Eat: Faro at MONA
A dining favorite among all favorites
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Syllogi Co-Founder Gray Shealy’s Pick for Best Dining Experience:
The island-state of Tasmania, or “Tassie” as the locals affectionately call it, is perhaps best known for its Devils — but we came here intrigued by the lure of nature with its renowned parks, and more recently, its burgeoning arts and fine dining scene. Hobart, the capital, is barely more than a busy little fishing village. Upon first appearance, it is like stepping back in time 20 years. But beyond the facade, it packs a punch.
If you’ve seen the fairly recent movie “The Menu” starring Ralph Fiennes as an austere, semi-Scandic chef on a remote island, then this restaurant experience will likely haunt you. We experienced a slice of that (sans the death part) with an extraordinary adventure to the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)—an experience created by mathematical genius--turned gambler--turned ultra billionaire, Tasmanian David Walsh.
A tripped-out camouflage speed ferry takes you up the river from Hobart to the cliff-side peninsula on which the museum is housed. After a walk up a very steep set of stairs, you are surrounded with a village of modern sculpture and follies — one of which housed “Faro,” our lunch destination. From the top of the cliff, we were whisked in an elevator through a James Turrell light installation into the restaurant itself for a two hour, capsule-on-the-seaside dining performance. It was ultra-weird and yet amazing. Delicious dishes were presented with perfection, and a mime performer and string band entertained around the giant sphere centering the room. The combination of atmosphere, uncertainty, and formality kept us on the edge of our seats. After dinner, we took a tour through the most endowed art museum in the Southern Hemisphere—and for good reason: it is one of the best displayed collections of artwork I’ve seen anywhere.
https://mona.net.au/stuff-to-do/eat-and-drink/faro
MONA, Berridale, TAS 7011, Australia
Photo Source: Syllogi
Every publication will feature one unique restaurant, hotel, activity, or other travel discovery that stood out in our research. Some of these are established institutions that deserve repeat merit, while others are hidden gems that are often off the radar of most.
