LOOK out Cooks Hill and Hamilton. Wests New Lambton’s overhauled Level One Dining has the coveted “Eat Street” tag in its sights.
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If you haven’t visited Wests in a year or more, you might be surprised at what you find when it comes to food. On ground level there are budget-conscious dining options but upstairs, there’s even more to choose from – and Hobarts Restaurant by Lesley Taylor, the acclaimed chef’s latest venture, is leading by example.
This month the fine dining restaurant was awarded two chef chats by the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide – just one point behind Subo and Muse Restaurant.
“I’m happy that the people who judged us put us into that category. It’s an honour to be just one point behind restaurants of that calibre,” Taylor said.
Level One Dining renovations finished about six months ago. In addition to Hobarts is Lure seafood restaurant, Chocolate Cafe, Emerald Gardens and Chophouse Grill, all of which have “shopfronts” on a winding paved path. A streetscape feel has been achieved that makes you forget you are in a club. The hustle and bustle of the bistro level is a million miles away.
Taylor describes working at Hobarts as her “dream job”, and it shows. She is excited about the menu and the painstaking attention to detail involved in the preparation of each plate is obvious.
“Here, I have no restrictions so I can be more creative,” she said.
“I can buy better produce and make dishes that are one or two notches better than before. The food I’m creating here is better than what I was doing at Restaurant Deux. More refined.”
The menu changes every two months, partly because of the seasonal availability of fresh produce, but also to attract returning customers with the promise of fresh and exciting food choices. Hobarts is striving to be more than a “special occasion” restaurant. Diners have the option of an a la carte menu, or a five-course or seven-course degustation.
“I like to change the menu often, based on what’s available – for example, the recent rain has interrupted a lot of fruit and vegetables that are usually in season and in good supply,” Taylor said.
“I’m 53 this year and I’m still learning. It’s important to keep bettering yourself by challenging yourself.”
Hobarts Restaurant by Lesley Taylor is open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm.
