June is the month of competitions in Australia and this one brings some exciting news from and about The Islington Hotel.
Australian Entertaining and Travel Vogue has just published its annual producer awards (www.vogue.com.au). The hotel is pleased to announce that several of those producers’ wares are showcased in the food being made in-house by our current chef, Luke Burgess (www.lukeburgessphotography.com). Luke brings to the hotel his passion for seasonal flavours and commitment to small, local producers. Frogmore Creek organic garlic (www.frogmorecreek.com.au) can often be found in dishes on the menu as well as Spring Bay mussels (www.springbayseafoods.com.au). Our cheese selection is largely local and cheeses from two of the Tasmanian award winners, Bruny Island Cheese Co. (www.brunyislandcheese.com.au) and Thorpe Farm (www.visitvinyards.com), can be enjoyed at The Islington after dinner or in the afternoon beside the fire with a glass of local wine.
Gourmet Traveller (www.gourmettraveller.com.au) has also recently published its annual awards with The Islington as runner up and only Tasmanian hotel mentioned in the Luxury Boutique Hotel category. We congratulate the Emporium Hotel in Brisbane on winning the top award. Great to see new hotels joining our ranks.
With winter settling in we are looking forward to some great Tasmanian food and wine. Truffle season is just around the corner and we’re looking forward to a dinner or two featuring this elusive fungus in July. Scallop season opens at the end of the week and Spring Bay’s beautiful offerings will definitely be on the menu before long. Of course, pears and the famous Tasmanian apples are in abundance at this time of year. As we finish off the last of the seasons’ preserved quince from the Islington garden guests are enjoying spice poached apples and pears at breakfast as well as taking home a jar or two to enjoy the taste of Islington at home.
With harvest just completed it’s a great time of year to be visiting some vineyards and a tasting at Domaine A (www.domaine-a.com.au) and lunch at Meadowbank Estate (www.meadowbankwines.com.au) are lovely ways to spend a winter afternoon. We can arrange something special for you. Simply advise us when making your reservation at Islington.
Do come down soon and enjoy this wonderful Tasmanian season. As added incentive we are offering some packages at The Islington and Priory together with some of our favourite restaurants. Plus there are some great events in Hobart and surrounds in the winter time such as the Antarctic Midwinter Festival (www.antarctic-tasmania.info) (June 19-28) and the Festival of Voices (www.festivalofvoices.com.au) (July 9-12) so call us and book a weekend or mid-week getaway soon.
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