Recently in Australia / TAS Category

Marque IV Restaurant

| 2 Comments

You could say that dining at Marque IV was the highlight of my recent trip to Hobart. I dare to even place it on par with the Restaurant Of The Year - Quay. I thought it was definitely the best restaurant in Tasmania.

Marque IV sits along the Elizabeth Street Pier and for booking weeks in advance, we were rewarded with one of the best seats in the house, facing the waterfront harbour views. There was a relaxing glamour feel to the restaurant... dim lighting, royal furnishings and even a gold feature wall.

We sat back and began to drool over the 6 course signature tasting menu which was clearly inspired by local produce.

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - sourdough bread with butter

Sourdough bread with butter


Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - Zen Huang and Jennifer Lam

Zen & I


We started off with an Asian-inspired hot and sour soup. A small flask of piping hot broth was brought out and drizzled over a plate of carefully arranged items including baby abalone, Bruny Island oyster, shitake mushroom and lup cheong (Chinese sausage). The flavours lingered in my mouth after each spoonful... it was amazing.

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - (6 course signature tasting menu, degustation) hot and sour soup of baby abalone, bruny island oyster, shitake mushroom and lup cheong

Hot and sour soup of baby abalone, bruny island oyster, shitake mushroom and lup cheong


Next up was a dish consisting of my fave 3 ingredients... scallops, pork belly and truffle -so heavenly. The scallops were seared perfectly so that they remained tender and plump. And the truffle foam aroused the crispy cubes of parsnip and juicy cut of pork belly. This dish worked on so many levels... the presentation was gorgeous too, I was so bummed my speedlite decided to run flat.

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - (6 course signature tasting menu, degustation) spring bay scallops, pork belly, parsnip, beetroot and perigold truffle foam

Spring bay scallops, pork belly, parsnip, beetroot and perigold truffle foam


I was a little concerned when I saw rabbit on the menu as I have never been a fan of the strong game essence. However, the spaghetti of braised rabbit surprised me. It was rich but not overpowering, buttery but not too heavy. The baby brussel sprouts were sweet and enhanced this winter wonderland.

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - (6 course signature tasting menu, degustation) spaghetti of braised rabbit, cotechino, brussel sprouts and sage beurre noisette

Spaghetti of braised rabbit, cotechino, brussel sprouts and sage beurre noisette


Lighter in texture and strong on taste, the blue cheese souffle was superb. The candied walnuts and pickled pear played cheerfully with the stringy bark gum honey.

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - (6 course signature tasting menu, degustation) king island roaring forties blue cheese souffle, stringy bark gum honey sabayon, candied walnut and pickled pear

King island roaring forties blue cheese souffle, stringy bark gum honey sabayon, candied walnut and pickled pear


This palette cleanser was refreshing and definitely something I'll try replicating. It looked simple and good for you... ceylon black tea, ginger, elderflower and lemon. I loved that it was served with a tiny sprig of rosemary and lemon zest... mmm, It left me ready for the main course!

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - (6 course signature tasting menu, degustation) ceylon black tea, ginger, elderflower and lemon

Ceylon black tea, ginger, elderflower and lemon


Main course was pan roasted wagyu blade, black and white beans, served with horseradish and sweet onion dumpling. The dumpling was a bit like onion gravy in a Chinese steamed bun... and the wagyu was good... really good!

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - (6 course signature tasting menu, degustation) pan roasted wagyu blade, black and white beans, horseradish and sweet onion dumpling

Pan roasted wagyu blade, black and white beans, horseradish and sweet onion dumpling


Finally, dessert... the 5 courses so far only increased the benchmark of this restaurant. I expected nothing short of spectacular. The coffee, prune and armagnac tart with burnt orange caramel and vanilla bean ice cream was pretty damn good. The flavours were reminiscent of a sticky date pudding but somehow was more magical.

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - (6 course signature tasting menu, degustation) coffee, prune and armagnac tart, burnt orange caramel and vanilla bean ice cream

Coffee, prune and armagnac tart, burnt orange caramel and vanilla bean ice cream


There were no petit fours (not that they were needed, as I was more than satisfied with the $110 I'd just spent) but coffee or tea was included in the degustation. The presentation was thoughtful... a sugar cube sat on top of a tiny strainer... I joyfully watched it crumble beneath the hot tea and then swamped it with a splash of milk... muhahaha!

Marque IV Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - (6 course signature tasting menu, degustation) sugar cube with strainer and pot of English Breakfast tea and milk


It was simply quite idyllic to end my trip down to Tasmania with the best of them all.


Marque IV The Restaurant
Elizabeth Street Pier
Hobart Tasmania
Tel: +61 03 6224 4428
Web: www.marqueiv.com.au

Salamanca Market, Hobart

| No Comments

Back to blogging about my recent trip to Hobart...

Salamanca Market was the place to be on a Saturday. All of Hobart crowded the busy streets of Salamanca Place to check out stalls of organic produce, craft, jewellery and ofcourse food and wine.

Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - with view of Mount Wellington

Crowd with view of Mount Wellington in the backdrop


Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - organic fruit and vegetable stall

Organic fruit and vegie stall


Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - fresh strawberries and cream

Fresh strawberries and cream


Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - precious stones and gorgeous jewellery

Precious stone jewellery that I bought


Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - organic apple specialists

Organic apple specialists


Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - sausage stall

Sausage stall


Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - Eatem organic foods stall

Eatem organic foods stall


Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - apple stall

Apples and more


Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania - daffodils, vegies, oils, mustards and jam stall

Daffodils


Salamanca Market
Every Saturday at Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania
Web: www.salamanca.com.au

Mako Seafood

| 1 Comment

I secretly love to indulge in golden fried foods. I simply adore the crunchy texture and the pleasant satisfaction it provides. Nothing can really beat a good and cheap fish & chip shop, particularly one that's also a floating fish monger.

Along Constitution Dock in Hobart, were several of these floating fish mongers / seafood takeaway shops. Mako Seafood were a tad cheaper than the others, they offered dine-in and I seemed to prefer their menu which offered little extras such as homemade chilli and coriander mayonnaise and gourmet salad greens.

Tasmania, Hobart Fish Markets, Mako Seafood on Constitution Dock


We enjoyed 1/2 dozen of Bruny Island oysters for $6.90...

Tasmania, Hobart Fish Markets, Mako Seafood on Constitution Dock - oysters


Tasmania, Hobart Fish Markets, Mako Seafood on Constitution Dock - crumbled scallops and chips with homemade chilli coriander mayonnaise

Crumbled scallops with homemade chilli and coriander mayonnaise and chips, $12.50


Tasmania, Hobart Fish Markets, Mako Seafood on Constitution Dock - grilled blue-eye trevalla fish, salad and chips

Grilled blue-eye trevalla, salad and chips, $13.50


The service was quick and friendly, the oysters were juicy and fresh and the scallops, with roe intact were perfectly coated in light breadcrumbs. They were pipping hot when served and lovely with the homemade sauce. Likewise, the trevalla was meaty and filling... need not to say, I was back the next day!


View Larger Map

Mako Seafood
Constitution Dock, Hobart, Tasmania
Phone: (03) 6234 9884

Tahune AirWalk

| 2 Comments

Yes, I am still blogging about Tasmania. It's funny how much you get up to when on holidays versus procrastination in between workdays. Anyway, despite being terrified of heights, the Tahune AirWalk was a great adventure. Zen almost pushed me to tears when he jumped mid-walk, causing the whole thing to shake... and the cantilever swerved nervously every time a light breeze blew over... being 20 metres above ground, I thought it was quite an achievement. Who cares if I had sweaty palms and shaky knees throughout the whole 597m walk!

tongue.gif

Tahune Forest Air Walk, Tasmania - stamp on wrist


Tahune Forest Air Walk, Tasmania - the walk is 20m above ground


Tahune Forest Air Walk, Tasmania - cantileverl


Tahune Forest Air Walk, Tasmania - Picton and Huon Rivers


Tahune AirWalk
Web: www.forestrytas.com.au/visiting/visitor-sites/south/tahune-airwalk

Mures Upper Deck, seafood restaurant

| 2 Comments

When in Hobart, do as the Hobartians do.

Mures Fish Centre was packed day and night. Couples, families and friends could be found at the Lower Deck restaurant, Upper Deck restaurant and Sushi Bar. Mmm... fresh seafood, waterfront views and a special "Prawn Fest". How could I resist?

Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - outside


Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - starter of bread, balsamic and butter

The "Prawn Fest" was available as a 2 course for $29.50 or as a 3 course for $33.50. Naturally, I went for the 3 course and started with an entree of Mures' signature smokey chowder. It was fragrant and creamy with sauteed smoked trevally and bacon.

Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - smokey chowder


Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - diners


Zen opted for the seafood platter ($49.50) which included a drool-worthy array of pacific oysters, natural and nam jhim; terrine of smoked salmon mousse, mascarpone and nori; Crystal Bay banana prawns with herb aioli; blue eye and scallops in a citrus and star anise ceviche; smoked trout pate with croutons; and crumbed fish, scallops and squid served with tartare sauce and lemon. It was literally, a mouth full!

Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - hot seafood platter


Options for the Prawn Fest main course were tempura prawns, whole cooked prawns or scallop basillica. I chose the cooked Queensland banana prawns which were served with herb aioli, chilli, lime and shallot salt and salad greens. The prawns were huge, uber fresh and simply delicious.

Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - cooked Queensland banana prawns with herb aioli, chilli and shallot salt, salad greens


Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - hot chips


While Mures do fruit strudels, creme brulee and panna cotta, the Prawn Fest only had one option for dessert.

Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - sorbet

Mango and Raspberry sorbet...


Mures Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant, Hobart, Tasmania - chocolate and caramel fudge


The ever-changing menu signifies a strong focus on fresh seafood... and that's exactly what I've enjoyed about Mures Upper Deck. It was fresh produce served a little bit fancy.



View Larger Map


Mures Upper Deck
Mures Fish Centre, Victoria Dock, Hobart, TAS
Web: www.muresupperdeck.com.au

Mount Wellington, Hobart, Tasmania

| No Comments

On our second day in Hobart, it was a gorgeous clear sunny day, so we decided to drive up Mount Wellington. I was thrilled to see snow, and there was lots of it! The panoramic views of Hobart was beautiful...

Mount Wellington, Hobart Tasmania


Mount Wellington, Hobart Tasmania - Zen Huang and Jennifer Lam


Mount Wellington, Hobart Tasmania - Zen eats a snow ball


Mount Wellington, Hobart Tasmania - islands and sea


Mount Wellington, Hobart Tasmania - lots of white snow!

Cadbury's chocolate factory

| No Comments

For as long as I can remember, it has always been a fantasy to visit a real chocolate factory. My expectations of course were hyped up by films such as Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.

At Cadbury's visitor centre, for only $5, you get to smell plenty of cocoa beans and watch footage of chocolate in the making. I learnt lots about the company's history and the world's chocolate eating habits and even get to shop at the factory outlet for discounted chocs! But we weren't allowed past the gates, into the real factory... boohoo!

According to ABC Hobart, the chocolate floor tours had stopped in April. Damn, I missed out by a few months!
ohmy.gif


Cadbury chocolate factory - Hobart visitors centre signage


Cadbury chocolate factory - Hobart visitors centre


Cadbury chocolate factory - Hobart visitors centre, inside


Cadbury chocolate factory - Hobart visitors centre souvenirs


Cadbury chocolate factory - Hobart visitors centre, us with Freddo the frog


Cadbury chocolate factory - Hobart visitors centre shop outlet


Cadbury chocolate factory - Hobart visitors centre treasure chest of chocolate


Still worth a visit.

Cadbury Visitor Centre in Claremont Tasmania
Web: www.cadbury.com.au/sites/cadbury/index.php?pageId=55

Restaurant 373, North Hobart

| No Comments

Restaurant 373 is a relatively new restaurant that works. Local fresh produce, warm furnishings, great casual service, funky appetisers and a fabulous 8 course degustation.

We started off with olives, garlic popcorn and chilli grissini...

Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - olives, garlic popcorn and chilli grissini, appetiser, starter


And then slapped on lots of this delish fish and white bean paste onto crusty bits of poppyseed and almond bread.

Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - fish and white bean paste, butter, bread accompaniments


I think we had the best seat in the house, at the front of this heritage building, facing the busy night life of Elizabeth Street:

Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - Jennifer Lam and Zen Huang, diners at window seat


Next up was the roasted butternut pumpkin soup. Mmm, the saffron yoghurt turned good old pumpkin soup into something more.

Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - roasted butternut pumpkin soup with saffron yoghurt


The menu boasted that the oysters were delivered by the oyster farmer from Bruny Island... you don't get that every day! These were served in 5 ways, although none of them really stood out. We had ours grilled with mushroom relish, natural with white balsamic pickled cucumber, gratinated with braised leek compote, drizzled with limoncello and kilpatrick hollandiase. I thought some of the flavours were too overpowering for juicy fresh oysters.

Bruny Island oysters cooked 5 ways: white balsamic with pickled cucumber, grilled with mushroom relish, gratinated with braised leek compote,drizzled with limoncello, kilpatrick hollandaise)


"Dust" is such a fancy word for powder. The Spring Bay scallop mousse, crispy skin confit chicken wing and scallop roe was served with lime "dust". Although being seated in a top notch restaurant in North Hobart, I somehow expected a real chicken wing.... as in, the type with bones. Nonetheless, this didn't disappoint ... it was uber crispy and there were no sticky fingers to lick up.

Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - Spring Bay scallop mousse, crispy skin confit chicken wing, scallop roe and lime dust


Oh boy, did I love the ham hock consomme. The Campania pork belly was tasty, as was the stick of crackling and the hearty aroma of the creamy fennel puree. All the flavours intertwined well into a savoury heaven.

Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - Campania pork belly, creamy fennel puree, ham hock consomme


Restaurant 373 is generous with their serving size. In fact, so generous that I was pretty much full before the Flinders Island wallaby shank was served, so Zen helped me finish off half of it. I was a little puzzled at why they served consomme after consomme but the meat fell off the bone. It was tender, juicy and... big!

Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - Flinders Island wallaby shank, Wallaby and native pepperberry consomme


The Flinders Island lamb stew was gorgeous (yes, with the wallaby and lamb both from Flinders Island, i did feel like I was eating up Flinders Island!). It was modern European at it's best... served with tiny roasted vegies and rosemary mash, I thought it made the perfect Winter feast.

Flinders Island lamb stew, rosemary mash potato, roasted young vegetables and broccoli


Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - lemon sorbet

This lemon sorbet was a light palatte cleanser...


Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - utensils


... so that we could enjoy these desserts twice as much!

Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - white chocolate and poppyseed fondant, dark chocolate and sultana anglaise

White chocolate and poppyseed fondant, dark chocolate and sultana anglaise


Restaurant 373, North Hobart, degustation - lavosh, honey roased walnuts and two cheeses (Lewis: Bruny Island's goats milk and Carles Roquefort: France's Ewe's milk)

Lavosh, honey roasted walnuts and two cheeses (Lewis: made from Bruny Island goats milk & Carles Roquefort: made from Ewe's milk in France)


Overall? Restaurant 373 is new and they show it with their amateur looking business card and fresh innovative twist on European food... you've gotta love it.



View Larger Map


Restaurant 373
373 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart, Tasmania
Web: www.restaurant373.com.au

Shu Yuan - Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant

| No Comments

I love nothing more than stumbling across a great restaurant. And that's exactly what happened within the first few hours of arriving in Hobart!
cool.gif


Shu Yuan is a tiny Chinese vegetarian restaurant, hidden within the Bank Arcade. It's probably the only one in this small sleepy town.

At lunch time, hungry workers flocked to the few tables and others crowded over the bain marie. Zen and I were lucky to grab the first available table without too much hassle... and for $23.50, we tried the curry puffs, which were unusually served with a pleasant sweet honey dressing, a scrumptious spicy Hakka basil noodle soup and rice with green bean delight & lemongrass and mixed veg.

Shu Yuan - Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant, Hobart - rice, stir-fry and curry puffs


Shu Yuan - Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant, Hobart - spicy hakka noodle soup


Shu Yuan - Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant, Hobart - bain marie


It was a tasty feed and a fantastic start to the trip!
biggrin.gif

Shu Yuan
Shop 7, 64 Liverpool St
Hobart City, TAS
Phone: (03) 6231 1270

Arriving at Hobart

| No Comments

Hello Hobart.

Aboard JetStar flight to Tasmania, Hobart from Sydney - view of island from plane window

This is Tassy, as taken from JetStar plane window


Driving into Hobart on Tasman Bridge

Driving into Hobart on Tasman Bridge


Hobart Harbour

Hobart Harbour


Hobart Harbour with view of Mount Wellington

View of Mount Wellington

As seen on Sunrise on 7

As featured in 9to5's Cover Story

As featured in CLEO magazine: gastro porn article

As Seen In Nine to Five Magazine

As Seen In Ciao Magazine

As Seen In mX Newspaper


This page is an archive of recent entries in the Australia / TAS category.

Australia / QLD is the previous category.

Australia / VIC is the next category.

Find recent content on the main index or look in the archives to find all content.


* * * * *

JENIUS tells the gourmet tale of an Australian-born Chinese and covers restaurant reviews, travel stories and her adventures in the kitchen. More about this blog »






    JENIUS Sydney restaurants

    Top 100 Australian Women Bloggers

    Get fed

    Add to Yahoo

    Add to Google

    JENIUS - Blogged

    Food & Drink Blogs

    Food & Drink

    Top Blogs

    Chefs Blogs

    Food & Drink blogs

    Check PageRank


    Add to Bloglines