Taste Of Tassie

Take a gastronomic road trip around regional Tasmania. You’ll be delighted by the offerings, particularly in the north, writes Laura Barry.

- Laura Barry

Tourists to Australia’s island state of Tasmania tend to visit the harbour-front city of Hobart, enjoying Salamanca Market, the Museum of Old and New Art and a thriving foodie scene. Meanwhile, other areas – including the lesser-known northern city of Launceston – are undergoing a culinary renaissance, with purveyors of fine foods, winemakers and sustainable growers throughout the region making a living doing what they love.

Fine dining

Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant (geronimorestaurant.com.au) on Charles Street in Launceston, owned and operated by Jeremy Kode, is one such place. After years abroad perfecting his gastronomic art, Jeremy returned home to open a restaurant dedicated to serving inspired seasonal food that harnesses the flavours from his parents’ sustainable farm, 20 minutes’ drive away in Longford. There, fruit and herbs are grown, cows roam free in fields, the hand-reared lambs love a cuddle – and not a single unnatural chemical or pesticide touches the land.

Perfect for a nightcap

Hidden away in a ‘hole in the wall’ on Brisbane Street is Red Brick Road Ciderhouse & Bar (redbrickroadcider. com.au), which specialises in authentic pear and apple ciders made from natural ingredients using traditional methods. The ciders and perries (pear cider) are sugar-free, unpasteurised, unfiltered and naturally fermented. Proprietor Corey Baker is more than happy to talk you through the range and host a tasting.