Suburban gem on the outskirts of Hobart offering tasty cafe meals and a casual neighbourhood vibe
“It is everything a neighbourhood cafe should be”: food writer Alix Davis discovers a suburban gem on the outskirts of Hobart which serves up tasty meals with a side of community spirit.
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It’s a long time between drinks when you’re travelling from Sandy Bay to Kingston.
The riverside suburb of Taroona is strangely under-served by cafes.
Yes, there’s a coffee cart at the Truganini trailhead, but if you’re looking for more than a coffee and a morning bun … Thank goodness then, for The Picnic Basket, a former service station turned cafe on the sunny side of the street.
It has been a while since I’ve visited The Picnic Basket and I’m pleasantly surprised to discover that, while it has still got a casual, neighbourhood vibe, it’s a little less “op shop” than it used to be with smart new basket weave chairs and rattan pendant lights.
A stunning mural by local artist Shanshan Ai covers the walls, adding soft and cheery colour to this light-filled space.
Fear not – the collection of vintage picnic baskets is still here, as is the wall of posters promoting gigs, festivals and wellness events and there’s sweet, mismatched china for my tea. A corner shelf is stocked with children’s toys and the general vibe is one of “welcome, neighbour!”.
Whether you’re here for breakfast or lunch, there are plenty of options. And, if you feel like a burger for breakfast, no one’s going to stop you.
Bread and croissants come from Pigeon Whole Bakers, but the rest of the baked goods – cakes, biscuits and muffins – are made in-house by a team who surely work in the kitchen with the best view in Hobart.
I’m here for brunch time and the sunny outdoor area, protected from the street by sturdy planter boxes is full of locals enjoying the weather and a coffee.
I begin with a panini – mushroom, halloumi and pesto ($15) – there’s a variety to choose from in the cabinet at the front and everything’s available to take away or eat in. My panini arrives pleasantly squished, crispy on the outside and hot enough to have me taking a pause after the first bite.
Regular readers will know that warm, flaccid cheese is one of my pet hates and, while halloumi isn’t a melting cheese, here it has been sauteed first and the panini has been well toasted, so it’s exactly as it should be.
The cheese has been paired with meaty mushrooms and a vibrant green pesto – all of which adds up to a panini I’d be happy to eat for breakfast or lunch any day of the week.
The only thing that stops me from quickly devouring the whole thing is the arrival of my Miss Watson’s ($25.50).
This gluten-free lunch plate (it can also be made vegan) is based around two slices of toasted seed and nut bread, which I love – it’s dense but not stodgy and is made in-house.
Top that with a selection of roasted tomatoes, sliced avocado, pan-fried halloumi, delicate pink pickled onions and lightly dressed fresh salad leaves. It’s healthy and filling and makes a perfect light lunch, leaving me room for dessert.
The selection of cakes and other baked goods on display is impressive and I spy lemon yoghurt cake, blueberry friands, gluten-free pistachio and apple cake, Portuguese tarts, orange and turmeric muffins and delicate shortbread.
I opt for the carrot cake ($8) (it’s a tough decision) and am rewarded with a generous slice of two-layer cake sandwiched and topped with a tangy icing.
It’s dense, as carrot cake should be and a fitting finish to my brunch for one.
Owner Aaron Chen took over The Picnic Basket about two years ago and was originally keen to change the name to match that of another cafe of which he is part-owner (Sandy Bay’s The Duchess).
He quickly discovered that the locals loved the name and so decided to keep it.
The cafe is much-loved by Taroona residents (you can also buy loaves of Pigeon Whole Bakers bread and milk here) and, while he’s made subtle improvements, he has also been mindful of keeping what’s working well.
Judging by the constant stream of customers ordering takeaways as well as those enjoying their coffee and cake in the sun, he’s judged it just right and The Picnic Basket is everything a neighbourhood cafe should be.
THE PICNIC BASKET
176 Channel Hwy, Taroona
Opening hours: Coffee and cake: 7am – 3pm (7 days), Kitchen: 7.30am – 2pm
ON THE MENU
Carrot cake, $8; Miss Watson’s, $25.50; mushroom and halloumi panini, $15
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