A Quick Trip to Tassie
"The last few days of the school holidays offerred an opportunity for a quick and indulgent trip to our southern island'
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Day 1 and we arrive slightly later than expected but find our accommodation in a lovely private hotel...The Grand Vue in Battery Point.
Too late for MONA we decide to go exploring prior to dinner at Garagesites. 
Square riggers at harbour..a sailing adventure
The Dinner of the Trip?
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Hote; Grand Vue...very nice.
After a quick explore around Salamander Place a& Battery Point its back to the Hotel to prepare for dinner at Luke Burgess's Garagesite. Much anticipation.
The dinner at Luke Burgess's Garagistes was definitely going to be one of the major experiences of the trip. Reviews ranged from disappointing to sensational but that is only to be expected for this type of dining experience. It is a brave adventure and does not suit everyone. A Japanese inspired degustation with sake (rather than wine for those game for this) may be a step too far even for many but it is a brave and stimulating gastronomic adventure. For us it missed the bullseye. Whether it is the real deal or the king's new clothes will be a matter of individual judgement.The flavours were interesting and well balanced. Technically it was superb. Some individual offering were inspired. In the end however it was slightly under whelming as a total eating experience. Somehow that wow factor was just not there. Still I would recommend that if you find yourself in Hobart with a night to spare you give it a try and make your own judgement.This type of restaurant needs to be experienced and supported. Plenty of thought and taste provocation here. |
Day 2......MONA but first a magnificent sunrise from our window
Booked on the 9.30 Mona Roma for the 25 minute trip up the Derwent to Mona. In the Posh Pit they are serving Champagne and tasty nibbles to pass the time and build anticipation. The reviews on Mona are love it or hate it. So it is with those who have already visited.Some thinks its wonderful and others are totally underwhelmed.It stirs big and conflicting opinions
The first sight is impressive. The building speaks of grand a vision and uncompromising unconventuality (I don't really care if that is not a word when I'm describing this place).
Inside we descend to the River of Fundament or is it the Fountain of Foolishness. Is this a massive joke? See the tablet that directs you to the "Art Wank" when you want to find out more about any particular exhibit. But the scale of the place is so massive and the sandstone cavern so imposing, the exhibits challenging, amusing, obscure, provocative, famous or just fun.Sometimes it makes the head explode and sometimes if suggests titillation at the other end or the other senses. Really it is an amazing experience.
The first sight is impressive. The building speaks of grand a vision and uncompromising unconventuality (I don't really care if that is not a word when I'm describing this place).
Inside we descend to the River of Fundament or is it the Fountain of Foolishness. Is this a massive joke? See the tablet that directs you to the "Art Wank" when you want to find out more about any particular exhibit. But the scale of the place is so massive and the sandstone cavern so imposing, the exhibits challenging, amusing, obscure, provocative, famous or just fun.Sometimes it makes the head explode and sometimes if suggests titillation at the other end or the other senses. Really it is an amazing experience.
We have lunch from the cafe and relax on the lawn listening to a cool jazz trio. Then a wander around the outside to observe the weird and amazing outside exhibits. Then back into the gallery to visit the library and few of the exhibits we missed the first time around. Back on the Mona Roma to the Brook St Wharf. This time its Moo Brew (Mona Beer) for me and a Tassie white for Margie in the Posh Pit.
Mona is an experience. Go when there is a major event or exhibit that you want to see. Come with an open mind. I am sure this place is helping to define thinking not only in Tasmania but in the whole country. Viva Dvaid Walsh. Perhaps some of our other entrepreneurs can take note of his example....Gina, James, Lachlan are you listening.
A long day concludes with a seafood dinner at Hobart institution, Prosser's at Sandy Bay. This is traditional fare and contrasts with the avant garde offering at Garagesites (3 stars only). Tomorrow we are off south....topless in Tasmania.
Mona is an experience. Go when there is a major event or exhibit that you want to see. Come with an open mind. I am sure this place is helping to define thinking not only in Tasmania but in the whole country. Viva Dvaid Walsh. Perhaps some of our other entrepreneurs can take note of his example....Gina, James, Lachlan are you listening.
A long day concludes with a seafood dinner at Hobart institution, Prosser's at Sandy Bay. This is traditional fare and contrasts with the avant garde offering at Garagesites (3 stars only). Tomorrow we are off south....topless in Tasmania.
Heading even further south for the weekend
Its Saturday and the Salamander Market is in full swing by the time grab some breakfast, pick up the car and get down to the market. Who isn't a sucker frr a good market. Any with massive restraint we confine the purchases to a new leather belt for Alex, some honey truffle mustard and a few nibbles.
It a lovely day (not always guaranteed in Tasmania), so we head south with the top sun on our face and wind in our hair.
First stop is lunch at a lovely restaurant just south of Hobart, fish & chips, smoked salmon and a magnificent water view
It a lovely day (not always guaranteed in Tasmania), so we head south with the top sun on our face and wind in our hair.
First stop is lunch at a lovely restaurant just south of Hobart, fish & chips, smoked salmon and a magnificent water view
We hit the road again after lunch heading for the B&B called the Secret Garden at Cygnet. Travel distance are short here and the days quitel long. So after checking in and getting the goss of some local attractions we are off again. First stop a winery and apple orchard where there are some interesting old workers huts and then a small boutique cheese maker. We are really in Gourmet F=armer country down here.
