The Source – Hobart

J and I first dined at The Source five years ago before it was called The Source. I can’t remember what it was called back then, but it was part of the cellar door experience at Moorilla winery. Today it is still part of the cellar door, and the location, building and fabulous views are still the same but there have been some other changes to this property in an outer suburb of Hobart.

The most significant change has been MONA, The Museum of Old and New Art, owned by David Walsh. This controversial museum sits in a stunning water’s edge location next to the cellar door and since opening has been causing division and much debate amongst its many visitors. Let’s just say it is like no other museum or art gallery you will see anywhere in the world, and if you are a bit squeamish you might want to give it a miss.

The museum means more visitors and a café combined wine bar has been built next to the original cellar door to help feed the hungry. The accommodation has also been extended, as has the car park (though it is recommended you catch the ferry if you are visiting the museum). J and I missed the last ferry we could have got to get us there before our lunch booking so we got a taxi.

Ever since our last lunch, and I couldn’t tell you what we ate, but I know we really liked it, we have always said we would like to dine again at Moorilla. MONA added another reason to visit the island state (along with catching up with family).

We were a little bit early for our 1pm booking so sat at the cellar door bar and tasted the wines and beer on offer. The gentleman manning the cellar door was excellent, he was very friendly and knew his stuff.

We then moved into the restaurant for lunch.

Bread was brought out.

This was awesome bread, it tasted like it had been lightly toasted on the crust only and was super crunchy. Only one round was offered but I hope more would have been OK if we had asked.

I was struggling to decide between two dishes for entree and in the end I went with the boudin blanc, tomato, fennel and haricots blanc beans.

This was my (and J’s) first time having boudin blanc and if this is what I can expect everytime I will definitely order it again. It was smooth and creamy with a mild taste, and the tomato and beans worked beautifully with it.

J had the jamon, clams, mushrooms, watercress, fine mousseline of eggs.

He was surpised about how the clams were served (de-shelled) but this made for easier eating, and he said eating this dish was a bit like having a second breakfast. He too really enjoyed his entree.

Up until this point the service had been good but we waited at least 15-20 minutes too long for our mains to come out.

I had the fricassé of chicken and mushroom, seaweed marmalade, buckwheat foam.

A very pretty plate with all the elements looking nice as well. The chicken was well cooked and I liked the taste of the different mushrooms. This was a huge dish and I didn’t eat it all. I would have liked something crunchy in here to add a different texture.

J had the slow cooked ocean trout, yoghurt, salmon and chive dressing, wheat risotto.

He raved about this dish, the trout was perfect and the texture went really well with the risotto, he loved the bits of salmon in the dressing, basically it was the perfect dish.

We had agreed to share a dessert but with the long wait between entree and main, time was ticking on and we still had to get to the museum. We did think dessert could have come out quickly (how long does it take to cut a piece of tiramisu?) but we decided not to risk it.

Overall, it was a good lunch and we agree that we would definitely go back, maybe for dinner next time.

Oh, and we enjoyed the museum too.