail with Rice” and a passing mention of the kid’s meal “Hot Dog and Chips”.
Audi Rump:
Audi Rump is a rump steak folded over bacon and cheese. Juicy and probably very unhealthy. I ordered medium, and received medium – better than last time when I thought I could detect a pulse. It was served with chips and salad, last time I had vegetables and potatoes. What I remember from last time is that the veggies were plain and, for want of a better description, a bit greasy (check the ‘tatoes and veg served with the fish below). The chips were good: crispy and properly cooked. Salad was nothing special, but at least the components were fresh and crisp.
Panfried Kingclip:
Comments from Mrs K were non-commital – it was edible. Click the picture and draw your own conclusions!
Oxtail with Rice:
One serving seemed to be okay, but the other was left unfinished as it was too hot, in the chilli sense – if you are averse to spice, then check with the waiter.
Kid’s Meal – Hot Dog and Chips:
Pretty much what it says, served with a nice big helping of crisp salad and a small bowl of tomato sauce. Serving was adequate for a six-year old (admittedly one that had been horse-riding, swimming and gallivanting the whole day).
Verdict:
Food: Regular, filling fare. Nothing special about presentation or the taste experience.
Drinks: Beers were coldish and not expired, nothing more to be said.
Service: General indifference from waiting staff, impression soured by the waiter who doesn’t know how to put a cellphone on silent.
Management: I got the impression that the restaurant manager was not particularly motivated to circulate and check on her patrons – she spent most of her time around the servery area, and later on sat with one group of guests and seemed to be regaling them with bush stories.
Cutlery: Robust. Steak knife did the job and the fork didn’t bend.
