Cascade Brewery Tour

I got back to Hobart basics at the weekend with a trip to Cascade Brewery.

I've been to Cascade before (see my South Hobart post here) but I've never done the Brewery Tour.

We arrived early for the 2.15pm tour to check out the onsite restaurant.
The regular menu is pretty extensive but we decided to take advantage of the tour menu ($18 main courses offered to tour guests).
I opted for fish and chips.

And D went for steak and stout pie.

 

Both served with chips and salad.
Both pretty huge servings, nothing extra special but tasty and filling.
The dining room has a pretty basic set up but its dotted with cascade memorabilia.

 

 Along with a pretty cool looking bar and conservatory area.

The gardens are pretty fabulous too!
It's a great venue for lunch and a taste of the local tipple if you don't fancy the tour.

I've seen the building a thousand times but it was time to go inside!
Unfortunately photo taking inside is prohibited so you'll just have to go and check it out! 
It's pretty cool to see the inner workings of one of our icons.
The tour lasts for around an hour and a half and mainly focuses on the brewing process, there is some of the history but I would have liked a bit more. (I did however see that Cascade do a Heritage Tour, maybe that's more your bag!)
And then it's back to the bar for tastings and taking in the view. 

The brewery tour costs $25 p/p but if you're living locally (proof of address required) you can go in for $15.
The price of entry includes three 7oz tasters of any of Cascades many beers and ciders.
So, if you're a Tasmanian this is pretty awesome value.
If you're not it's a must see on our isle so you're $25 is well spent.

We went on a Sunday so didn't get to see some of the processes first hand but our guide informed me the best time is the 11am tour if you're keen to see some of the bottling etc (they can't however guarantee that you'll see this at any given time).
I would suggest trying to catch it though, it sounded cool!

Finally another local bonus, if you're a Tassie local the gift shop offers a 10% discount off all the beers purchased at any time from the onsite shop. 

 I really like that some places offer locals a discount, don't you? Do you know anywhere else that offers discounts for Tasmanian residents? It'd be cool to know!

Find all the info for Cascade at there awesome website here!

Hobartian Patisseries

I've been on a mini mission the past couple of weeks and it involves two of my favourite things. 
Tea and cake.

Hobart is famous for its fine produce and one thing that we don't lack down here is a good olde bakery. (Sorry, patisserie).
There is so many to choose from so I thought I'd give you a couple of options. 

First up I've got a couple of high profile Hobart staples. 
Jackman and McRoss is a Hobart icon. 
Tourists and locals flock to three city based stores to sample some of the best sweet and savory treats in the state. 

Their dining rooms are always simple and relaxed with freshly baked produce adorning every open space. I headed to the Battery Point store recently to refresh my memory. We enjoyed a J&M take on a vanilla slice and a strawberry and pistachio tart.  
Along with tea it's a gorgeous afternoon snack in a gorgeous location.

I've also had seriously delicious savory breakfasts and lunches from Jackman and McRoss. 

Next up Daci & Daci. 
Another extremely renowned patisserie on our shores.
Daci have a beautifully styled shop close to the waterfront that will transport you to Europe in a flash. 

The amount of cakes and pastries on show along with savory delights is almost overwhelming.

Almost.

The range in Daci is outstanding and it all looks mouthwatering.
I opted for the chocolate and hazelnut tart.
 
It was totally perfect. I can't fault it, beautifully made and expertly presented.
Daci & Daci bring a sophistication to Hobart that you are likely to find in cities around the world.
I'm always so proud to show off these world renowned 'bakeries' to out of town visitors and share them with friends when we have catch ups.

Now for something in my opinion more 'Hobart'. 
To me the high profile patisseries feel like they are giving me an almost foreign experience. 
Little Missy Patisserie makes me feel right at home.

Located on the way to North Hobart it's a little bit out of the way but it makes up for it with its charm.

A cute, kitsch tea room feel with an open kitchen where you can see the amazing food being created.

I went for a citrusy number. Lemon brûlée tart.

It tasted fantastic and I saw the chef blow torch the top before she brought it to our table, bonus.
The table tops and side boards are dotted with delicacies and whilst we were there a delicious looking cake was popped up right next to me. 
As I've mentioned before I like to be part of the process and I'd seen the chef baking this chocolate salted caramel cake when we first arrived. (Note chocolate shards on the kitchen picture above and below on the outside of the cake).
 
It would be rude not to try it.
Beautiful flavours and all around great cake.
Little Missy offers no European feel just amazing food and Hobartian hospitality.
You might find places in Hobart where you feel as though you're somewhere else but this little spot is totally ours.
Which ever one you decided to pick for your sugar fix you can't go wrong with any one of these.

Where do you treat your sweet tooth? I'd love to know of any sneaky cake shops I've not visited yet! 

A Sunny Day in Sorell & Brunch at Betsey.

Hello all! My first post for a while, gave myself a wee break but I'm back now and I've got a super idea for these summer days for you.

Last week I went to Sorell Fruit Farm and loved it!

It's pretty simple stuff, pay for a container (prices range from $3 for little ones up to $13.50 for an adult) and then head off into the fruit fields and fill your container with whatever takes your fancy. 

 

Strawberries, cherries, apricots and nectarines are all super good right now.

I'm a strawberry kinda gal, they remind me summer days in the countryside.

It's perfect for children (of all ages) as it's a bit like a treasure hunt! I would suggest that if you're taking little ones to maybe take them some gardening gloves as some of the fruits are in hard to reach places with some sharp stalks.

Also, if you're going on a sunny day wear heaps of sunscreen because there is pretty much no shade out there.
For me it's everything a summers day out should be. Exploring the grounds, picking delicious fresh fruit and competing to see who can find the biggest strawberry!

AND you get a berry delicious dessert when you get home! You might even have leftover fruit and be able to make some icy poles for these warm days. (I've used this recipe in the past and they were delicious!)
Find more info here!  

Next up a eatery I've been really keen to try, Betsey. 
The building is small and consists of just one long table in a long, clean room. They definitely make the most of the space but if you're not accustom to sharing your elbow space, maybe give this one a miss.

 

The diners sit at one side of the table as the staff go about their duties busily on the other. I liked that, it made me feel like a part of the process I suppose.

The menu is small actually a little too small for my liking but I guess with such a small space something has to be compromised. Having said this I quickly chose something I liked the sound of.

Roast beef brisket bun, sauerkraut, grain mustard aioli. 

It was really delicious. Perfectly cooked and balanced, the sharp sauerkraut went really beautifully with the warm meat and soft bun which was perfect, not too sweet. 
Highly recommended. 
On Argyle Street it's perfectly located and is great if your looking for somewhere to pop into on a lunch break or for a quick brunch catch up. 
It is only open Monday-Friday so if you don't work in the city getting here is a little challenging but I do suggest it if only to experience the revolution of dining that is taking place in Hobart right now. At first I'd thought that our city was being influenced by Melbourne and the bigger foodie capitals but I reckon that what is being created is a new Hobart for us all to enjoy. 

I can't wait to share some new spots that I love with you all this year!! Speaking of such, has anyone had a gander into Brooke St Pier yet?

Capital, Smolt & The Mt Nelson Signal Station Brasserie

Hey everyone! Feels like a while since I posted but that's because I've been eating my way around Hobart (as usual!)
Let me tell you where I've been!
First up a newbie on the North Hobart scene. Capital.
It's located in the same building where Marti Zucco's used to be but inside it's totally different.

It has been given a really industrial, cool makeover. It looks super modern and in my opinion it takes North Hobart up a level in the style department.

Three hungry ladies went for dinner last week and right away I felt like I was in the right place.

We started a little untraditionally with pizza for entree. Hey, carbs are my thing.
The menu is very vast and it all sounds mouthwatering. We finally opted for the meatball pizza. I think we made a good choice, check it.

Delicious thin, crisp base with fresh, tasty toppings. Yum.
I decided to back track for mains and went for a selection of antipasti.
Deep breath...
Eggplant fritti with blue cheese and honey dressing, three cheese and wild mushroom arancini, pork belly with gorgonzola and fig jam AND lightly crumbed prawn skewers with salsa Verde.

It was simple, great food. The pork belly was my highlight. The bite of the blue cheese and the sweetness of the jam just balanced it out stunningly.
My lady friends both opted for the fettucine alla boscaiola. Equally delicious. 

 If you can't tell I enjoyed Capital, like, a lot.
One thing I was very impressed with was the service. Personally I haven't always experienced great service in Hobart. I don't feel as though its a predominant feature of a restaurant here but after you experience great service it really highlights how important it actually is.
Try Capital. Over order. Enjoy, amici.

Now for breakfast.
We headed to The Signal Station Brasserie on Mount Nelson to admire the view and sample the breakfast menu.

The building is slightly dated but who cares when you can look outside to this.
The menu is pretty standard breakfast fare.
The time old debate of sweet or savory was won by eggs. I had eggs Florentine (with a particularly vinegary hollandaise). 

The ladies that I breakfasted with had eggs Benedict (with a buttery, delicious hollandaise).

And the breakfast 'brushetta' with crispy bacon, poached eggs, Huon Valley mushroom and pesto.

The food was nice, just nice, nothing extra special but good portion sizes and well cooked food.
The reason I'm suggesting this place is because of the truly spectacular location.
Imagine even just coffee here.

Bliss.
Then add eggs and bacon. Heaven.
Find the info for Mount Nelson Signal Station Brasserie here!

Last but not least, Smolt.
Despite always hearing rave reviews, I'd had a particularly average dinner at Smolt in the past.
I decided to give them another go.
The location is fantastic in prime real estate in Salamanca Place and the building is modern and classic.

The menu is breakfast with flair. Italian and Spanish flair according to Smolt.

I easily choose parmesan confit mushrooms with house baked toast, goats curd and fresh herbs.

It was really, really special. Perfectly cooked and perfectly balanced. Rich, fresh, salty and creamy.
My breakfast buddies had a selection of breakfast dishes.
Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, fine herbs and toasted ciabatta.

Potato and rosemary french toast, house cured thick cut bacon and house relish.

I tried some of this and had menu envy. I'd never thought about savory french toast but it was executed to perfection.
I most definitely would recommend breakfast at Smolt. And after my experience I'm keen to give the dinner menu another shot too.
One slight criticism is that Smolt doesn't offer gluten free bread, not a problem for me personally but I have friends with gluten intolerance and I've come to expect to see an alternative.
On the other hand I had truly great service at Smolt, the second time in a week where I was really taken aback by the quality of the service and yet again it made such a difference. Keep it up waiting staff of Hobart!

I know it's not quite the end of the year yet but I've already started thinking back about what a crazy year it's been! This year I started writing JACK bloggerand I'm totally loving sharing my experiences with you.
So, to say thanks I wanted to offer two of you lovely readers a little Christmas gift.
I will pick two readers and you can each choose a voucher to try anywhere that I have reviewed on JACK bloggerthis year! There are quite a few but I fully recommend all of them so really, you cant go wrong! 
Alternatively if you're not a Hobart local I've got a pretty awesome Tassie food hamper to give away so you can enter and I'll get it to you for a taste of Hobart!


Same drill as last time, if you haven't already 'liked' my page on Facebook do that and you automatically go in the draw. You can find it here JACK bloggerFacebook.
If you are already a fan just comment 'Merry Christmas' on my page OR share my latest post and you'll be added!
You COULD do all three and have three chances!
 
I will announce the winner on my Facebook page on Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas, everyone! X