Just returned from lunch at Pecora - Luke and Katrina's restaurant at Grandvewe.
Before I start here, I need to publish one of those AO warnings to you all.
I'm about to use the Thesaurus here bigtime in order to find enough superlatives to fully describe the ecstacies that Lukes food put me into.
My first comment is to staff at Marque IV - get your arses down there quick smart! Paul - I suggest a team building exercise of the outing down there (so you can claim it on tax! Not suggesting you have team building issues at all.)
I mention MIV because their food is where I have savoured every single minute of my meal there and I always use it as my yardstick for food quality, service and enjoyment.
Remember how I raved about my meal at MIV in April? Well, double that for todays response to the food at Pecora!
Three of us shared the following entrees:
Salumi $13
Bresaola, pecorino, lemon, capers $12
Emma's braised eggplant, fried haloumi, parsley $10
We mained on:
Beef cheek and marrow pie, whipped buttermilk potatoes, stewed onions $17
Onion & thyme tortilla, manchego, ligurian olives, vincotto $14
Slow cooked octopus, passata, chickpeas, smoked paprika $17
Then we shared a Leche flan, gingerbread crumbs, braised pear $10
The others had a glass each of the Grandvewe pinot, and we had hot chocolates ($4) in bowls (as opposed to cups or mugs) and cappucinos.
We divided the bill into 3, and each paid $47, which we considered the best value for money we'd ever had.
The food was such that I had to block out the conversation and let the food in my mouth do its job. It was absolutely superb.
The combinations of fine, distinct product flavours was indescribable. If you are a person who is the remotest bit interested in food, and what you can produce when you are passionate about producing simple but brilliant food well - go there instantly.
Gobbler predicted to me privately this week that Luke would become a driving force in the food world here in Hobart, and I don't doubt that for one second, given the gastronomic experience I have just had.
Luke & Katrina - on behalf of Tassie, let me welcome you, and thank you so much for providing us with this raising the bar for our regional food.
Saturday 28 July 2007
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21 comments:
sounds just yummy - how big is the room - is it something you should book for?
Yes Kitty - totally advisable. If you go on a day like today (cold & rainy & gloomy) rug up a bit as they're still fine tuning the heating issue.
Trust you got my email yesterday?
Hi Rita
CB also gave rave reviews for lunch at Pecora today...although one of the first things he mentioned was how he made friends with Toto...
I really enjoy reading your blog, I think it's fantastic!
Just wanted to express my disgust at the terrible experience your friend had at the Nosebag - for shame. Sandy Bay unfortunately seems to have a distinct lack of decent cafes or even places to grab a sandwich on the run.
Have you been to the Lower Room? Thinking of heading there for a friend's birthday that's coming up and have heard good things so far.
Hi ls. Sorry you couldn't come along with us today.
I haven't been to Lower House but it should be good - let me know how you go there as I'm very interested.
I thought lower house had closed....
No Zelda - I gather it's still pottering along there, under the eye of our much beloved Steve Cumper.
By the way - have heard recently mixed reactions to the Sandy Bay cafe, Gilt (hope I spelled it right).
Will have to pop in there soon & see what it's about.
Thanks for the kind words Rita!
In fact I have very little to do with The Lower House at present as it is in the very capable hands of Scott Butler. He is doing something quite unique & it deserves to be noticed-check it out!
I stand corrected - was thinking of somewhere else obviously....
Great Stuff Rita, I'l be down there soon with Lady Fair.
PS did you read Hobart Restaurant Bitch's japanese piece.
Oh No.....
If you knew sushi,
like I know sushi,
oh, oh, oh what a gag.
Sir grumpy (blame gobbler, he started me singing on his kingston blog)
Sounds like I need to add this to the list of must do's. I have some friends visiting soon and as this is the only time my wife will roster me out of the slave ships, I'm going to recommend it and absolutely trust your judgement.
Yours Cartouche, "Rita, Rita maid"
(sorry you can also attribute that to Gobbler and Grumpy).
Hi Guys
Sir G - yes I DID read HRB's Mikaku review. I was going to comment then decided not to. I've found Mikaku to be shabby & shitty for years and have just assumed everyone else shared that opinion, so much so that I got a surprise reading her review!
I've given them a chance about once a year to redeem themeslves, but each time it's been as she described, so I never bother now. In my listing of Japanese restaurants in Hobart I would never think to add them to it, if anyone asked me.
Cartouche - thanks for the trust you put in me regarding my recommendation of Luke & his food. I just know you will have a great meal. Don't forget to let us know the results of your visit.
Hi to all,
just on a change of subject, I'm looking for somewhere for the extended family, and my lot, to go for Christmas Day lunch. Myself, I would much rather be home, traditionalist I am, but after years of a home cooked meal, we've all decided we deserve a Christmas where some one else does all the work. After doing a little homework, it all seems so expensive.{around $300 for me and mine]. Mind you there are 5 of us in my family alone, to consider when paying the bill. I'm positive that for the money I could cater myself and we'd live like Kings for a day, but I also understand the luxury and convenience of dining out. So if any of you wonderful and learned people have any suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate them.
A most interesting question Christina, and one which deserves a post all of its own....
Yes Christina, me and the missus are planning to do similar this year. Have a break.
To put your $300 in perspective, that would barely cover the cost of a meal for two at, say, London's La Petite Maison.
And that's just brasserie food style!
It will be Christmas, do the $300, $400 and enjoy.
Think of the poor eatery staff slogging away on that special day.
I'm scouting out a few ideas for us, when I know more, I'll reveal all...if Rita doen't mind, of course.
Sir Grumpy
Sir G - please share with us when you've done your homework!
Me too Sir G - Mum and dad are landing at my place on the 20th Dec with dog in tow for a 3 week holiday. We always go out for Xmas lunch however I have NO clue about HBA as I am normally in Brissy!!
From an industry point of view, I won't be working this Christmas - the first in sixteen years. Normally I would cook for 100 - 150 people for lunch and dinner and then have my family's feast on Boxing Day. Not this year, I am puuting my family first for a change.
Christina and Sir G, I hope you find a nice venue with some real festive spirit as there is nothing worse than a dead and souless room. And just remember for those who dine out, when you are greeted by your waitperson on the day, they may be getting double time but give them a big smile, a Merry Christmas and thank them as you leave. That usually helps to make their day.
cant believe all thyp about pecora had a table for 5 pie was great, octopus awful, sauage bland, bresaola ok, ordered cheese and had to wait 10 mins for more bread!!
Anon 17/10 - sorry you seem to have had a crap experience. Luke would be really upset that you felt this way, and if he could have done anything on the day to rectify things, I'm sure he would have.
If it was the flavours of the food - well I'm afraid that's more of a personal thing. As the time has passed, & you are now not still sitting in the restaurant thinking how shit your food was, that particular issue can't be addressed. If I eat food I don't like the taste of, I think it's no good my telling chef unless I think that's not the way it was meant to taste. Just because I personally don't like it, doesn't mean that someone else mightn't.
That's why I highlight here on this blog that all these reviews are subjective - just my opinion, and I'm neither right or wrong. It's up to each and every one of you to decide what you yourself think. And that depends on your tastebuds, what sort of food you like, how you like it done etc etc. So many variables.
If it's a service (or lack thereof) issue - a polite but firm complaint to either Luke or Katrina would have been helpful for them.
I will pass this on to Luke next time I speak to him, if you like. I intend going back there to eat before Xmas.
Hi Rita
I hear there are some interesting changes at Fritto Misto, Lauderdale. Has anyone been there lately?
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