Monday, January 19, 2015

Jam Packed Cafe, Hobart


When Tim and I were in Hobart recently, we stayed at The Henry Jones Art Hotel, which is built within the old administration building of the former IXL jam factory.  The hotel preserves many of the structural features of the original building, and if you do one of the free art tours in the hotel, they will point out various features, including the incomplete ornate carving on a staircase where Henry Jones demanded that staff stop wasting time on such trifles, and an area where squatters had burnt a hole in the floor of the building with candles.  The art tour also takes in some of the many art works hung on the walls of the hotel, many of which are for sale.  I was captivated by some of the art works, which are unique, beautiful and largely by local Tasmanian artists.

Jam Packed Café is within the confines of The Henry Jones Art Hotel, so it made sense for us to go to breakfast there at least once.  The logo and menus of the café feature prints of old IXL jam labels, which I found intriguing.

I started off with my customary skinny flat white coffee:


I am not sure what beans they used, but the coffee was good.

Tim and I shared a serve of sour dough toast with citrus vanilla marmalade ($7.50): 


The marmalade was very good indeed.

We then each ordered the Quinoa Almond Porridge with flaked almonds, poached pears and leatherwood honey syrup ($12.50):


This looks and tastes good.  Unfortunately for me, I confirmed my sensitivity to quinoa that morning, so quinoa is permanently off the menu for me, but if you don't suffer this affliction, it is a lovely dish.

The staff at Jam Packed were friendly and efficient.  Overall, we had a great experience there.

27 Hunter Street, Hobart TAS 7000
Ph: 03 6231 3454
 

8 comments:

Beth said...

I hope to get to Australia someday, and if I do, I hope Tasmania is on my itinerary.
Sorry to hear about your sensitivity to quinoa. As someone who can't eat raw tomatoes, I know what it's like to have an unusual food intolerance!

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

Shame that quinoa doesn't suit you! But the toast looks excellent :)

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Kayte said...

Oh, too bad about that quinoa allergy, it's so good to eat! That said, there are plenty of other things out there that you probably won't miss it and can avoid it nicely. The toast looks stunning, it's breakfast time here right now and I am wishing for that toast. The pear dish looks so fun presented that way...I would love to try that as well. Fun to read about the cafe, etc.

~~louise~~ said...

What a cool place, Gaye. If I didn't know better I would think you were somewhere in SoHo in NYC.

I've never heard of anyone being sensitive to Quinoa. I'll have to tell my daughter to check into that for my grandson. He's on a special diet trying to figure out the many things he may be allergic too. Thanks Gaye and thanks for sharing...



Unknown said...

A good cup of coffee is always great.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Oh I didn't realise that people could have allergies to quinoa. Sorry to hear that you have it! The breakfast does look good :)

Kari said...

We did visit here :) How fantastic that you stayed there - it looked like a great place, and really well located too. I'm sorry about your quinoa sensitivity and thus ruined breakfast though.

Merryn@merrynsmenu said...

We stayed here in Hobart too it is just lovely. Didn't see that quinoa dish on the menu though, I am sorry you have an allergy to quinoa. It is not the worst thing that can happen however, just think, you could be allergic to garlic, now perish that thought :D A wonderful start to the day with your gorgeous coffee.