Cataract on Paterson

 Relaxed and Delicious

It is challenging to find a place to eat in Launceston on a Monday night - many of my favourite restaurants are closed.  So it was fantastic to find this warm, welcoming oasis available for dinner on a chilly winter evening.  The space is large but has an intimate feel due to the way it has been cleverly organised into sections, separated by interesting furniture and conversation pieces.  The service is attentive and friendly as well as very efficient.  As this was a work dinner, the timely service was much appreciated. 

The menu is quite extensive and it was difficult to choose, especially with the specials menu adding even more tasty selections.  Dining as a group of three, we were all drawn to the "Surprise Me" option which is a unique way to dine - there is one clue on the menu but that is all you get, the rest is up to the chef.  As tempted as we were, we all decided on a more certain menu item - duck, lamb and pork.    Each sounded fantastic.  There is also a whole section of the menu dedicated to stonegrill where you cook your food at the table on volcanic stone.  Interesting but we all decided we wanted the cooking done for us :-)

The drinks menu is also extensive with plenty of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.   Tasmanian producers are featured as well as an array of choices from further afield.  Definitely something for everyone!

When the food arrived it was plentiful which suited us fine as we were all very hungry - maybe it was the cold weather!!  I had chosen the slow cooked lamb shoulder which was melt-in-your-mouth tender and served with a delicious potato gratin, honey carrots and beans.  Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted fantastic.

The duck and pork ribs also looked delicious. The ribs were huge and cooked in a bourbon and coke marinade.  My colleague was worried they might be sweet but reported that they were sticky, savoury and delicious.  The duck came with duck fat potatoes(yum!) and grilled witlof and was finished with a port reduction.  The duck looked perfectly cooked, pink and juicy, and came with plenty of the rich sauce.  

We were all very full after mains which was a pity as the desserts sounded wonderfully intriguing.  If you are coming to dine at Cataract on Paterson make sure that you arrive hungry!  We enjoyed our meals and are all keen on a return visit.

There is wheelchair access to the restaurant and there is also a private dining area available for groups.

Cataract on Paterson website:

https://www.cataractonpaterson.com.au/