Kuzina revisited

(I have swapped the pics here, deleted the crap one of the gnocchi and added one I took when I dined at Kuzina again this evening (Friday) of our Garlic Prawns cooking.)

I intended eating last night at Infusion, but damn! They were closed! Guess who doesn’t take notice of her own blog? Didn’t feel like cooking, having driven back from Launceston, so kept driving to Kuzina – that being the next on my list of ‘to go to’s’.

I’m ashamed to tell you I obviously hadn’t booked, and walked in off the street with no booking – a huge no-no in Rita’s book of etiquette. Luckily the staff were understanding, and forgave this grave misdemenour!

I have to say Nick didn’t exaggerate when he told me I couldn’t fault anything there at Kuzina. The service was exemplary. The food stunning. I absolutely loved it and will definitely return soon.

I had a Butterscotch Cocktail, which knocked my socks off with its beautiful-ness. I had a garlic prawns entree, cooked (nearly) at the table – showing my age but even though it’s a straightforward dish to cook, when someone else makes it for you, it’s gorgeous. I then had (entree sized) the Apprentices Special – a gnocchi with Talegio sauce, walnuts and grilled pear – an inspired combination which really worked. The apprentice bought it to the table which was great too, so Rita could quiz him on it!

The most important thing that shone through was all staff's enthusiasm and passion for what they were doing. Just after I had been seated, a chef came out of the kitchen to enquire what I was thinking about eating tonight and asking could he provide me with any guidance. Suspicious Rita immediately asked why was he asking and did he regularly come out of the kitchen to ask guests this question, to which he replied that he regularly did in fact do this. I think this is the most wonderful initiative. If I got treated like this by more chefs (in their quieter times, naturally), I assure you I, and everyone else in Hobart, would be eating there constantly.

Stupid Rita had left her wallet at home in her hurry to go out and forage for dinner, so also lucky for her, they trusted her to return tomorrow and pay – the total was $46 worth of money well spent.

So – you’re right Nick – as hard as I tried to find something wrong, there was absolutely not one thing I could fault. The water was topped up constantly; the dining room was immaculate; the staff mega-friendly and helpful, as well as timely with their service; the napery, cutlery and crockery sparkling; the menu covered all tastes and was explained well, and priced accordingly. Well done Kuzina.