Wine lovers will be descending on Launceston, Tasmania, this weekend for the annual Pinot Noir Showcase, a major drawcard organised by one of Australia's boutique wine stores, The Pinot Shop.
Mud Bar & Restaurant 03 6334 5066. Chef Don Cameron is a local star and is now based at the Seaport precinct where he serves up Asian influenced snacks and main meals.
Me Wah Chinese Restaurant 03 6331 1308. In suburban Invermay, this is the original Me Wah, open well before its Hobart counterpart. Think serious Cantonese dishes and an expansive wine list.
Vinophiles from around the country get the chance to try pinot noirs from over 30 of the island state's finest pinot producers over a five-hour period on Saturday, accompanied by cheeses and canapes. It is a most convivial affair with several associated events held over the weekend.
Launceston is a small town, however, with limited dining options for gourmets. Three times over the past couple of weeks I've been asked for Launceston recommendations by those visiting either the town or the Tamar Valley.
Michelle Round, the owner of the Pinot Shop, put together several suggestions for her weekend guests and I've combined her suggestions with my own input to create this mini guide to where to eat in Launceston.
Stillwater (above) 03 6331 4153. Overlooking the Tamar River, this long-time favourite is a fine diner with a modern twist. Chef Craig Will focuses on local produce, there is an excellent wine cellar and service is top notch. A Launceston icon.
Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant 03 6331 5632. A chic modern eatery with interesting and flavoursome food that has proven very popular with locals. A fun place to eat but with serious wines and food.
Black Cow Bistro (above) 03 6331 9333. Always busy, this is Launceston's best address for meat lovers with a range of excellent steaks and all the trimmings, along with an excellent wine list and savvy service.
Mud Bar & Restaurant 03 6334 5066. Chef Don Cameron is a local star and is now based at the Seaport precinct where he serves up Asian influenced snacks and main meals.
Me Wah Chinese Restaurant 03 6331 1308. In suburban Invermay, this is the original Me Wah, open well before its Hobart counterpart. Think serious Cantonese dishes and an expansive wine list.
Henry's 03 6334 7757 is a newcomer in the old Northern Club that I have not tried but locals praise its hearty dishes and clubby ambiance.
Novaro's, Pierre's, Pickled Evenings Indian, Elaia Cafe and Smokey Joe's Creole Cafe are all very popular with locals - and Brisbane Street Bistro has a strong following - while the burgers are excellent at Burger Got Soul. For pre-dinner drinks try either Saint John, a buzzy bar specialising in craft beers, or a cider or two at Red Brick Road.
Out of town, the best winery restaurants are Timbre Kitchen at Velo Wines and the restaurant at Josef Chromy Wines (above).
Brisbane Street Bistro is a major oversight. Superb dining and degustation
ReplyDeleteI have now included.
DeleteMajor oversight indeed!!
DeleteTripAdvisor and other recent comments I have heard might suggest otherwise. And Michelle didn't include it on her list.
DeleteTripAdvisor and other recent comments I have heard might suggest otherwise. And Michele didn't include it on her list.
DeleteMy blog. My opinions. My local expert. Gotta love small towns with all their parochial in-fighting.
ReplyDeleteCataract on Paterson is also a good option in town. There are also many great places a little out of town: Utsi Cafe in Perth; Stickybeaks in Longford (comfort food mum used to make); Tamar Ridge Winery, with Hugo and Dan of catering fame now in the restaurant. And that's just a few ...
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan. Love Utsi but it is apparently closing soon if not sold.
ReplyDeleteNice list of bloggers. From this blog I learned more and got to know more .Thank you for sharing this great post. Wine Tasting in Carmel California
ReplyDelete