Tasmanian 2013 Midwinter Dinner
Let the party (almost) begin!!
Below is some info on the dinner and Hobart generally that may help your planning for the big night
The Night: The Tas midwinter dinner is on Saturday 22nd June 2013. The evening will be low key as usual. The evening is largely for the attendees to mix and mingle, renew old friendships and enjoy themselves. Pre dinner drinks from 6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm. The venue throws us out at midnight, but feel free to party on elsewhere..
The Venue: The dinner is being held at the award winning Hobart Function and Conference Centre. Located at Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart, it is a 5 minute walk (if that) from the centre of town. A map of the local area can be accessed here...
To access the venue, walk down the right hand side of the building (the Salamanca side) about 70 meters.
There is ample car parking nearby, but most of the parking is metered until 8pm. Please ensure you have tickets on display on your dashboard -the area is regularly patrolled by parking officers.
The Meal: The 3 course meal will feature local Tasmanian produce and will be an alternate drop (e.g. salmon, beef, salmon, beef...). The menu is available here...
Special dietary requirements have been passed onto the venue. The venue is aware which tables have a person with a special request. If you do not receive your order (extremely unlikely but possible) please let Michael Carr or Ingrid Mcgaughey know ASAP so it can be corrected.
The Bar: Drinks are not included with the meal and will need to be purchased separately. There will be a bar in the room with a good selection of beer, wine, spirits and non alcoholic drinks. The drinks list is available here. There will also be a copy on your table.
The Seating: The seating and table location list can be accessed here... There will be a list at the venue, but it would be helpful if you know your table number in advance.
General Hobart information
The Weather: As you are aware, our dinner is for Antarctic heroes and their guests. So no whingeing about the weather...
Just accept that it is Midwinters, it's going to be cold and dark, maybe with a touch of snow on the local mountain, and you will be fine. And remember, it will be no-where as cold as the real thing, Macca included!
Some advice for the mainlanders: Bring a warm jumper or polartec, maybe some gloves, beanie and a scarf. Ladies -we suggest a colorful neck warmer on your head rather than a beanie -tres Hobart and tres chic! And a set of body shaping long johns are always wise, unless under a very short skirt where they just look odd.
If you forget, are underprepared, (or are just plain silly) ring Ingrid or Michael (0402 677 483 or 0408 007 640). We have a large box of spare cold weather gear we can loan at short notice...
The Airport: OK, so it's called 'Hobart International Airport', but really it's anything but... We just aren't fancy down here...There are no skybridges and no mobile access until you are safely in the terminal past the banana and drug detector sniffer dogs. Our favorite dog is Rosie...give her a piece of fruit or bunch of flowers from us...
Anyway access to and from the airplane is via 15 steps or the cherrypicker. The walk to the terminal is between 30-100 meters, and if it is raining you will get wet. So maybe pack an umbrella in your hand luggage or just grin and walk quickly.
At least you can now pick up your luggage off the carosel, rather than the tractor... Just don't steal the seal. 'Stay' the wonder dog is more than enough.
A taxi from Hobart airport is about $50 and takes about 20-25 minutes. The airport shuttle is $16 per person, and meets every plane. If you are coming into Hobart for the first time, or any time, make sure you keep an eye out for our beautiful Mt Wellington and waterways.
The TMAG: maybe not quite so sexy as MONA, but the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is pretty cool. Also it is right in the middle of town, has a great Antarctic exhibition with some ANARE memorabilia on display...and its free
The MONA: We love it! Just remember dark MOFO festival is also on at this time so there's plenty to see and do.... There are stacks of things on around town at this time, but if you actually want to get to MONA itself you need to drive, bike ride (about 9km) or catch the ferry from Brooke st pier (one pier over from Salamanca and Princes wharf 1). You can buy ferry tickets for the 'MONA ROMA' at the pier or on line.
Entry to MONA is free if you are a resident of Tasmania, otherwise $20. That kind of accounts for the wage disparity. Again the entry tickets can bebooked on line. One advantage of booking on line for ferry or entry tickets is that you get priority entry via the short, right hand queue. Even ahead of the locals...
If you are into weirdo films filled with psychotic killers and girls in thigh high shiny red leather boots, opera, modern dance, or theatre it is worth checking out MONAs cinema program. The cinema is very cool –cruisey red and black leather lounges, seats with plenty of leg room, table for drinks, bar outside etc. Again you can book online or just front up.
The Bars: Remember the last drinks at the Customs House before the ship sailed...the huddle around the blazing fire at Knoppys (Knopwoods)? Well, these hallowed institutions still exist...we are sure you know the way...
Tasmania is also becoming well known for its award winning whiskeys from the Lark, Nant, Sullivans Cove and Hellyer distilleries. Take the opportunity to give them a try at the Lark distillery in Macquarie street or the Nant Whiskey Bar in Woobeys Lane, Salamanca. And if you have a lot of time you can do an entire whiskey weekend at the Nant distillery at Bothwell. Peat bog viewing is mandatory...maybe plan another visit. to our beautiful island..
The Cafes: Some current favourites include:
City:
• Yellow Bernard, Collins St., just near Murray St. Probably the best coffee in Hobart? Try their macaroons as well... (not open weekends)
· Villino espresso, in Criterion St., a small place, consistently good
· Pilgrim Coffee, Argyle street, opposite the Royal Hobart hospital...our most fave...
Salamanca area:
• Tricycle in Salamanca arts building, just up from Handmark gallery –probably the best coffee in Salamanca, great breakfasts and small selection of cakes. Seating is a bit limited.
• Zum for breakfast (papers several doors up) –best to reserve for breakfast /brunch on weekends
• Maldinis lovely for coffee and (outrageously expensive) cake
Retro cafe
Battery Point:
• Jackman and McRoss bakery: great bread and cakes. Pretty good breakfast /lunches but can be a bit too crowded. Can be nice to stop there when walking down to Salamanca market (take the historic Kelly’s steps up or down and walk through Arthurs Circus...) And yes, real people live in those cute but tiny houses..
Other:
· The Pigeon Hole, a tiny cafe near the corner of Goulburn and Molle St. Makes lovely bread as well. Not open Sunday
· Sweet Envy for home made pies, cakes and macarons in Elizabeth st, Nth Hobart...as well as awesome icecream...try the roast parsnip number...you will not be disappointed...truly...
· Kosmos (beside Dr Syntax, opposite shell service station), and Brew in Sandy Bay Rd near King st are also good…
The perfect gift for those left at home: Always tricky. But we do have a few ideas....
We think that snuggly warm Moccies (aka moccasins) are quintessentially Tasmanian. Even Princess Mary of Denmark shops exclusively in Hobart for her moccies. Unlike most states, wearing moccies in public is perfectly acceptable unless attending a wedding... If you would like to buy a pair try Country Leather at 108 Elizabeth st: they have a great range and good prices. Just nearby is Sheepskin and Opal world...
Another option is some of the wonderful local produce...salmon products from the Tassal shop in Salamanca, our local apples (everywhere), lush cheese from Pyengana in the states north (Wursthaus shop in Salamanca), Ashgrove's wasabi flavored cheese (most supermarkets), Matthew Evans pork and fennel sausages (Farmers market in Melville st on Sunday) and the smoked bacon from the Cygnet butcher....theses are a few of our favorite things...
For something different, Antarctic and Tasmanian books and maps can be found at Astrolabe booksellers in Salamanca, (go up the stairs), the Hobart bookshop in Salamanca square, and Fullers Bookshop in Collins st.
And of course the local galleries and Salamanca market have a wide variety of products in our beautiful woods...tas myrtle, blackwood, huon, celery top...
And finally, if you need any advice or assistance just ask a local or give us a call on 0409 403 143 or 6231 1560 to reach Jan Adolph, (our tas branch president no less) or his minions 402 677 483 (Ingrid) or 0408 007 640 (Squeeze). We really want you all to have a fab time in Tasmania and the midwinter dinner.
We look forward to seeing you!!!
Let the party (almost) begin!!
Below is some info on the dinner and Hobart generally that may help your planning for the big night
The Night: The Tas midwinter dinner is on Saturday 22nd June 2013. The evening will be low key as usual. The evening is largely for the attendees to mix and mingle, renew old friendships and enjoy themselves. Pre dinner drinks from 6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm. The venue throws us out at midnight, but feel free to party on elsewhere..
The Venue: The dinner is being held at the award winning Hobart Function and Conference Centre. Located at Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart, it is a 5 minute walk (if that) from the centre of town. A map of the local area can be accessed here...
To access the venue, walk down the right hand side of the building (the Salamanca side) about 70 meters.
There is ample car parking nearby, but most of the parking is metered until 8pm. Please ensure you have tickets on display on your dashboard -the area is regularly patrolled by parking officers.
The Meal: The 3 course meal will feature local Tasmanian produce and will be an alternate drop (e.g. salmon, beef, salmon, beef...). The menu is available here...
Special dietary requirements have been passed onto the venue. The venue is aware which tables have a person with a special request. If you do not receive your order (extremely unlikely but possible) please let Michael Carr or Ingrid Mcgaughey know ASAP so it can be corrected.
The Bar: Drinks are not included with the meal and will need to be purchased separately. There will be a bar in the room with a good selection of beer, wine, spirits and non alcoholic drinks. The drinks list is available here. There will also be a copy on your table.
The Seating: The seating and table location list can be accessed here... There will be a list at the venue, but it would be helpful if you know your table number in advance.
General Hobart information
The Weather: As you are aware, our dinner is for Antarctic heroes and their guests. So no whingeing about the weather...
Just accept that it is Midwinters, it's going to be cold and dark, maybe with a touch of snow on the local mountain, and you will be fine. And remember, it will be no-where as cold as the real thing, Macca included!
Some advice for the mainlanders: Bring a warm jumper or polartec, maybe some gloves, beanie and a scarf. Ladies -we suggest a colorful neck warmer on your head rather than a beanie -tres Hobart and tres chic! And a set of body shaping long johns are always wise, unless under a very short skirt where they just look odd.
If you forget, are underprepared, (or are just plain silly) ring Ingrid or Michael (0402 677 483 or 0408 007 640). We have a large box of spare cold weather gear we can loan at short notice...
The Airport: OK, so it's called 'Hobart International Airport', but really it's anything but... We just aren't fancy down here...There are no skybridges and no mobile access until you are safely in the terminal past the banana and drug detector sniffer dogs. Our favorite dog is Rosie...give her a piece of fruit or bunch of flowers from us...
Anyway access to and from the airplane is via 15 steps or the cherrypicker. The walk to the terminal is between 30-100 meters, and if it is raining you will get wet. So maybe pack an umbrella in your hand luggage or just grin and walk quickly.
At least you can now pick up your luggage off the carosel, rather than the tractor... Just don't steal the seal. 'Stay' the wonder dog is more than enough.
A taxi from Hobart airport is about $50 and takes about 20-25 minutes. The airport shuttle is $16 per person, and meets every plane. If you are coming into Hobart for the first time, or any time, make sure you keep an eye out for our beautiful Mt Wellington and waterways.
The TMAG: maybe not quite so sexy as MONA, but the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is pretty cool. Also it is right in the middle of town, has a great Antarctic exhibition with some ANARE memorabilia on display...and its free
The MONA: We love it! Just remember dark MOFO festival is also on at this time so there's plenty to see and do.... There are stacks of things on around town at this time, but if you actually want to get to MONA itself you need to drive, bike ride (about 9km) or catch the ferry from Brooke st pier (one pier over from Salamanca and Princes wharf 1). You can buy ferry tickets for the 'MONA ROMA' at the pier or on line.
Entry to MONA is free if you are a resident of Tasmania, otherwise $20. That kind of accounts for the wage disparity. Again the entry tickets can be
If you are into weirdo films filled with psychotic killers and girls in thigh high shiny red leather boots, opera, modern dance, or theatre it is worth checking out MONAs cinema program. The cinema is very cool –cruisey red and black leather lounges, seats with plenty of leg room, table for drinks, bar outside etc. Again you can book online or just front up.
The Bars: Remember the last drinks at the Customs House before the ship sailed...the huddle around the blazing fire at Knoppys (Knopwoods)? Well, these hallowed institutions still exist...we are sure you know the way...
Tasmania is also becoming well known for its award winning whiskeys from the Lark, Nant, Sullivans Cove and Hellyer distilleries. Take the opportunity to give them a try at the Lark distillery in Macquarie street or the Nant Whiskey Bar in Woobeys Lane, Salamanca. And if you have a lot of time you can do an entire whiskey weekend at the Nant distillery at Bothwell. Peat bog viewing is mandatory...maybe plan another visit. to our beautiful island..
The Cafes: Some current favourites include:
City:
• Yellow Bernard, Collins St., just near Murray St. Probably the best coffee in Hobart? Try their macaroons as well... (not open weekends)
· Villino espresso, in Criterion St., a small place, consistently good
· Pilgrim Coffee, Argyle street, opposite the Royal Hobart hospital...our most fave...
Salamanca area:
• Tricycle in Salamanca arts building, just up from Handmark gallery –probably the best coffee in Salamanca, great breakfasts and small selection of cakes. Seating is a bit limited.
• Zum for breakfast (papers several doors up) –best to reserve for breakfast /brunch on weekends
• Maldinis lovely for coffee and (outrageously expensive) cake
Retro cafe
Battery Point:
• Jackman and McRoss bakery: great bread and cakes. Pretty good breakfast /lunches but can be a bit too crowded. Can be nice to stop there when walking down to Salamanca market (take the historic Kelly’s steps up or down and walk through Arthurs Circus...) And yes, real people live in those cute but tiny houses..
Other:
· The Pigeon Hole, a tiny cafe near the corner of Goulburn and Molle St. Makes lovely bread as well. Not open Sunday
· Sweet Envy for home made pies, cakes and macarons in Elizabeth st, Nth Hobart...as well as awesome icecream...try the roast parsnip number...you will not be disappointed...truly...
· Kosmos (beside Dr Syntax, opposite shell service station), and Brew in Sandy Bay Rd near King st are also good…
The perfect gift for those left at home: Always tricky. But we do have a few ideas....
We think that snuggly warm Moccies (aka moccasins) are quintessentially Tasmanian. Even Princess Mary of Denmark shops exclusively in Hobart for her moccies. Unlike most states, wearing moccies in public is perfectly acceptable unless attending a wedding... If you would like to buy a pair try Country Leather at 108 Elizabeth st: they have a great range and good prices. Just nearby is Sheepskin and Opal world...
Another option is some of the wonderful local produce...salmon products from the Tassal shop in Salamanca, our local apples (everywhere), lush cheese from Pyengana in the states north (Wursthaus shop in Salamanca), Ashgrove's wasabi flavored cheese (most supermarkets), Matthew Evans pork and fennel sausages (Farmers market in Melville st on Sunday) and the smoked bacon from the Cygnet butcher....theses are a few of our favorite things...
For something different, Antarctic and Tasmanian books and maps can be found at Astrolabe booksellers in Salamanca, (go up the stairs), the Hobart bookshop in Salamanca square, and Fullers Bookshop in Collins st.
And of course the local galleries and Salamanca market have a wide variety of products in our beautiful woods...tas myrtle, blackwood, huon, celery top...
And finally, if you need any advice or assistance just ask a local or give us a call on 0409 403 143 or 6231 1560 to reach Jan Adolph, (our tas branch president no less) or his minions 402 677 483 (Ingrid) or 0408 007 640 (Squeeze). We really want you all to have a fab time in Tasmania and the midwinter dinner.
We look forward to seeing you!!!