There was a time when Tasmanian's cringed about winter. Even though Hobart is only a fraction colder than Melbourne, and has less rain, for some reason the State was forbidden territory to mainlanders, let alone in winter - I mean, who would want to come here!
Friday night in Salamanca, in winter, sets a new standard for Australian hospitality. We started with after dinner drinks at Grape. Surrounded by racks of yummie wines, the girls drank savignon blanc and I had a cabernet merlot. The perfect way to wind down after work, Grape (or Cargo, or any other of the fantastic bars that line Salamanca) is within five minutes of walking for the average city worker. You couldn't even get to the train station or the tram in that time in Sydney or Melbourne.
What do we fancy for dinner. Italian? Maldini's. Its virtually next door. We arrive and its pretty busy. Table for two? Not just yet - oh, wait a minute - yes, we have one if you don't mind sitting near the door. Thats fine. Try doing that in your next good mainland restaurant!
The restaurant is vibrant - tables full of people in energetic discussion, waiters gliding between them balancing straining trays on the tips of their fingers. Long white linen aprons, stone walls and heavy beams. It reminds us of the better restaurants we visited in Milan and Florence. The food doesn't disappoint. OK - we were in a romantic mood, which always helps.
As we leave, the winter trees are shining with glow worm lights and the cold night air kisses our cheeks like an old friend - winter in Tasmania. Beautiful!
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