Tasmania's favourite chef collects two Michelin stars

Tetsuya Wakuda AO, star Sydney chef and Tasmanian brand ambassador, has earned his second Michelin star for his Singapore restaurant, Waku Ghin.

Tetsuya, a much-loved figure in Australian culinary circles, was awarded two stars in the latest Michelin Guide, Singapore, announced overnight at an awards ceremony held at The Fullerton Hotel.

He joins Brett Graham of The Ledbury in London as the only Australian chefs to hold two Michelin stars.

“It’s something we never expected," Japanese-born Tetsuya said. "It’s very flattering and I’m proud ... I'm more proud of my staff.

“This is the restaurant business. This is a very special industry. It’s very hard, very tough, but in the end, very sweet.”

Tasmania claimed a share of the recognition as both Waku Ghin, at Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore, and Tetsuya's in Sydney, both highlight fresh Tasmanian produce.

Tetsuya became an official Tasmanian Brand Ambassador in 2004, four years after first visiting the state to source ocean trout for his world-renowned signature dish, confit of Tasmanian ocean trout.

He has assisted Tasmanian producers with the distribution of wasabi, cheese, abalone, oysters, onions, wagyu beef, grass-fed beef and lamb, walnuts, leatherwood honey, wine, olive oil and many other products.

Are Armenia and Albania among the next travel hotspots?

Is Armenia on your agenda for a holiday? How about Albania (pictured) as a vacation destination? 

Both countries are among the most enquired about with British travel agents Responsible Travel, who also see growth in destinations including Montenegro, Croatia and Georgia (not the one in the US). 

Responsible Travel reports a colossal rise in popularity of Eastern European destinations for the first half of this year, compared to 2016. 

With exchange rates predicted to sting many European tourists in traditional destinations this summer, the on line travel company’s latest data suggests a growing trend for Eastern Europe, where holiday budgets stretch further and local communities can benefit, too.

Responsible Travel’s percentage increase in enquiries (year on year): Armenia +143%, Albania +110%, Montenegro +71%, Croatia +54%, Georgia +54%. 

Enquiries, of course, are not solid bookings, but do suggest an interesting trend.

“Our customers are showing unprecedented interest in Eastern European destinations where we know they get better value for money," says Responsible Travel CEO Justin Francis. 

"Local people can benefit hugely from this growth in popularity if we, as travellers, make sure our money is going directly to the people that need it. Staying in local accommodation, eating in locally owned restaurants, shopping in local markets…these pump money into communities. So when tourism is done responsibly then we have a win-win situation for local people as well as visitors.”

The weak sterling rate means British tourists are being hit harder than ever in many of the traditionally popular holiday destinations. With the current exchange rate, it is reported customers will pay an extra £200 for €1000. Also, popularity and demand rises for destinations considered ‘safe’, such as Spain and Portugal, so do the prices.

So is a cultural tour of Armenia, or a walking trip in rural Albania tickle your fancy next time you are in Europe...
www.responsibletravel.com. 
  

Cape Town becomes a wine region in its own right

The profile of South African wine is set to attract greater international attention now that a new Wine of Origin District named after Cape Town, one of the world’s foremost tourism brands, has been approved by the South African Wine and Spirit Board.

The ground-breaking move is aimed at elevating the profile of South African wine through a direct association to Cape Town and will unite the wine regions of Constantia, Durbanville, Philadelphia and Hout Bay under the inclusive name Wine of Origin Cape Town.

A total of 30 wineries, including some of South Africa’s leading brands such as Groot Constantia (below), Durbanville Hills (above), Diemersdal, Klein Constantia, Nitida, Meerendal, Buitenverwachting and Cape Point Vineyards will join forces under Wine of Origin Cape Town, capitalising on the global recognition Cape Town has achieved as an international tourist destination and sought-after lifestyle brand.

Rico Basson, CEO of South African wine producers’ organisation Vinpro, said an official Cape Town wine district automatically links the local wine industry to one of the leading place names in international tourism, lifestyle and business.

“The collaboration between the various wards and wineries in coming together to form the new wine district is a huge step forward for the South African wine industry,” he says.

“It is an example of innovative co-operation in harnessing producers to market their respective regions under one name, the name Cape Town being much-needed for South African wine to present itself as a global player.

“As a wine region, Cape Town now encapsulates a wonderful set of dynamics in terms of heritage, culture and modern wine styles. South Africa is already well-known for our wine tourism offering and this new development will add to integrating our strategy of innovative marketing.”

Basson said the areas involved are incorporated in a unique area of the Cape Winelands that includes wards surrounded by the effect of the Atlantic Ocean and representing a similar geography.”

Somewhere special to stay for visitors to Hobart

There is no shortage of variety in the range of accommodation available in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, but a newly-opened rental cottage offers a tangible link to the past. 

1870 Hobart Town is a super-comfortable heritage cottage in South Hobart, dating back to, you guessed it,1870. 

It's tucked away on a characterful side street and just a couple of minutes' walk from cafés and restaurants like Ginger Brown and newcomer Miss Jane. 

Not that you'll need them. As with the owners' other rental property, Coast House, outside Cygnet,1870 is stocked with gourmet goodies ranging from fresh free-range eggs and Huon smoked salmon, to fresh artisan breads, a selection of Tasmanian cheeses, fresh strawberries and even a bottle of local wine and some soft drinks.

Coincidentally, the adults-only cottage was once the home of the Pooleys - now one of the state's leading wine producing families. 

The brand new website (1870 was only launched a couple of weeks ago) describes 1870 as "a heritage cottage with character, comfort and convenience."

With open wood fires lit when we arrived, and hugely comfortable furnishings, there is a temptation, particularly in winter, to snuggle up for the night. 

That, however, would be a pity when all the attractions of Hobart are on your doorstep. It is a 20-minute walk to Salamanca and the waterfront and several mountain tracks are available in the foothills of kunyani/Mt Wellington.

For those who want to stay on one level, there are a comfortable queen- sized bed with luxury linens and bathroom downstairs; along with a spacious living area and kitchen. There is a second character attic bedroom upstairs.

For warmer days guests have use of a balcony and an embryonic garden, as well as off-street parking, while internal additions include a coffee maker, dishwasher, washing machine, hairdryer and a stocked pantry. 

You'll find TV and free, fast internet, too, for keeping in touch with those at home, as well as a stereo system. 

My only complaint was the towels; feeble little things that didn't work for a big blubbery boy. I'm told they have since been replaced, so I can give 10/10. 

Summing up; 1870 Hobart Town is just delightful with all city comforts in the quietest of neighbourhoods.

For details and bookings visit  www.1870hobarttown.com. Prices start from $250 a night. 

# The writer was guest of 1870 Hobart Town  

Christmas in July and August in the Blue Mountains

There are a lot of people for whom it doesn't seem right to celebrate Christmas on the beach, or beside a swimming pool. 

Usually British, or European-born, they are scornful about prawns and beer; demanding a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, along with brisk winds and maybe the odd flurry of snow. 

That's how Yulefest came about; an Australian celebration of all things Christmasy when it really is winter Down Under. 

This weekend marks the start of the Blue Mountains’ annual Yulefest, and while the stiff breezes are blowing and sleet threatening there’s no better place to be than beside the log fire in the lovely surrounds of Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel.

To celebrate the reverse season, Fairmont Resort is set to host lavish Yulefest feasts each weekend from June 24 to August 12. 

The newly refurbed Jamison’s Restaurant will be transformed "into a winter wonderland" with a roaring fire, festive feast, storybook scenery, and even the occasional snowflake. Come dinner time guests can craft their own menu from an extensive gourmet buffet, complete with festive favourites such as roast carvery dishes and desserts.

Taking things beyond parody into a world of Hansonesque absurdity, Fairmont Resort will also welcome special guest Santa Claus, "who will pay the children a visit and wish all a merry Yulefest".

I wonder if you can pay him to stay away? 

  

Friday and Saturday Yulefest dinners cost $92 per adult, $49 per teen (13-17) and $29 per child (5-12). Kids under four eat free. Bookings are essential. 

For those that want to extend the Yuletide cheer, the resort is offering a Bed and Breakfast package from $339 per night which includes overnight accommodation for two adults and adults and two children, plus buffet breakfast the following morning.

For more information visit www.fairmontresort.com.au, call (02)  4785 0000 or email reservations@fairmontresort.com.au

Ready to experience Tasmania's Three Capes Track?

The Tasmanian Walking Company has opened bookings for its new Three Capes Walk. 

The company, which also operates walks including the Cradle Mountain Walk and the Wineglass Bay Walk, says the new experience has been "hailed as Australia’s premier coastal walk". 

The four-day guided experience traverses the full Three Capes Track staying in the Tasman National Park’s only private lodgings. 

Groups will comprise groups of no more than 14, led by two experienced guides.

Walkers will sleep in architecturally designed lodges at night and will be served locally sourced fare, matched with a selection of Tasmanian wines.

The first departure will be on September 1, 2018, but walks are expected to book out fast. 

The two lodges have been designed to rest gently in the environment. Both reflect sustainability in their built form; respecting their surrounds. Environmentally friendly features, include bird-friendly wind turbines, water-recycling showers and the latest solar technologies. 

For details email bookings@taswalkingco.com.au or phone (03) 6392 2211.