The HandleBar has been around for a few years now and has been the kind of thing you always see moving around the city and think, ‘Wow that looks like fun’, but then never get around to trying yourself. Drinking on a mobile bar around Adelaide, it’s quirky and niche but there’s a lot more to it than just booze and peddling. The good folks at the HandleBar have just announced their Progressive Dinner option. Having previously experimented with Progressive Breakfast, wine tasting etc this is the next logical step and offers a new facet to the HandleBar experience.

The HandleBar offers an extensive dining experience with 4 stops through the streets of Adelaide as you enjoy drinks and a number of different cuisines throughout the city. The night starts at +82 Mimi’s on Sturt St where you are treated to their iconic Korean Fried Chicken along with authentic Soju thrown into the mix to start the night with a kick. Each stop doesn’t last more than 20-30 minutes. Enough time to sit down relax, enjoy yourself but ensure you get to explore all of the city in good time.

The next stop after that is the Mediterranean – Middle East fusion of Ballaboosta. An excellent café eatery tucked away on Halifax St. My favourite part of the HandleBar experience is the taking in of all the quaint and harder to find places within Adelaide. It’s the perfect way to find your next hidden gem. Here you are treated to Sambousik, decadent pastry pockets stuffed with Lamb Mince, Toasted Pine Nuts and Caramelised Onions. This is served with Hummus and Wood-Fired pita. Another light yet satisfying dish that is just a small sample of what Ballaboosta has to offer and will have you coming back for more.

It’s not too long before you’re off to stop 3. S2 on Flinders. S2 is a cosy establishment that been around for a little while now and developed an excellent reputation for an amazing modern take on Thai Cuisine. Here you are indulged with a Thai staple, a Pad Thai dish named the Thai Woks Star. Rice Noodles which are stir-fried with Eggs, Mince, Chicken, chopped Firm Tofu, and flavoured with Tamarind Pulp, Fish Sauce, Garlic, Shallots, Red Onion, Red Chilli Pepper and Palm Sugar and served with Lime Wedges and Roasted Peanuts. One of the stars of this tour and a dish that meshes well with the others to develop this real street food mood. As most of the dishes are served on the bar itself which builds this atmosphere of real street eating.

The last stop to hit is the sweet spot at Shibui Dessert Bar on Grote St, only a short distance from home base. Ice Cream served with Mochi Donuts. A simple dish but oh so good. This is helped by their fresh and delicious Mango and Taro ice cream but lets not forget Shibui’s speciality, the Redskin Ice Cream which is mind blowing in how well it imitates the real thing. A great way to finish off the tour.

The HandleBar Progressive Dinner is an experience unlike any other. If you’ve been eyeing off the HandleBar every time it comes past in the city there has never been a better excuse to give it a shot then with this dinner tour. Further information and prices can be found here. The HandleBar Progressive Dinner is a new project by the people at Handlebar and elements of it may change in future.

Words by Jonathon Tonkin