25 May 2009
Sue Dyson & Roger McShane
Wrest Point, 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay, Hobary, Tasmania, Australia.
+61 3 6221 1700.
The guéridon service has almost been retired (you can still order crêpes suzette, although the prawns flambéed in pernod with banana have, thankfully, disappeared), but there’s still a sense of nostalgia about dining in this revolving restaurant that, when Wrest Point Hotel Casino opened in 1973, introduced Hobart to new levels of service and sophistication. More than 35 years later, it still sets a high standard. The long-serving waiting staff, who are well-practised at adding to any sense of occasion (lots of birthdays are celebrated here), and the lovely views are still the main attractions, but there is plenty to rouse interest on the menu, too. Start with freshly shucked local Woody Island oysters, sugar-cured salmon or a beetroot and goat’s cheese salad. Follow with some of Tasmania’s excellent meat – maybe a dish of slow-braised lamb shoulder, or grilled Greenham beef with bearnaise sauce. Lobster is usually also available. And, if you want to truly get into the groove, it simply has to be crêpes suzette for dessert.
Open: lunch Fri, dinner daily. Licensed. Mains $30-$46.
Source: Qantas The Australian Way June 2009