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Canberra Today 11°/15° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Dining / The great Tourist destination

I WAS taken aback when I waltzed into the Tourist Hotel in Queanbeyan for a quick bite to eat one sunny Saturday.

A friend who works in the area told me about the reno that was completed around Anzac Day and said he thought I’d be impressed. And impressed I was.

Wendy Johnson
Wendy Johnson.

I adore art deco. Without going over the top in pushing the design, the Tourist has captured the period. The aim was to create an ambiance of an old hotel you’d find in a major metropolitan city and the owners have succeeded. It’s a special environment and the three zones work exceptionally well, with one seamlessly transforming into the next; the traditional sports bar area with its TAB, a lounge area and the dining area.

Let me harp on a bit more. The building, which was originally art deco, provided the inspiration for the renovation. The long and elegant marble-top bar divides the zones nicely. The art deco-inspired tiles are wonderful, the chandeliers hanging here and there add a special touch and the timber floor running throughout warm and inviting.

But what about the food?

The Tourist Hotel offers bistro food, the type you’d expect in “a country town”. It’s good. It’s not expensive. There’s variety on the menu and the wine and beer are very reasonably priced.

The lunch specials on offer during our visit were exceptional value. On my friend’s recommendation, I ordered the grilled fish ($13) which was beautifully cooked (not at all dry) and big on flavour. He had been a few days before and reported that it was great. He ordered the rump ($15), which was tender and hit the spot. I bet the bourbon barbecue and chicken skewers ($15) would be a top pick.

The main menu is divided into chef’s specials and the third member of our party gave a big thumbs up to the “fantastic fish and chips” ($21 and available Saturday, noon to 9pm, and Sunday, noon to 8pm). The tempura batter was light and the fish cooked just so. Yum chips, too, and plenty of.

The chef’s specials also feature a delightful-looking tiger prawn and mango salad ($25) and Cevapi, a skinless sausage (minced meat) grilled, a dish traditionally found in south-eastern European countries.

House faves include schnitzel ($20), chicken parmigiana ($23) and barbecue pork ribs and a Texas-style chicken steak ($29). Hankering for pizza? Small and large available, in five styles including the hot, hot, hot “Volcano”. And kids are well taken care of with their own little section on the menu.

The Tourist hosts a happy hour from 5pm on Friday nights and the hotel has specials every day of the week for a decent, cheap food and beverage experience.

There’s lots of room at the Tourist to accommodate large groups. The staff were super friendly and efficient. It’s a top (art deco) place.

The Tourist Hotel, 31 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 3044.

 

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Wendy Johnson

Wendy Johnson

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