NoHo institution still hitting the spot almost two decades on
From the friendliness of the staff, quality of the food and the knowledge that this North Hobart eatery is here to stay, there’s plenty of comfort to be had here, writes Alix Davis
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I’m sure you know what I’m talking about when I say it can be tough going out to dinner sometimes. Especially in winter, when you’re turning lights on by mid-afternoon and the chill in the air whispers, “Stay home.” And so it was the other night when I had planned to eat at Raincheck Lounge. But it was cold. And raining. So we took a raincheck. The following evening was much more pleasant, however, and we headed out to a NoHo institution.
Raincheck Lounge opened in 2005 and was one of the first cafes in Hobart. Current owners Ange Nichols and Emma Davis purchased it seven years ago and are thrilled to be celebrating the establishment’s 20th anniversary next year. “It didn’t have much competition when it first opened,” says Nichols, “but Hobart is a very different landscape now. So we really focus on keeping up with what people want from a cafe.”
That includes locally roasted coffee and a menu that includes options for all dietary restrictions while maintaining a strong line-up of cafe classics. “We serve a broad demographic and customers from all generations can find something they’ll like,” says Nichols. “It’s a very entertaining strip, full of characters and we certainly have some lovely quirky regulars.”
While brunch is a big drawcard at Raincheck, we’re there for dinner, which is updated seasonally and has a focus on Mediterranean and modern Australian dishes.
The Feed Me menu ($49 per person, minimum two people) is excellent value, but we order a la carte this evening. A starter of four golden orbs of mushroom arancini ($18) is an excellent start. The crisp exterior contains a piping filling of mushroom-flecked risotto and plenty of cheese. The beef meatballs ($19) are also delicious – wonderfully meaty and served with a moreish tomato sauce. It’s nice to see entrees served with four portions – I will never understand the thinking behind three pieces of something. Either someone misses out or I need to cut the last piece in half. I’m all for fours!
A roast dinner is a menu constant here and tonight it’s honey roast chicken ($29) with purple baby carrots, plenty of roast potatoes and smashed peas. My husband is a big roast chicken fan and doesn’t get much of it at home, so he’s thrilled with the generous, well-priced portion.
The chicken is tender and juicy and the honey glaze has burnished the skin to crispy dark gold. It’s a classic dish with an extra edge, thanks to Raincheck’s “fantastic team in the kitchen,” says Nichols.
My main of lamb ragu with pappardelle ($30) is equally comforting. The serving is more than enough and fat ribbons of pasta are well-coated in a rich sauce. Chunks of slow-cooked lamb are tender and delicious, with a rustic quality that suits the casual vibe. A side salad of shaved fennel and well-dressed greens ($10) adds just the right hit of acid to cut through the mains.
The aforementioned appetisers mean I don’t quite have room for dessert this evening, but I’ve got my eye on the coconut raspberry semifreddo ($12) – a favourite combination of flavours and textures – for next time.
Raincheck is “known for our brunches,” says Nichols, with eggs Benedict (including their signature burnt butter hollandaise) being a customer favourite, along with the Raincheck Stack – a gluten-free, vegetarian option of potato rosti, wilted spinach, halloumi, smashed avo and more. I’ve already got designs on the meatball sandwich or the Tokyo bowl for my next lunch date.
There’s plenty of comfort to be had here – in the friendliness of the staff, the quality of the food and the knowledge that Raincheck Lounge is here to stay.
Raincheck Lounge
392 Elizabeth St, North Hobart
Opening hours: Sun-Tues, 7am-3pm; Wed-Thurs, 7am-8pm; Fri-Sat, 7am-9pm
On the menu
Mushroom arancini, $18; beef meatballs, $19; honey roast chicken, $29; lamb ragu, $30; fennel salad, $10; coconut raspberry semifreddo, $12
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