THE GLASS HOUSE
IT FLOATS BUT IT’S NOT A BOAT
THE BRIEF
In Hobart, Tasmania, in the harbour at the end of innovative floating Brooke Street Pier, sits THE GLASS HOUSE dining bar. At the end of the pier(where ferries for MONA and Peppermint Bay depart) is where this eclectic all glass structure was created by a prominent architect. Catering to wine and food connoisseurs prominent in this art infused region, it is, in my opinion, one of the must see attractions for those of us visiting this wonderful city.
It is not only made of glass, but also contains plenty of glass inside. From the drinking glass to the serving tray there is an impressive collection of hand crafted crystal accumulated over many years of auction attendance as the grand homes of Tasmania sold their contents.
FOOD AND SERVICE
The Glass House is busy all week long but I managed to get a seating at 8PM on a Monday night. I had asked for a seat overlooking Sullivan’s cove and was escorted to one right away. The view is wonderful and the ambience is enticing and comfortable. The crowd had thinned by this time and one could easily enjoy conversation at a normal volume. The executive chef prides himself on serving up fresh locally sourced foods and Tasmanian growers.
I opted to start the evening off with what turned out to be a lovely Tasmanian scotch. Smooth and just enough flavour for the palate. Brilliant. I’d heard that the oysters don’t get any better than the ones captured from the Tasmanian coast and decided to start with a dozen of them. At 4.50 a shell the oyster lemon isn’t cheap but every bite was delightful and full of flavour and probably the best I’ve ever had. The main course followed right on time as the servers pay attention to detail. It consisted of wild clover lamb rump sprinkled with feta and heirloom beetroot as this had jumped out at me when scanning the MENU. The scotch turned out to be perfect accompaniment and this course was as delicious as the first with every bite bursting with flavour.
THE DEBRIEF
The Glass House was meant to be an upscale establishment catering to the cocktail and connoisseur crowd. The prices reflect this. Friends and business associates can meet to relax and unwind in a comfortable atmosphere. It should not be missed by the intrepid traveller as well. The menu is tweaked from time to time in order to offer fresh locally sourced food and to bring variety.
