Tag Archives: dinner

Sofra, Toowoomba

“You must go to Sofra” a few people informed us.

So when a luncheon spot opened up we raced in.

Sofra is a Turkish restaurant in Toowoomba and as someone else said “it’s not bad for a big country town.” Which is probably how I would sum it up.

Maybe due to all its raves and the awesome menu we were looking forward to our feed. It was however quite disappointing.

We ordered the seafood mezze share plate for two ; mussels, calamari, swordfish kebab, prawns, dip, olives, small salad, haloumi and bread. I guess being mediterranean we expected great seafood grilled with amazing spices. Instead the calamari and mussels were deep fried and repeated on us all afternoon.

For mains we shared a mixed grilled plate; lamb kebab, chicken kebab and Turkish mince kebab. Once again it was slightly underwhelming and a bit dry.

Previously when I have had Turkish grills the meat is juicy, succulent and full of flavours. This was quite short of that.

The wines selection wasn’t great and fairly overpriced for what it was with most glasses being $10 per glass.

Overall I would rate this restaurant as 2/5 and most points due to the friendly staff.

Matsos

Great food, boutique beer and excellent atmosphere.

If your dream of escaping to the outback included a big tree, with a guy playing a tune and a refreshing ale, then you must visit Matsos

This is my second time and everything is splendid!

The main house is a “brewery” on wooden floors serving an eclectic menu of boutique beers, ciders and more.

I share a Custard & Co. Apple Cider which is unbelievably refreshing.

Then we eat our specials (my friend has a trio of curries).

Mine is a lightly seared (rare) yellow-fin tuna, with beans and a cerviche of baramundi.

Delicious flavours, perfect for the hot weather… and high protein. A big thing I have been conscious of over the last week.

Tonight a band was playing and a really nice bar tender, Alex, guided us through the menu.

Matsos is a fantastic brewery with a strong Aussie vibe, good food and good ales. Highly recommend on your visit to Broome.

The Duke Hobart

When we grew up in Hobart, The Duke of Wellington, now known as “The Duke” was a funky drinking hole. I believe it still is but today I decided to try out their counter meals.

The hotel has a welcoming vibe, great art on the walls and a fire side for winter.  I really like it.

Built in 1846, the interior still displays the old sandstone bricks and grand arch ways. Long wooden beams help bring the old rustic design to be compatible with a modern hotel style.

The menu is great.

Not over worked, not hundreds of choices, just something in each area.

I have the Scottsdale Pork Belly, which is slow cooked with a delicious glaze (chocolate maple glaze). It is served with four Tasmanian scallops nestled in pumpkin mash and Artichoke puree. The dish works really well and is a perfect lunch before we head to the cinema just down the road.

Accompanying my yummy meal is a Tassie pinot grigio, Devil’s Corner.

My son has a wood fired cooked pizza we he said was amazing – and judging by the pace that he hoovered it in, I imagine it was amazing.

5/5 stars for a pub countermeal/hotel style meal.