Cultura Expresso Bar and Restaurant

Location: 123 Liverpool Street, Hobart

Phone: (03) 6234 7111 

Website:  www.culturahobart.com.au

Opening hours: Mon - Thurs 7.30am - 4.30pm. Fri 7.30am - late. Sat 9am - late. 

Kids menu: No

Adults menu & Prices:  See website

Mumma Review:

"Oooh, this looks nice" I thought, as I entered Cultura with my baby girl in the pram, and my 2yo holding my hand.  We were on our way to meet my grandparents for lunch.  Automatic doors meant no wrestling with the door and no struggling to ram a wide pram through it.  Off to a good start.

We joined my grandparents and said our hello's, before a waiter promptly took our coffee orders.  There were no highchairs for bub, but we were able to set ourselves up at the table with the pram without any hassles.  The wait staff were all really friendly, and most of them stopped to coo at the baby or chat with the toddler.  When my little man enquired "you got marshmallows?" the waitress checked if it was ok for him to have some, then bought out his babychino with not one, not two, but three marshmallows!  A treat indeed.

My hopes for a civilised lunch disappeared before the coffee even arrived (despite the quick service!)  A spilled babycino, followed by a mouthful of spurted water from the toddler who was unable to stifle a laugh while drinking, ensured that the table quickly looked a soggy mess. Baby girl started to loudly complain that she would like her lunch please, so I dug around in my bag for a bib, found one with a stretchy head hole (as opposed to one that fastens around the neck) then proceeded to simultaneously nearly rip her ears off and snap her neck as I attempted to hastily ram it over her head.  "Maybe put that one away for the next baby" my grandmother gently suggested.  

Once fed she was still pretty unhappy, so I quietened her with a quick milk feed.  While this was going on our lunch arrived, and my toddler was extremely displeased to find that he would be sharing with me, and did not have his very own plate thankyou very much.  My grandmother stepped in to do what only grandmothers are allowed to do... order him a bowl of icecream for lunch instead.

The toddler seemed pleased, the baby was fed... maybe I could enjoy my lunch now? Oh no.  Baby girl was happy for the merest of moments before really starting to roar.  Come to think of it, she was looking extremely tired, so I thought maybe if I put her in her pram and just take her for a little walk she would drop of, then I could come back and enjoy my lunch?  Yes, thats what I will do....I got as far as the front door before I heard Muuummmmyyy! and turned around to find a tearful little boy who had no intention of letting my carry out that plan.  Bugger.

Back to the table.  I held one child on my knee while he got stuck back into his ice cream, used the other hand to jiggle the pram about on the spot til the baby stopped roaring and fell asleep, all the while trying to smile pleasantly, act like there was nothing wrong, and that I was thoroughly enjoying the lunch that my grandparents were so kindly taking me out for.  I managed to snap a couple of quick pics, but this one of the little man tucking into his icecream while sitting on my knee was the only one that was even close to usable.

I did eventually manage to eat my roast vegetable risotto... Delicious, but stone cold by that stage.  Perhaps I'll head back here during baby free time!  

So I'm sorry to say that this is not much of a review for poor old Cultura, just a story of my failed luncheon....come on, who hasn't had one of those?! Share, and make me feel better :)

Love Mumma Kel x

The Beach Restaurant

Location:  Ocean Esplanade, Blackmans Bay
Phone:  (03) 6229 7600
Website:  www.thebeachrestaurant.com.au
Opening hours:  Mon-Fri 10am til midnight, Sat-Sun 9am til midnight

Kids menu:  Yes
Adult menu:  Breakfast served til 11.30 daily, Lunch and Dinner menu includes woodfired pizza, pasta, steak, the beach parma, seafood
Prices:  Breakfast $10.90 for toast plate up to $17.50 for the big beach breakfast.  Lunch and dinner mains $20-$30, woodfired pizza around $25, Coffee $3.50, Babycino $1 for frothy milk and two marshmallows.

Mumma Review 

The Beach Restaurant in Blackmans Bay, is located right across from the beach, the promenade, and just down from the park, so it's ideally located to allow the kids to burn off any excess energy before having to sit still for a minute while mumma enjoys a coffee.  Their coffee is really good too, and is definitely the pick of the take-away options in the vicinity if you're on the run, or off for a stroll.

The Beach has a family friendly vibe, and ticks all the boxes for child friendly features.  There were lots of families having brunch on the Saturday morning that we were there.  I'm told its also a good family option for the early dinner session, however it is a cafe, restaurant, and bar all in one, so it's also a bit of a drinking spot as the evening falls.

The staff were accommodating, and happily swapped our highchair when the first had a broken strap, and helped to set it up.  They also brought out colouring in books and pencils on request, although the 'amazing word find' was a little beyond my 18 month olds capabilities :)

Our food was great, a very satisfying big breakfast for me (well I am eating for two now!).  Hubby enjoyed his regular breakfast favourite from the beach, the breakfast pizza, while my mum and nan each enjoyed the blueberry pancakes and waffles.  My 85 year old nan managed to munch her way through the entire thing.  I've never seen her eat that much in one day, let alone one sitting, so it must have been good!

The Beach could also be a good mum's group option on a quiet afternoon, with a bit of rearranging of tables for the larger group.  For a smaller group the couch area is a comfy option.  

All in all, The Beach Restaurant is certainly a good family friendly option in Blackmans Bay. 

Love Mumma Kel x

Hotel Grand Chancellor - The Atrium

Location:  1 Davey St, Hobart

Phone:  (03) 6235 4547 

Website:  http://www.ghihotels.com/hgc/Hobart/restaurants.aspx 

Opening hours:  10.30am til late daily

Kids menu:  No.  The adult menu isn't particularly suitable for small kids

Adult menu:  A selection of light and slightly more heartier meals.  High Tea available all day for $22 per person

Prices:  Starting around $9 for light meals such as panini's, wedges, salt and pepper squid, going up to around the $20-$25 mark for fish and chips, or curry.

Babycino:  Yes, free with purchase

Mumma review

Not our best choice of locations for a morning cuppa.  We arrived at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Atrium just before opening, thinking we would grab a quick coffee after a nice stroll around the sparkling waterfront on the first warm sunny morning in a while.

No table service, which is ok, but the guy behind the bar was obviously struggling with the sudden arrival of a couple of small groups placing coffee orders.  We stood around for a fair while waiting to place orders - not a great start.  We didn't quite feel like an entire high tea (although Mumma Al did briefly consider it!) or main meal so we opted for one of the two choices of cake or cupcake that were available.  Both were pretty tasty.  I did ask the waiter if there was possibly anything small on the menu that might be suitable for a toddler, but no luck.

We chose a seat in the corner, and while our friends newborn slept soundly and Al's bubba finished off his morning nap in the pram, my little toddler attempted to sit still on the slippery leather couch with little success.  After half an hour of waiting for our coffee's (their arrival timed perfectly with both bubs waking for their morning feed), my little one was well and truly fed up with waiting for his babycino and was now confined to his pram after an unsuccessful attempt at making a wild dash for freedom across the room.

The lack of high chair, kids menu, or kids activities coupled with the ultra long wait for a coffee and the quiet atmosphere, all made this a poor choice for a spot to take little kids.  The atrium itself is in a lovely location overlooking the waterfront, making the most of the view with massive windows.  On previous occasions we have both enjoyed a very tasty high tea, but an outing here would be best timed with bubba's sleep time, or for some baby free mummy time!

Love Mumma Kel & Mumma Al x

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Augusto Cafe Update

Bub and I enjoyed a nice morning catch up yesterday with a friend and her little girl at Augusto Cafe in Lenah Valley.  There was a really nice feel to the place with other mum's and bub's enjoying some quiet coffee time.  

The babycino on offer was certainly a descent size accompanied by two marshmallow's (asked subtly by the waitress if they were allowed) and for the cost of $1 was thoroughly enjoyed by bub's friend.  There was also a small collection of toy cars available for kiddies which I missed on my previous visit and provided enough entertainment for us to enjoy our coffees.  The highchair that we used was also suitable for any sized toddler.  Two small red plastic chairs also proved popular for some other little patrons.

Augusto Cafe was certainly more kid friendly on this visit that on my previous one. 

Love Mumma Al x

Gilby's

NB. Gilbys is no longer open for business. 

Location: 314 East Derwent Highway, Geilston Bay 

Phone: (03) 6243 4955

Website: No

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am till late; Weekends 8.30am till late (except Sunday and Monday's they are not open till late)

Kids menu: No

Adults menu: Breakfast, lunch and dinner - wide variety available of modern Australian cuisine.  Suitable options available for kids on adult menu  

Prices: Breakfast: $5.90 - 14.90, Lunch $7 - $15, Dinner $14 - $27, Coffees $3.90 - $4.90, Milkshakes/Iced Chocolates $5.90 - $6.90 

Mumma Review

Bub and I headed over the river for a play date with a friend and her little boy.  After enjoying a nice morning pram walk with the boys we headed into the newly opened Gilby's located on the East Derwent Highway at Geilston Bay.

The place was fresh, nicely decorated and there was room to park our two prams at the table where we were sitting.  There were no highchairs but one waitress I spoke to said they were going to be getting some - this would be great considering there were a number of other bubs and young kids there who would have benefited. 

The menu was modern Australian with a great variety to choose from for brunch, lunch and dinner.  Whilst there was no specific kids menu there were a number of options on the menu that would have suited little ones - eggs and soldiers, pancakes, fruit toast, scones, and a variety of pasta's (if you were there for lunch/dinner).

I had a latte and an apricot danish - the latte was a little watery to be honest with an unpleasant after taste.  My apricot danish was also a little stale tasting :(  There were a number of other tasty looking cakes to choose from and my friend had previously enjoyed a tasty brunch there so I certainly wouldn't write the place off.

I wouldn't hesitate in returning to Gilby's again once it has established itself a bit more and found its feet.  The location and ease of access for local mum's, dad's and little ones certainly makes it an appealing spot for a cuppa and bite to eat.

Love Mumma Al x

Oh and if any readers have recently been to Gilby's please post us a comment on what you thought :)

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Jam Jar Lounge

Location: 45 Hampden Road, Battery Point

Phone:  (03) 6224 1447

Website:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jam-Jar-Lounge/206431886050168

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday : 7.30am - 5pm (open until 9pm currently which will stop in October). 

Kids menu: No

Adults menu:Brunch: 7.30am - 12pm (some all day) and lunch: 12-2pm. Lots of delicious looking cakes, slices and biscuits

Prices: Brunch: $7.00 for fruit toast up to $18 for an omlette -  Lunch: $12 - $18, Cakes/Biscuits: $3.00 - $8.00, Coffee: $3.50 - $4.50
Kids play area: Small sunny courtyard at the rear of the cafe

Babycino: Didn't get a chance to look - sorry!!!

 

Mumma Review

Bub, my friend (a soon to be yummy-mummy) and I headed to Jam Jar Lounge in Battery Point for a mid-week catch up last week.  I had been excited to go and try their French Toast which I had heard good reports about.  We arrived a bit after 9am and the place was buzzing with people enjoying their morning coffee and reading the daily news.  The interior of the cafe was stylish and old-world inspired.  Lots of seating for 2-6 people spread throughout two separate rooms and a sunny courtyard at the rear of the cafe.  A big comfy couch and two arm chairs were also available.

Before arriving I had planned that bub would be fast asleep in his pram and I would be able to relax back sipping a latte, tyring the french toast and enjoying a catch up.  Perfect!!  Bub however had other plans...

Whether it was the excitment of being out in a new cafe or the music that seemed to be rather loud (or teething which I do seem to blame most things on) bub was crying and irritable in his pram - he was not a happy camper!  After ordering our meals we switched seats and sat in a quieter section of the cafe which seemed to help settle bub a little.  There was enough room to fit the pram however had it had been a wide pram we may have struggled.  The staff were friendly with their service and when one waitress was asked whether they had a high chair she appeared quite sympathetic whilst stating no, sorry.  

After lots of cuddles bub did eventually fall off to sleep in his pram but by that stage my french toast and coffee were cold :( What I did taste however was still quite nice, and had it of been warm it really would have hit the spot.  The prices however were a little on the expensive side so perhaps not the best spot if you are on a budget dining out with kids.

Jam Jar Lounge was probably not the best place for a crying bub but what place is?  While it was a beautiful, sophisticated venue it really wasn't kid friendly.  Save Jam Jar Lounge for enjoyable bub free time (I know I will!).

Love Mumma Al x 

 

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Jam Packed

Location:  27 Hunter Street, Hobart - housed in the Henry Jones IXL Building

Phone: (03) 6231 3454 

Website:  www.jampacked.com.au

Opening hours:  8am – 6pm: 7 days a week

Kids menu:  No - good options though from main menu

Adults menu: Brunch and lunch options - nice variety.  Lots of tasty looking biscuits & cakes.  Smoothies, shakes and yummy Iced Chocolate/Coffee also available

Prices:  Brunch $4.50 - $16 (available til 1200hrs - some items available till 3pm), Lunch $9.50-$22 (available 11am - 3pm); biscuits & cakes $3.50 - $8; drinks: $3.50 - $6.50 Babycino:  $1.20 for frothy milk; $1.70 with chocolate
Kids play area:  No dedicated play area although the atrium section has plenty of space for kids to wander around freely.  There is a water feature which attracted a number of tot's when we were there - supervision is required!

 

Mumma Review

Hubby, bub and I found ourselves at Jam Packed for an impromptu brunch on the weekend after enjoying a nice wander around Hobart Waterfront.  With bub fast asleep in his pram it was time for my morning coffee and something tasty to eat - the eggs looked delicious and very tempting but I opted for J.P Brekkie Trifle instead with poached fruit.  It was a tasty combo however as a lactating mumma (hideous word as my friends in Mum's group tell me) it didn't really hit the spot :(  Had it of been twice the size it would have!!

The place was warm and inviting as the natural light from the atrium filled the space.  A great spot for the tassie winter (and all the other seasons for that matter).  There was a mix of all ages enjoying brunch as well as a handful of kids - some of whom appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the babycino's on offer.  The water feature also seemed to keep some kids rather amused.

Tables seated 2-6 people and it would be a great spot for Mother's Groups to meet in the afternoon with their bubs.  The two disadvantages to the place were no table service (makes ordering food more difficult as you juggle little ones) as well as the place being rather echoey (not so good for upset kiddies!!).

All in all though Jam Packed is a great place to catch up with friends over a coffee and a bite to eat with room to park the pram, baby change available for the mishaps, and a space that is accommodating to kids.  Oh and its also licensed just incase you fancy a cheeky vino :)

Love Mumma Al x

Latte and JP Brekkie Trifle

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Brookfield Margate

NB. Brookfield café has closed for business and has been replaced by 'Homeland Delights' grocer and cafe

 

Location:  1640 Channel Highway, just before Margate

Phone:  (03) 62672880

Website:  http://www.brookfieldmargate.com/

Opening hours:  7 days, 9am to 6pm plus dinner Fri & Sat

Kids activities:  Baskets of toys are available.

Kids play area:  There are a few outdoor areas where the kids can run around while the adults sit near by.  One outdoor area has a plastic climbing frame which was a hit with my little one.

Kids menu:  Available

Adults menu:  Plenty of yummy slices and cakes, breakfast options, and your usual selection of mains such as nachos, soup, focaccias and platters.  Devonshire tea is also available. 

Prices:  Slices/cakes around $4, Breakfast $10-$17 (available til 3pm, although most mums would have eaten breakfast a good 9 hours before then!), Mains $12 - $20, Desserts $9, Coffee $3.50 cup $4 mug

Babychino:  Frothy milk for $1

Mumma review

Relaxed and laid back, this place has an eclectic mix of antiques and quirky niknaks in a rustic setting, giving it a unique ambience. The coffee I had was just what I needed - a flat white which was nice and smooth.

Off from the main dining area there are several smaller rooms which are great for mums with bubs to hang out in peace without feeling like you are disturbing anyone (or for the general public to hide from us perhaps?!)   For this reason Brookfield is great for mums groups.  The smaller rooms generally have couches and seats around a rug which is good for non-mobile babies who are happy to roll around on the floor (make sure you bring a picnic blanket to lie over the top of their rug; it looks like its been a while since the rugs have had a good clean).  However, once the bubs are on the move this place is a mine field of side tables, lamps, and niknaks, all very appealing to a curious tot. 

There’s heaps of room to park lots of prams if you would rather keep them off the floor, and there are also a couple of highchairs to keep toddlers tamed.   Overall Brookfield is a quiet, cosy place to spend an afternoon over a good cup of coffee

Love Mumma Kel x

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