Archive for the ‘Tasmania’ Category

Jon’s bday at the Black Cow

Sunday, December 26th, 2010

A good night overall but underwhelmed by the steaks at the Black Cow in Launceston, Tassie. We started the evening with tasty oysters, natural with lemon cheeks, and a nice glass of rose sparkling. Jon says they were f’ing good. The menu had a lot of promise with every cut and side you could dream of… but we should have known given the offer for a variety of mustards and sauces to top it off. The eye fillet, the Aussie version of filet mignon, was tender and full of flavor. The porterhouse (closer to a NY strip in Oz and one of my favorites), however, was sadly dry and flavorless. We finished with a rather odd dessert, a mascerated strawberry buried in a birds nest served along side panna cotta and strawberry gelatin, and an ordinary flat white decaf, yes decaf! We enjoyed the service and atmosphere. Tasting through the mustards and horse radish was fun, the rocket salad with pine nuts and parma was a nice combo and we were pleased to have been turned onto a beautiful Aussie cab (Voyager Estate from Mornington Peninsula). We may give it another go if we’re ever back to test out the Rib Eye, but all in, we were left a bit disappointed.

Get Shucked on Bruny Island

Saturday, December 18th, 2010

Our oysters from Get Shucked on Bruny Island were yum!  Straight off the ferry we high-tailed it for some fresh oysters. A quaint little shack with a dude ready to shuck to order. Straight up with some lemon is all you need.

Garagiste – a delicious intro to Hobart

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Well worth the walk in the rain! This trendy little hot spot was our introduction to Hobart. A lovely bottle of d’meure pinot and some tasty plates all with organic, local ingredients made for a great evening. Super-friendly owners and staff too.

 

Henry Jones Art Hotel

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Score!  We were upgraded to the H Jones Suite upon check in at the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart.  An interesting mix of history and contemporary art.  I must admit, I was skeptical of this hotel as the pictures on their website looked a bit dark and rustic. It was fabulous! Very clean and comfortable. They do a nice job of sharing the history behind a 19th century jam factory turned high-end accommodation. Recommend the welcome tour. We dropped out after the first half but it was a great intro to the history of the hotel and Hobart nonetheless.