Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Food and Drink’ Category

Devil of a Cookbook is the result of two of its author’s passions in life.  Fiona Hoskin is the Tasmanian branch manager for Thermomix, so the recipes in the book are designed for use with the advanced kitchen appliance.  But the thing that really appeals to us about the book is this:  all proceeds from sales will go to the Devil Island Project, to protect the endangered Tasmanian Devil, a much-loved icon of wildlife in Tasmania.

Thermomix recipes: Devil of a Cookbook by Fiona Hoskin

Devil of a Cookbook: the Launch

Fiona Hoskin launched her Devil of a Cookbook in Hobart on Monday with the help of some of her friends.  The room at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre was filled with media representatives and Thermomix consultants, who all seemed thrilled to be associated with the project.  Given that these (mostly) women are all dedicated to taking fresh Tasmanian produce and creating stunning gourmet food, you can just imagine the spread on offer!

The launch of Devil of a Cookbook was held at the Hobart Function & Conference Centre

Fiona's network of Thermomix consultants prepared morning tea for guests

After guests were treated to morning tea and a celebratory glass of champagne, Grace Mazur, Managing Director of Thermomix in Australia, took to the microphone.  Congratulating Fiona Hoskin on the launch, she then introduced Tasmanian parliamentarian Kerry Finch, a patron of the Devil Island Project.  He spoke about Fiona’s efforts to raise money and awareness of the plight of the Tasmanian Devil and the fight against Facial Tumour Disease.

Devil Island Patron Kerry Finch MLC introduces Fiona at the launch of Devil of a Cookbook

Fiona Hoskin: a Devil of a Woman!

We met Fiona Hoskin about 12 months ago.  Intrigued by the Devil of a Cookbook concept, we kept in touch, keen to share the outcome with you.  As with many worthy fundraising initiatives, it’s been a mammoth effort from idea to realisation, with delays and hurdles along the way.  The eventual publication of the book is a triumph in itself.  But now (having heard Kerry speak) we have a renewed respect for Fiona, the driving force behind the book.

Fiona Hoskin signs a copy of Devil of a Cookbook for Think Tasmania

As a well-respected and celebrated Tasmanian chef, Fiona was able to lend her name and recipes to the Devil of a Cookbook and gain instant recognition.  And she could well have left the association there and been praised for her involvement.  But that’s not what she did.  She jumped in, boots and all, as an ambassador for the conservation of the iconic and endangered Tasmanian Devil.

Recipes for the latest in the Thermomix collection of cookbooks, have been designed by Tasmanian consultants and customers.  There’s a Sticky Lime Cake by Joan Wylie of Burnie that sounds divine; and a Sixty Second Fruit Cake by Tina Singline of Bicheno that will make Christmas a whole lot easier for some!  Fiona worked tirelessly to collect and collate all the contributions, as well as donating recipes for some of her own signature dishes (from acclaimed former Launceston restaurant Fee and Me).

Fiona Hoskin demonstrates the Thermomix using recipes from Devil of a Cookbook

Tetsuya Wakuda: Contribution to Devil of a Cookbook

Fiona also convinced world-renown chef and Tasmanian ambassador Tetsuya Wakuda to join her mission.  Tetsuya wrote the foreward for Devil of a Cookbook and contributed a handful of recipes.  They include Lobster Ravioli with Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette; and Grilled Fillet of Veal with Wasabi and Sea Urchin Butter.  He was also in attendance at the launch and spoke of his passion for fresh produce; the worthwhile cause to protect a native species, and his love of Tasmania in general.

Tetsuya Wakuda, Tasmanian ambassador, wrote the foreward for Devil of a Cookbook

Working on recipes and collaborating with industry colleagues for Devil of a Cookbook might sound like just a day’s work for a top chef.  But Fiona also ran the London Marathon to raise international awareness and funds to build the first Devil Island.  A marathon!  And more than once, actually.   That’s some serious commitment.   Other events have been held over the years, involving dinners and dancing… but a marathon?  Wow!  Apparently a Tasmanian Devil runs the equivalent of a marathon every night in the quest to eat, so there’s the connection.

Tasmanian Devil ~ Click image to see more pictures by Dan Fellow

We must stress that Fiona did not embark on all these tasks on her own.  The Devil Island Project (DIP) is the brainchild of Bruce Englefield, and actually deserves a separate feature article (that’s coming soon).  Suffice to say that an army of men, women and children have volunteered their time, effort and expertise to raise an enormous amount of money over several years.  Some of them with a high profile, such as Shane Gould, also a patron of the DIP and in attendance at the launch.

Fiona Hoskin, Tasmanian branch manager for Thermomix, at the Hobart book launch

But for now we’d like to add to the chorus congratulating Fiona Hoskin on the release of Devil of a Cookbook.  She’s an inspiration to all of us.  Next time someone complains about being too busy… thoughts will return to Fiona.  Her campaign to help save the Tassie Devils proves that one person can make an incredible difference.

Devil of a Cookbook sells for $40 and is a stunning collection of
recipes, with images of both food and scenery from Tasmania.
For more information you can like Devil of a Cookbook on Facebook.
If you’d like more details, just contact Think Tasmania
or leave a reply on this article and we’ll forward your details.

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It’s marvelous what you can see when you open your eyes, and see the beauty around you.  Open our eyes we did, and found on our doorstep and only minutes from Hobart, a room with a view.  The Signal Station Brasserie is surrounded by a beautiful natural bush setting, with the most spectacular views of Hobart and beyond, all the way down the D’Entrecastreaux Channel, across to Port Arthur and up the Derwent River to Cadburys.

The Signal Station Brasserie has magnificent views over the Derwent River & beyond

Signal Station Brasserie

Words by Jen Holdsworth and Photos by Blanche Sayers

The day gave us a mystical view: clearing mist with the sun peaking through; reflections back to us from the Derwent River. Not a breath of wind, with only the sounds of native birds: Blue Wrens, Scarlet and Red Robins, Honeyeaters and Currajongs. Simply majestic!

No, we were not on Mount Wellington, but another beautiful mountain.  Down in altitude somewhat, and yet so close to Hobart, it is Mount Nelson.  My friend and I ventured minutes from our doorstep to enjoy a pleasant coffee at the Signal Station Brasserie, also once known at the Station Café.

The Signal Station Brasserie has also been known as the Station Cafe

History and Art: the Signal Station Cafe

It’s such a beautiful building! Originally housing the signal man and his family, the Signal Station was built in 1811 to report shipping activity to Port Arthur, then later on to Hobart as well. Over the years the building has had many transformations, but has always retained its beauty and personality. Current owner Ing, has transformed the café with a wow factor.  When you walk into the Signal Station Brassiere, you are greeted with stunning open rooms.  They are crisp and fresh with beautiful unique furniture and one-off pieces that reflect Ing’s passion for retro things.

Ing, the owner of the Signal Station Brasserie, has selected stunning art and furniture

On the walls are stunning works of art, by local artists such as Amanda Van Steenis, Julia Bradshaw and Mell Hills. “I really enjoy supporting Tasmanian artists, the feedback as been really positive” says Ing, who shows such pride in all the artwork.

Signal Station Brasserie owner Ing supports local Tasmanian artists & producers

Inspirational: Eat and Drink in the Views

The food on offer is inspiring.  After talking with chef Jon, who has trained in Europe, I can see his passion and the enjoyment he gets from coming to work each day; working in a place with stunning views and such wonderful Tasmanian produce.  Both Jon and Simone (his apprentice, who has written a wonderful book called Tasmanian Menu) have created a menu that is in touch with the surroundings. How does a pot pie of steak and kidney sound?  Or maybe a porterhouse steak sandwich with onion marmalade, fresh beetroot, garlic aioli and rocket served with vegetable crisps?  Sitting down on a crisp autumn day enjoying the stunning views, good company, and good quality (very reasonably priced) food…  Ideal I’d say.

Chef Jon also creates the most divine cakes each day.  Like chocolate quince and pear tarts; or walnut, apple and olive oil cake with honey butter and cream.  Plus of course an array of hot drinks including tea from the Art of Tea, good Tasmanian wines and Moo Brew Beer.  Jon also creates lovely preserves and condiments, something else to look out for.

Preserving more than history at the Signal Station Cafe, Mount Nelson Tasmania

Live Music: Sunday Afternoons

On Sunday afternoons the Signal Station Brassiere offers live music.  It’s the perfect atmosphere to host live music; you can sit outside to take in the views and sip on a selection of wines.  Or perhaps enjoy the music and the views from behind the panoramic windows.  Even the toilet has a view!

Enjoy the Sunday afternoon sessions of live music from the top of Mount Nelson

The brassiere can also cater for functions, weddings, corporate events, birthdays etc.  And what beautiful photos you’ll be able to take, with such a setting!  Onsite parking (no fighting with traffic), accessible for wheelchairs, a lovely host and staff in the kitchen… you will be guaranteed a spectacular event.

The Signal Station Brasserie makes a fabulous function or wedding venue

A Walk in the Park

There are many walking tracks close by, including the Truganini Reserve walk and Bicentennial Park walk.  Why not enjoy a walk and end with a stop at the Brassiere? I know my family will certainly be enjoying more visits to the Signal Station Brassiere, and I would encourage others to also pop along.  It’s just a stone’s throw away from Hobart and offers so many other sights without even leaving your chair.

The Mount Nelson Signal Station Cafe is surrounded by bush

The cafe is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  Signal Station Brassiere update their live music schedule on their Facebook page.

Jen Holdsworth is the founder of online business
Hospital Healing Hampers.  She also writes the Holdsworth Chronicles.
This article was a collaboration between Jen and her friend Blanche Sayers.
If you’d like Jen or another member of our great team to visit you in order to
write about your business, please contact Think Tasmania.

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Map: Rivulet Cafe, South Hobart…

Matt Moran has a unique title.  When officially introduced, he’s quite often called a “Friend of Australia”.  And with that distinguished title comes his current role with Tourism Australia as an ambassador for tourism quality assurance.  Currently touring the country to promote the T-QUAL Tick, Matt has recently spent some time in Tasmania and enjoyed some of the state’s fine hospitality.

Matt Moran, travelling Tasmania in style as the T-QUAL Tick Tour Ambassador

Matt Moran Travels Tasmania T-QUAL Tick Style

The celebrated chef hosted the launch of the T-QUAL Tick Tour at ARIA Restaurant in March.  Actually co-owned by Matt Moran, the venue on Sydney’s waterfront is considered one of the country’s best restaurants.  It’s also the epitome of the tourism experience the Australian Government plan to endorse with this new national symbol of tourism quality.

Matt Moran jumps aboard a fishing boat outside the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart

The second leg of the T-QUAL Tick Tour brought Matt Moran to Hobart.  The amount of territory covered in one Tasmanian weekend would suggest a very hectic schedule.  But don’t feel too much sympathy!   Every establishment has to pass a rigorous assessment, ensuring they deliver a first-class, quality experience to the traveller (and that would include Matt) before they’re granted the tick of approval.

Matt Moran catches the Red Decker Bus to the Cascade Brrewery in Hobart

Hurricane T-QUAL Tick Tour of Hobart

The Hobart schedule included a stop at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania on Sunday morning.  Just as we did, Matt was able to learn a little about the achievements of early explorers and Tasmanian maritime history.  We gave a big thumbs up to the museum with its huge collections of artefacts, tools, equipment, photographs and paintings.  And as a T-QUAL endorsed product, it has a nationally recognised symbol of tourism quality (just in case you doubt us!).

Matt Moran visits the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, already granted the T-QUAL tick

The Sunday afternoon timetable had Matt Moran taking an adventure cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.  Our experience with the award-winning company involved their Bruny Island cruise, but Matt took the sea plane from Hobart to Port Arthur, on the Tasman Peninsula.  He was duly impressed and declared the experience totally worthy of the T-QUAL tick.

Matt Moran takes an adventure cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Henry Jones Art Hotel Hosts Matt Moran

Matt spent the evening at the Henry Jones Art Hotel to recharge his batteries ready for a visit to MONA the next morning.  Gavin was invited to Henry’s Restaurant for lunch that day, and had a chat with the Australian tourism ambassador about his impressions of Tasmania.  Having been to the state quite recently (with the MasterChef team), Matt’s references to the food, scenery and culture were all glowing.  And yes, he did have a chance to meet up with Jack Lark, one of the Junior MasterChef stars, during a visit to Lark Distillery.

Gavin meets with Matt Moran for lunch at Henry's Restaurant in Hobart

The next destination for the T-QUAL Tick Tour will be the Northern Territory later this month. I’m pretty sure when Matt Moran is in a cage, diving with crocodiles, he’ll wish he was back in Tasmania. The Tassie Devil will most likely seem quite tame then!

Gavin dined at Henry’s Restaurant (part of the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart)
as a guest of Tourism Australia and the organisers of the T-QUAL Tick Tour.

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Map: Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart Tasmania…

Delish Fine Foods is a delicatessen and cafe in Wivenhoe, a suburb of Burnie in the north west of Tasmania.  We stayed in the region during the Burnie International earlier in the year, and heard Delish did a respectable gourmet breakfast.  So of course, we had to find out for ourselves if that was true.  Turns out, we can confidently recommend the place to you, because the breakfast was first class.

Delish Fine Foods is part of a small shopping strip in Wivenhoe (east Burnie)

Delish Fine Foods Indeed!

Getting back to my childhood and memories of Dr Seuss books, I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham.  I don’t think it would be overstating things to say these were the best scrambled eggs I’ve ever eaten.  Soft and creamy, and combined with pesto (hence the green), they were served with freshly baked bread and a balsamic dressing.  Two things I’d like to point out though: they tasted much better than my photo makes them look; and the serve was very generous.

Gavin ordered Panini with fried eggs, Wursthaus bacon and bell pepper relish, and was equally impressed.  One of the crash test dummies decided to order lasagna and salad.  Yes, I know I said breakfast, but this junior likes to rise much earlier than the rest of us and eat straight away.  So for him, it probably was almost lunch time!  Whatever the meal, he was pretty happy with his choice.  He wasn’t all that keen to share a taste-test of the pasta, but the salad he was quite generous with!  The dressing (again) was perfect.

Gourmet breakfast (and lunch for some!) from Delish Fine Foods in Burnie

Wivenhoe Burnie: All the Essentials

Delish Fine Foods is on the main road, driving into Burnie from the coastal town of Penguin (a lovely place about 15kms to the east).  The cafe is located in a small shopping strip in Wivenhoe with a bakery and fish n chip shop… and maybe even a butcher?  Yes, definitely a butcher, with a fruit and veg shop nearby too.

They have a good view out to Bass Strait and towards the Burnie port, where cruise ship The Volendam was parked for the day.  Its passengers were visiting some of the attractions around the area, including Wings Wildlife Park and we snapped a photo to share on Facebook with Megan and Tracey Wing.

The Volendam cruise ship docked in Burnie in the north west of Tasmania

The staff were friendly and efficient; some were busy preparing platters to go off-site with cheese, deli meats and crackers.  We found out later those very platters were bound for the corporates at the Burnie International.  Lucky devils!  But anyone can enjoy a take-away culinary experience from the Delish Fine Foods delicatessen.  They have a substantial providore with a selection including local and imported cheeses, small-goods, chocolates, sweets, preserves, spices and pasta.

Delish Fine Foods: providore, cafe and delicatessen all rolled into one

And for those of you hanging on my every word, waiting for the verdict on the coffee…  our official caffeine junkie proclaimed the Jasper coffee from Delish Fine Foods would rate among the best in Tasmania.  Geez, we’ve given them a big wrap, haven’t we?  Yes we have, and we’ll definitely be making our way back there on our next trip to the north west coast in June.

The Burnie Farmers Market is also in Wivenhoe every second Saturday,
but that’s a story for another day.  Access to the market is from
Anglesea Street, just around the corner from the Delish Fine Foods
shopping centre. So if you play your cards right, you could combine
the two; have a really big day and eat and drink your way around Burnie!

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Map: Delish Fine Foods, Wivenhoe Tasmania…

Driving to Mt Field over the Easter break was the best decision we made.  By far.  Don’t get me wrong, we did some other fabulous stuff too:  Teddies on the Green in Richmond; a trip to the summit of Mount Wellington; dinner at the Ball and Chain in Salamanca Place.  They’re the places you go when you entertain first-time visitors to Hobart.  But we were inspired by Cassandra’s article about historic New Norfolk and made our way there just as a wintry cold-snap hit the state.  And it was wonderful.

Snow on Mt Field makes a decision to visit the Derwent Valley an especially good one

Mt Field: Autumn in the Derwent Valley

To be honest, when we set out from Hobart mid-morning, we were probably content with just making it to New Norfolk.  Enjoy the autumn colours; maybe visit the Salmon Ponds or browse a few antique stores.  When we arrived at the Bushy Park junction, storm clouds were brewing overhead.  But we made an executive decision to eat lunch at the Mt Field National Park visitor centre, and then plan our next move.

Lunch at Waterfalls Cafe at Mt Field National Park, Derwent Valley Tasmania

Warming Lunch at Waterfalls Cafe

While we ordered hot soup and sandwiches and drank warming coffee at Waterfalls Cafe, the heavens opened and the outlook was bleak.  But just as we emerged from the gift shop, the sun appeared.  So we quickly loaded up the 4WD’s and started the alpine ascent to Lake Dobson.

While it was still fine, we stopped at the Tall Trees Walk on the way, and everyone was impressed with the giants of the forest.  The walk is gentle and stable; suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

The Tall Trees Walk at Mt Field is an easy, 30-minute trek through giant swamp gums

Tall Trees and Alpine Roads

We continued onward and upward, with a total of 16kms to travel from the visitor centre to Lake Dobson.  The narrow, gravel road is in good condition and the drive isn’t too harrowing.  Sometimes, you need to edge past oncoming traffic, but at an appropriate speed, it’s all good.  There’s a lookout part way up that offers a wonderful view over the Derwent Valley.

Views over the Derwent Valley from the Mt Field National Park alpine road

When you reach the lakes plateau you can see the peaks of Mt Field; and we were ecstatic to see them covered in snow.  Icy flakes were still falling gently when we arrived at the Lake Dobson car park, and it was just magical.  The kids were amazed to see mounds of white on the cars already parked there.

Snowfalls in Tasmania in Autumn: Mt Field National Park, Derwent Valley

Icy Lake Dobson

Obviously others were in the vicinity, possibly bush-walking, given the amount of snow on their vehicles.  But we had the place to ourselves, and enjoyed a vigourous snow-ball fight.  Then we ventured down the few steps leading to the water’s edge of Lake Dobson.

Lake Dobson is 16kms from the Mt Field National Park visitor centre

Wombats, Pademelons and Bennetts Wallabies

Last time we went to Mt Field, we met our very first Tasmanian wombat.  This time, we encountered an equally friendly version of wildlife.  We weren’t sure if it was a pademelon or a Bennetts wallaby, because it was partially hidden by the vegetation.  According to staff at the visitors centre, the pademelon is supposed to be more timid.  But our mate, although a wild animal, was very calm and wasn’t scared at all.

Chances are high for an encounter with wildlife at Mt Field National Park

Before long, it was time to return to the base of Mt Field National Park.  Thankfully, the heaters in the car were quick to warm our frozen hands.  The temperature gauge was showing zero, but the Tassie experience was worth every single cold toe.

Not our first visit to Mt Field, but still something special to share with Think Tasmania readers

Must-See Russell Falls

It was raining again when we arrived back at base, but a visit to Mt Field isn’t complete without a walk to Russell Falls.  We donned our jackets, but yet again we were blessed by the weather Gods.  The rain cleared as we made our way from the visitor centre towards one of the most-loved waterfalls in Tasmania.

Take a walk to Russell Falls at Mt Field National Park. You won't be sorry!

True to form, the melted snow was powering over the tiers of Russell Falls, looking spectacular and impressing the tourists (and the locals!).  Our photos can’t compare to the waterfall series taken by Cameron Blake of Leverett Photography, but we snapped away anyhow.

Russell Falls, a highlight of any visit to Mt Field National Park in Tasmania

Day Trip: Hobart to Mt Field

And that marked the end of our day trip from Hobart.  We didn’t have the inclination to tackle Horseshoe or Lady Barron Falls… maybe next time.  This wasn’t our first trip to Mt Field National Park, and it certainly won’t be our last!

When we returned to Hobart, we grabbed a quick dinner at the Wrest Point Coffee Shop.  Much of the conversation revolved around the day’s great fortunes: to experience something so wonderful without much effort or planning at all.

Visitors are required to purchase a National Park Pass for Mt Field.
There is lots of accommodation in the Derwent Valley region
or you can drive from Hobart in just over an hour.

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Map: Mt Field National Park, Tasmania…

The House of Anvers: Chocolate Anyone?

We received these terrific photos with a letter from Lynn Gorman when we updated our cover photo on Facebook recently.  The trio of images taken by Dan Fellow included a delicious-looking pie from the House of Anvers in Latrobe and inspired a lot of comment.  So if you’re not completely over chocolate yet, here’s a bit more!

Lynn Gorman was inspired to send us her photos from the House of Anvers

Hi Tania

The latest post on Facebook about Anvers showing Dan’s photos made me go looking for some of mine.

We didn’t go there for brekky but did go for a late lunch (after running around getting our last minute Tassie favourites, including chocolate) before we went on the Spirit of Tasmania (and knowing we were going to eat in their excellent restaurant for dinner).

Our solution to the problem of which dessert etc was solved by having salmon roulade first, followed by an Anvers chocolate tasting plate and then sharing a dessert, accompanied by their great hot chocolate.

We also passed this tradition on by taking friends of ours to Anvers for some of the same before they sailed… they joined us for just over a week of our two month caravan trip late last year.  And it was just as good the second time!!

Regards,

Lynn Gorman

Not just chocolate! Lynn enjoys a salmon roulade from the House of Anvers

How good does that look? Chocolate selection from the House of Anvers, Latrobe

What can we say?  Thanks Lynn for sharing your experience at Anvers with us.  It all looks delicious, and I’m sure more people will be adopting your tradition.  Well done!

You can see more photos taken by Lynn Gorman during her travels to Tasmania.
We’ve also published images of novelty mailboxes captured around the state.

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Map: The House of Anvers, Latrobe Tasmania…

Make no mistake, this Gourmet Food Tour is about eating some fine Tasmanian produce.  And not just samples; I mean full-on, meal-sized portions.  In fact, when I sorted through the photos to write this article, I was a a bit shocked at the amount of food we’d consumed in one four-hour morning walk.  But a stroll with Mary around Hobart includes so much more than just good food.

Squid with Spanish Chirizo: Mary takes guests to the Brunswick Hotel on her gourmet food tour

Gourmet Food Tour: Take a Walk Around Hobart with Mary

We met Mary McNeill (the founder of Hobart-based Gourmania Food Tours) at the start of the day outside the Tassal Salmon Shop in Salamanca.  Mary has travelled extensively and has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry.  She studied Classic Pastry Arts at the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York and went on to work as a pastry chef in the United States.

Gourmet food tour guests meet at the Tassal Salmon Shop in Salamanca for the Hobart City Tour

Sample deli meats at the Wursthaus Kitchen on the Hobart city gourmet food tour

Mary, with her American husband, has since returned to Hobart to raise her young son and enjoy the lifestyle.  And after some extensive international research, she established her gourmet food tour in 2011.  As a proud, sixth-generation Tasmanian, Mary leads her guests around Hobart on a culinary journey that incorporates a great deal of local and historic knowledge.

Mary shares her wealth of local knowledge as she leads her guests around Hobart

Walking in Hobart, Gourmania Style

This gourmet food tour winds around the Hobart streets with Mary pointing out features along the way.  While there’s a busy schedule of eating to maintain, the total walk covers only 3kms (so a fairly comfortable stroll by most standards).  Mary is constantly calling ahead to the next venue, keeping everyone to the timetable.  It’s such a great concept, walking in the door and having the allocated dish brought straight to you!

Coffee, juice and pastries from Jackman & McRoss, an iconic Hobart bakery

A stop for avocado sushi in Liverpool Street on the gourmet food tour

And what would a gourmet food tour be without the sampling of wines as well?  That’s also covered in Mary’s gourmet food tour, with a visit to Hobart wine and beer retailer, Cool Wine.  We were lucky to meet with co-owner and celebrated wine expert Tim Goddard, who shared his thoughts about the wine industry in Tasmania.

Tim is an interesting and amusing bloke!  He’s travelled the world, and is clearly passionate about his role as a wine judge; but he’s not the least bit pretentious.

Mary McNeill: Mapping Out a Tasmanian Food Experience

Guests receive a map with each venue marked and a space for tasting notes.  I didn’t take any notes!  I was too busy enjoying the taste of the food and the sights of the city.  But the map will come in handy when I want to visit those places again or recommend them to friends.  Not all of them require a map, though.  The gourmet food tour is a loop circuit starting and finishing at Salamanca, and you visit Constitution Dock for a bite of fish.  What could be more “Hobart” than that?

Seafood from Constitution Dock... can't get more "Hobart" than that!!

The gourmet food tour is a great experience for new locals (like us); but for international tourists, even more so.  Dominic Bates from the UK was also on our tour.  Dominic is the editor of Walk Magazine, and was here on assignment courtesy of Tourism Tasmania’s Visiting Journalist Program.

We had great fun with him, stirring him mercilessly for sleeping in and missing the first half of the tour.  He took it all on the chin in good spirit.  And really, who could blame the poor man, after his hectic schedule of climbing Cradle Mountain and walking Maria Island?  He can read about the delicious food he missed out on now, anyway!

Gavin with gourmet food tour guide Mary McNeill & UK journalist Dominic Bates

At the end of the walk around Hobart, we returned to Salamanca.  We did some cheese tasting at A Common Ground, and then took a seat at Smolt for a delicious warm salad with potatoes, beans, cauliflower, pine nuts and a really yummy dressing.  A final coffee, and we were set to go home (to lay on the couch with our jeans undone!).  This is one gourmet food tour that delivers on the promise of a journey of indulgent discovery and is well worth the ticket price.

Sample some Tasmanian cheese at A Common Ground, Salamanca Hobart

Enjoy an amazing array of gourmet food on the City Tour with Gourmania Food Tours Tasmania

Gavin and Tania were guests of Mary McNeill on the
Gourmania Food Tours Hobart City Tour. Tours run 9.30am–1.30pm,
Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays (except public holidays).
Other weekdays by arrangement and pending availability.
The City Tour costs $120 per person all inclusive.

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Map: Gourmet Food Tour, Hobart Tasmania…