2001

2026

JANUARY

Thursday, January 15, 2026.

EXTRAORDINARY SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE CHANGE OF VENUE
Hogarth: Taikunthi Restaurant, Union House, Adelaide University.
Attending: (4 persons): Leo Davis, Rob George, John Potter, Neville Sloss.

A possibly unrepresentative gathering attempted to assess the suitability and costing of a venue given some alarm expressed by a few of those who attended the Xmas gathering at an asking price of $110. A couple of regular attendees, in proffering apologies, expressed concern at the procedure by which the Taikunthi business had been set up.

The ‘test’ was perhaps statistically invalid in that appetites were not large, with smaller meals, sans entree or pudding, being ordered and wine taken by the glass (two each by two and beers by three) leading to bills around $50. Tucker got ratings of 8/10 or better and the setting (it was holiday time) judged very pleasant.

Neville Sloss will be communicating further on these matters.

Rob George told of his 30 plus hours per week, unpaid, managing the Marino Community Hall. He is working with Keith Conlon (a dedicated cyclist) on a History Month presentation on the history of cycling in Adelaide, in collaboration with Patrick Jonker, who topped his 1991-2004 professional riding career (Olympics 1992, 1996) winning the 2004 Tour Down Under. A few of you will be regular users of the Patrick Jonker Veloway.

Conflicting memories were exchanged concerning the history of the building we were in, including construction times, events that may have occurred in it, bridal paintings that may or may not have been hanging, popular offerings on the Refectory menu, and more.
Milk, whether ladled from milk cans, in ‘school milk’ bottles, homogenised or not, scalded v separated (ringing Lister machine) cream were discussed, showing the quality of conversation.

The quality of planning, preparation, in 1960s film making, locally as well as on the Continent was discussed critically.

THE FOLLOWING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS COME FROM NEVILLE.

Following a subcommittee* lunch at Taikunthi at Adelaide University it was unanimously agreed that it offered a great alternative to Jolleys for our regular lunches. instead of having a set- course lunch ( usually far more than we need to eat at lunchtime) the restaurant offers a variety of dishes to suit most tastes and Hogarthians could order what they please. Importantly they are happy to have people pay for what they consume at the end of the lunch, so the user pays principal applies. We had one ‘lighter’ course each and felt that the food was perfect for lunch (at around $20).

At a Hogarth meeting, one would be tempted to lash out a little and include a starter or dessert or both - if three courses were consumed, the price would be around $55-$65.

Seating? There is a long comfortable bench which would be set up for us ( pictured) which could take up to 14-16 catering for all but Xmas lunches. While it has booths opposite it does allow for some separation from other regular diners. Alternatively the lovely manager Vanessa said they would be happy to set up a table for 12 in the front space ( pictured).

Drinkers? Corkage is fixed and non-negotiable at $25 which is pretty standard these days. They are happy to have people bring their own wine. Alternatively, they have a good wine list - with interesting inclusions, probably because of the National Wine Centre's involvement. By the glass, from $9 to $16.50, by the bottle from $40 to $130, with most around $50-60. It will be fitting at our first offical lunch there in February that the Hon. A Turon, shouts us all a glass of ‘his’ fizz -2024 Turon 'Blanc de Noirs' | Adelaide Hills SA !!

So, Thursday February 19 is the date of our next Hogarth and the meeting shall be at Tai-kun-thi, Level 5 Union House, Adelaide University. Please advise by Monday February 16 if you are coming or not.

* The sub-committee included Leo Davis, John Potter, Rob George and yours truly. Some members offered their apologies but we had enough for a quorum ( see Club rules - section G, item 2.1.i)

Something close to that I will send out, pending advice from Vanessa about seating and food choices. I did ask her about a set course of a starter (2 choices) and a ‘lighter’ main (2 choices) which would be around $40 which from our experience would be ample of old blokes. And anyone could vary from that and go a la carte. Will see what she says.

Happy with that chaps??

ROB HAS CONTRIBUTED THAT HE FULLY AGREES WITH NEVILLE.