When I started planning my Tassie trip, one of my key aims was to try as much local produce as possible. As soon as the flights were booked, (and maybe before, hehe), I was eagerly searching online for restaurants that would satisfy...
Black Cow Bistro
Cnr. George and Paterson Street
Launceston TAS 7250
(03) 6331-9333
Website
A mere 5 minutes from our hotel, (although I soon came to realise that nothing in Launceston is very far at all), the Black Cow Bistro is a chic steakhouse located in a historic building that was once a butcher. The dim lights, red paintings and simple decorations create an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. It was just what we needed after such a hectic day: work, flying to Launceston, figuring out how a Ford Falcon works, navigating our way through the Launceston streets to the hotel, dumping our stuff and - finally! - sitting down to dinner. Aaah.
After we ordered, we were asked if we wanted some bread, which came with a lovely lemon-infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It was warm and crunchy, and I loved the cute presentation! But I must say I was a bit miffed when I saw the $4.80 charge on our bill, as there was no mention of bread anywhere on the menu, and we weren't told it was an extra. Bread not included? I think that's a 'sin' for which Stephen Downes would automatically deduct 2 points. I'm not that harsh, but I would have liked to have been told about the extra charge first.
Ciabatta - $4.80 |
For starters, I had half a dozen Pacific oysters from Moulting Bay in St. Helens. Just natural, thank-you! The best way to eat oysters, in my opinion.
Freshly shucked Pacific oysters, Moulting Bay (St Helens, East Cost, TAS) (6) - Natural with lemon cheeks - $16.50 |
The mains comprise a range of different steaks, with one fish dish and one chicken dish. According to the menu, vegetarian options are available too,but you'll have to check with your waiter as they're not listed.
We both ordered steaks - all come with baked Dijon mustard potatoes, and complimentary mustard. We were both a bit extravagant and got truffled béarnaise.
Sandra had a 200g eye fillet, well done (why, oh why?!)...
Eye Fillet Swift Australia (Longford, North Tas) 200g served with baked Dijon mustard potatoes and truffled bearnaise sauce - $34.50 |
Rib Eye, Clover Country Meats (Ulverstone, NW Tas) dry hung 21 days on the bone 400g+ served with baked Dijon mustard potatoes and truffled bearnaise sauce - $41.00 |
Yorktown Organics baby wild rocket, roasted pine nuts, grana padano & merlot vinegar dressing - $6 |
Cauliflower and parmesan gratin - $6.20 |
As you can imagine, after all of that food there was no room for dessert. In fact, I'm ashamed to admit I couldn't even finish my steak, delicious though it was! The desserts cover the classics - sticky date pudding, banana and toffee tart, crème brûlée and so on. Next time I'll have to pace myself a bit more or choose a more modest steak so that I can try the desserts.
At about $120 for 2 people, I thought the meal was quite good value (noting that we didn't have any alcohol), and the service was both efficient and friendly. Black Cow Bistro was a lovely spot for a nice, relaxed dinner, and a great introduction to Launceston.
To help me discover Tasmania, Tourism Tasmania generously provided return flights and car hire for the trip. However, I selected all accommodation, tourist destinations and restaurants personally and visited as a paying customer.
2 comments
Everything looks SO damn good. I can't believe you let 400 measley grams defeat you! :p Come on, Sarah! Porktoberfest crew is disappointed!
ReplyDeleteOooh, that bread thing would irk me terribly too! Though all can be forgiven with delicious oysters, I think ;)
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