RIN JAPANESE

167 Harrington Street, Hobart

I’ve driven past Rin so many times. Like The Drunken Admiral, I’d always wondered what it was like. In the spirit of ticking places off the list, we booked a table on a rainy Friday night to find out. The waiter was so welcoming, especially with the kids – even bringing out cute plastic cups and cutlery for our youngest. The menu is full of classic Japanese favourites – the young couple next to us were enjoying what looked to be a beautiful spread of dishes, so we actually asked to replicate their order. We ended up with our own banquet of sushi rolls (from $6.80), nigiri sushi moriawase (a selection of nigiri for two $36), tempura vegetables ($18) and beef yakiniku don ($16.90). The food was fresh and fast and everything you would expect from a neigh­bourhood Japanese joint. After enjoying super light tempura in Japan, the batter at Rin was comparably thin and crispy, and the yakiniku don a delicious bowl of thin, tender beef. All enjoyed with miso soup and a Tassie white wine. As he was paying the bill my husband said, “thank you, it was great, we’ll be back.” And without skipping a beat, the waiter says, “yes, that’s our power.”

THE DRUNKEN ADMIRAL

17-19 Hunter Street, Hobart

I can bet that you’ve either walked past The Drunken Admiral and wondered what it’s like inside, or you’ve been in and discovered it for yourself. After a few walk bys in recent times, we decided now was the time, particularly before borders open and the tourists are back gracing the fun, maritime-themed booths. We booked the early 5:30pm sitting with another family who also have young kids. The sense of anticipation builds as we walk through the small timber foyer. It already feels like we’re on a boat. The kids walk in, having a good look at all the memorabilia, pictures and knick knacks gracing the walls and a giant skeleton admiral who presides over the bar. Our waiter is quick to drop kids menus and the wine list (is there a better starting combo?) and the kids, now known as little mermaids and bold midshipmen, choose between calamari rings or fish fillets, served with chips, salad, a drink and a sundae ($21.90). Their food comes out quickly and looks delicious. The main menu is seafood heavy, but with a handful of options that aren’t from the sea. My friend and I opt for the Yachtie’s Seafood Mixed Grill ($41.90) and at the other end of the table, the guys order the Prawn Linguine ($33.90). The grill arrives on a sizzling hotplate with generous skewers of prawns, scallops, squid and white fish, as well as chips and salad, that would keep any yachtie happy. The kids’ desserts arrive and all four start to devour the very large sundaes, topped with huge housemade freckles, while the parents try to steal away spoonfuls to avoid the sugar high. But, alas, we couldn’t, and the little mermaids and midshipmen were full of beans, and partied like drunken sailors well into the night!