Monday, 6 August 2018

Full Moon seafood feasts a welcome addition to the Hobart dining scene



Do you enjoy fresh seafood, cool-climate Tasmanian wines, shared tables and a view into an open kitchen?

If so, you will almost certainly enjoy the new monthly Seafood Feasts at the Old Wharf Restaurant at Macq 01 Hotel in Hobart.

The key is being willing to share and meet new people; everything else flows along quite merrily.

I attended the second Seafood Feast (they coincide with the full moon and will be held al fresco over the summer months).

Our small group shared appetisers of ceviche-style stripey trumpeter with buttermilk and pickled fennel; grilled sardines on toast, new-season scallops in their shell with nduja crumb and smoked-eel steamed buns with radish and cucumber.




The dull trumpeter was not a triumph, but the other three dishes all shone.



Next came Spanish mackerel with beetroot, pomegranate and pickled onion, beautifully cooked; moist and flavoursome.



The highlight was whole baked snapper with tarragon beurre blanc, served with saffron Huon Valley potatoes, mussels, roast cauliflower salad, local leaves, currants and almonds. This was served expertly at the table by chef Simon Pockran, who was happy to chat about the menu.

My personal view was the buerre blanc was overly flavoured with tarragon, but my dining companions disagreed, wolfing down seconds and thirds. The fish was delightfully fresh, though.



Dessert was dark chocolate with butternut pumpkin, caramelised pecans and cinnamon - a triumph.

A very knowledgeable wine waiter offered a selection of wines to accompany the dishes ($75) or by the glass. The names included local heroes Bangor, Glaetzer-Dixon, Sinapius and Mewstone, along with a Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage Port with pudding.


A very welcome addition to the Hobart dining landscape. 

The next Full Moon Seafood Feasts will be held on August 26, September 25 and October 25, starting from 7pm. The feasts cost $95 per person with the option of matched wines at an additional cost.

The Old Wharf is at Macq 01, 18 Hunter Street, Hobart. For bookings see: www.macq01.com

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