Get to know Tassie with Jozef Uhlarik

Before relocating to Australia, Jozef established his career in five-star European hotels. Now Restaurant & Bar Manager at Tesoro at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart and a real connoisseur of all the city's best foodie secrets, Josef has shared with us some of his favourite eateries, restaurants and bars, so next time you are in Hobart, you will be able to experience it like a local.

Q. How long have you been in Tasmania? Why do you like working here?

It’s nearly two years now that I’ve had the pleasure to live on this beautiful island. I like to work here mainly because you get to know the people behind your produce on a personal level. Working in the hospitality industry, you meet all kinds of growers, farmers and producers who are very happy to show you how your favourite product is made, grown or caught. This isn’t always the case in big cities where everything is brought in from all over the country.

Q. Tell us about some of the local produce on the menu at Tesoro, a modern-Italian restaurant showcasing Tasmanian ingredients.

One of my favourite ingredients is the oysters from Mures, our local seafood supplier. They source them for us from Tasmania’s east coast. I also love Cape Grim steaks from the north-west coast. When it comes to drinks my favourites on our list are Tasmanian whiskies, especially from Overeem and Killara distilleries.

Q. Which Tasmanian restaurants aren’t well known to visitors but should be on their wish lists?

Sonny, a wine bar on Elizabeth Street in Hobart, is always buzzing. It’s a great place to go for nice food and funky wines. They only have five to six small dishes on the menu but they are great, and you can see the chef preparing them for you on the other side of the bar.

Another place that I love going to is Le Provençal, a French restaurant in South Hobart run by a husband-and-wife team. I believe they have transformed the ground floor of their home into a French-style restaurant. It’s a great place to enjoy traditional French-style cooking. It is very peaceful and relaxing as they only have around six tables.

Q. What’s your go-to cafe?

I love North Hobart’s Born in Brunswick. I don’t drink coffee so I pick my cafes based on their food, and this place has really good food. It’s always seasonal, fresh and well made. They also have great options for drinks such as smoothies, or you can be a bit naughty and order my favourite, the mandarin spritz.

Q. Which shops and markets do you suggest foodies check out?

I love meats, and always get them from Mark on Macquarie, a butcher shop in South Hobart. They have a great selection of meats that are always so fresh and juicy. On Sundays, I love to go to the Farm Gate Market. The Tasmanian Juice Press stall’s selection and blends are amazing.

Q. Do you have any Tasmanian fast-food guilty pleasures?

Sandwiches from Hobart’s St. J’s Deli, in particular their Reuben sandwich. It’s not the healthiest option on their menu but OMG, it’s delicious!

Q. What other tasty Tasmanian experiences do you recommend?

Here are some of my favourite experiences, in no particular order... they are all so worth a try!

• Bangor Vineyard: great wines, delicious food and the views are breathtaking.
• Get Shucked: this Bruny Island oyster farm has delicious fresh oysters, and their oyster paté is a must!
• Devil’s Corner winery: amazing location, great views and wines.
• Bruny Island Cheese Co: the best cheese and an amazing beer selection to go with it – beer and cheese, what’s not to like, right?
• Coal River Farm: great chocolates and cheese served in beautiful green surroundings.

Want a taste of Tesoro at home? Put your cooking skills to test by making Tesoro restaurant’s delicious braised beef pappardelle at home!

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.