The place: DIVINGE, a cafe in Cygnet (in the Main Street, right next door to BP servo)
The day: Beautiful and sunny
The food: Fabulous
The service: I couldn't fault it. Superlative
The prices: Excellent
The result: Perfect
Danie and Peter, the proprietors, built the place (a 'shed' of types) all themselves. They wanted a venue for their business ideas, so got in there and built it! You may not warm to the general appearance of it. Some haven't and have told them. How polite is that?
Whatever - these are two hardworking, enthusiastic food people who are passionate about their product and peoples enjoyment of it. They aren't as carried away by the dollars and cents as many I've known in the world of hospitality. They are purely interested in seeing their customers leave the cafe with a contented smile on their face, leaving behind an empty plate!
I think that's a good yardstick in this industry. The desire to create food for peoples enjoyment and pleasure. Yeah - there are obviously lots of other reasons to be in business, but I identify with this particular one.
It's not haute cuisine (that's French for 'posh nosh'!). It's fairly straightforward food, which embraces local tastes as well as other more adventurous types.
We ate and shared:
Thai Seafood Cakes with lemon mayonnaise and chilli jam $14
Tuscan Chicken Roulade with mushroom risotto $15
Mexican Beef Pie on mash with onion marmalade $9
and desserted on Panna Cotta $4
All meals could not be faulted.
I don't want people to think I'm being all mellow and soppy and handing out accolades like they came in a Weetbix packet. As I've said in the past, it's just how I found it to be on the day. I won't use the same comparison measures for all eating places. You simply can't compare places like Stillwater with, say, Lotus Eaters.
So - given todays lunch at Divinge - my call is that the three of us found it to be as perfect as you could get. We recommend you all get down to Cygnet. Eat a meal there or get some takeaway.
They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and open 10.30 other days.
Well - what are you waiting for?
Saturday, 8 September 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
10 comments:
Rita I will make it a priority to get down to Divinge.
As a matter of interest how did they come up with the name Divinge.
I wonder the same Curly Lasagne.
It, rather unfortunately, makes me think of Dinge. Oh dear.
oh please anon can't you have a little more imagination...vocabulary is a wonderful thing....!!...is dinge even a word??
Rita - went to Pecoras yesterday (couldnt get in till 1:45!!). It was amazing. Really good fresh food, and the other half who NEVER eats the salad on a plate scoffed the lot and wouldnt share.
I hope they live long and prosper!
Only downside were the group of 5 sitting near us who were of the type "Look at how much money I have, aint I a wonderful person".
Hi Curly - Idid ask Danie how Divinge was chosen as the name for their restaurant. If I followed her explanation correctly it originated in her jumbling the words "divine binge" to produce 'divinge'. Of course divinge was then adopted as the standard abbreviation for "divine binge".
Zelda - glad you experienced Pecora, and that you agree with the rest of us that it is indeed fantastic food. Bad luck about your neighbours at the next table, but I suppose that's life.
Hi Food lovers, I also have experienced the great food and service at Divinge. While holidaying in Tassie in June we called in for light lunch and were so impressed that decided to return after our Launceston stint to try it again. We were delighted with our meals and the whole experience. On next years visit to your beautiful state, we will book in advance and take up Peter's offer to indulge in something extra special. Give the place a try, you wont be sorry.
On a totally different note - I have booked Xmas lunch for the family at Montys on Montpelier. They are offering a medieval banquet which according to Natalie is going to include the bird in a bird in a bird roast starting with a goose and getting smaller.
I cant wait, sounds like its going to be amazing.
Good one Anon 10.17. Glad you added your 10c worth, which totally endorsed my summation of Divinge. Thanks and welcome.
Zelda - sounds like you're up for an adventurous Xmas dinner. How much is the medieval package on Xmas Day?
Rita - its 120 per person. Which is about which we would have paid for a buffet per person at a major hotel in Brissy including a drinks package. I dont know what the drinks situation is with this one (other than a glass of bubbly on arrival) BUT considering Henry Jones wanted 160 pp for an almost set course meal with drinks, and Hadleys wanted 120pp for a buffet this is comparable.(and ALOT more fun...)
PS I promise to report back sometime late Dec/early Jan when my body and house has recovered from the onslaught of parents, dog and various other things
Post a Comment