Tag Archives: eats

Alida by Josef Chromy

This understated restaurant, Alida, lies beside the waterfall at the Penny Royal, Launceston, Tasmania and has a lot to offer. It is casual but very close to fine dining in delivery. Apparently Josef Chromy, local wine maker, dedicated the restaurant to his wife, Alida.

Tasmanian scallops with pumpkin cream, sage & pickled shallot

A fan of seafood, especially Tassie seafood, I am always on the hunt for restaurants that truly honour the art of bringing seafood from ocean to plate and allowing the produce to speak for itself.

I have eaten here before and it was stellar. This time though, two dishes in, I am feeling a little underwhelmed. Not bad by any stretch, just not quite hitting the heights I know they are capable of but after chatting with the maitre D’ things accelerate to world class again.

The Tasmanian scallops in the half shell with pumpkin cream, sage and pickled shallot arrive looking absolutely beautiful. The colour contrast is stunning and the plating is elegant. But scallops are delicate little treasures and these were just a touch overcooked. Tasmanian scallops are, in my humble opinion, the best in the world. Sweet, subtle and silky when treated with care. Overcook them and they turn chewy, losing that ocean freshness that makes them so special.

For entrée I move to the Cape Grim beef tartare with gochujang, capers, chives and crisps. Yes, this one is gluten free. The tartare itself is beautifully cut and seasoned with confidence. The richness of the Cape Grim beef balances well with the punchy gochujang and the briny pop from the capers. It is bold, modern and very moreish. Perfect as a share plate.

For my main, it simply has to be seafood. The market fish of the day is Blue Eye Trevalla, which is my all time favourite fish. Found in Tasmanian waters, it has a firm, meaty texture with a clean, subtle flavour that I just adore. It is one of those fish that feels both luxurious and honest at the same time. Bitey yet delicate. To my palate, close to perfect when cooked well. This dish brings me back into happy territory and reminds me why I love Tassie seafood so much.

The wine list is simple, proudly Tasmanian and features some of my favourites. By the glass there is a Coal River Valley Riesling, a Hughes and Hughes Pinot Gris which I adore, slightly pink from a touch of skin contact, and a Granton Sauvignon Blanc from the Granton region. Granton is an up and coming wine region. Those of us who grew up in Tassie would never have guessed it would end up on the wine map, but here we are and the wines are genuinely world class.

For Chardonnay lovers, the Milton Reserve is an absolute standout. Textured, elegant and beautifully balanced, it is one of those Chardonnays that makes you slow down and really pay attention.

Of course, no trip to Tassie would be complete without sampling a few (or a dozen) of the world’s best Pinot Noirs. The Bremley is a standout. Simple but confident. The winemaker has really nailed what a great Pinot invites. Light, yes, but with depth, structure and a story behind every glass. It is a true crowd pleaser and I am so glad the wonderful maitre d suggested it.

I really feel this restaurant is an undiscovered gem in Launceston and would highly recommend a visit.

Today the wonderful staff sent me off with an alfogatto, just devine!

Thank you team and see you again soon, Sam

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.

Stonyridge Vineyard Waiheke Island

Stonyridge Vineyard and restaurant

Perched about 20 minutes via car from the ferry at Waiheke is Stonyridge Vineyard. It is a magnificent looking vineyard and in summer boasts a vine wrapping all around the main building. It reminds me of a vineyard I once visited in Corsica.

I have been here before so going back was for the wine and ambiance.

What we discovered is that most vineyards on Waiheke charge (what I would call, a small fortune) to do a taste sampling. Some charge $10 for 3, others $15 for 3 premium. Guard your wallet because whilst they are guarding their cellar door so you don’t drink down their vats for free, you will be paying quite a lot more for the privilege of drinking a Waiheke grown wine.

On this day we are very fortunate to have Nathan as our bar tasting man. Entertaining and a whizz at wines we learn a lot about the local wines as well as New Zealand wines.

The wines here, like everywhere else on Waiheke, are expensive.  But you have to expect it… don’t be surprised. 

After sampling some wines we settle on a nice crisp Riesling and venture into the restaurant for lunch. In summer the outdoor area pumps. It’s referred to as the yoga deck which is kinda suitable as it has views spanning over the vineyard and to be honest I don’t know if they do yoga there or not, but it would be a perfect venue. 

The restaurant is fine. Vineyard style, with a good menu but rich prices. We chose to share two entrees and a main. 

Our entrees prawns and fish cerviche are good and our main is rib eye fillet, with mashed and jus.

We love our food so don’t want to put it down but it feel short somehow. As I type I feel bad writing. It was OK – to great but just not spectacular. 

Obviously it is better than cafe food and a pub meal but when you pay $44 for steak I think one should expect 6 star.

I would give the experience this time 3.5/5. The food 4/10, the wine tasting with Nathan 5/5 but the service unfortunately only 3/5. 

The Yard Nobby’s Beach

Watching this little alcove evolve over the years has been fascinating.

Only  high quality, substance businesses seem to open in this venue.

The Yard Cafe  is the same. Low key, high quality and a little bit different.

It has made it’s stamp mark on the cafe scene and soon, Friday TGIF drink will be on it’s list of successes.

I turn up looking for a filling breakfast that isn’t based on eggs and toast. Many places I have been eating at lately offer a breakfast menu 80% toast and eggs. This was much better.

A menu with multiple options to go non dairy or gluten free. Eggs on offer but not all they do.

Tuna nicoise at The Yard Nobby's
Tuna nicoise at The Yard Nobby’s

I chose the tuna nicoise and it was perfect. A perfect way to kick start the day.

The coffee is good, the staff super friendly and the atmosphere cool and laid back. You can were thongs and sarong or dress it up a little at night. I like this place!