Alfie's Place: Bicheno's New Long Lunch

There's a particular kind of afternoon that Tasmania does better than most places. Good food, good company, no rush, and a view that makes you forget to check your phone. That's the feeling behind Alfie's Place, a new private dining venue that's just opened its doors (and its one long table) in Bicheno, from the kitchen of My Kitchen Rules grand finalist Caz Lasker.

Caz and her son Fergus captured the country's hearts as gatecrashers on MKR 2024, cooking their way to the grand final as the show's first ever mother and son team. Now Caz is bringing that same warmth and love of a good table home to Tasmania's East Coast. We asked Caz all about it.

So, what exactly is Alfie's Place?

"Alfie's Place is a small, mostly private dining venue on Tasmania's East Coast, built around one idea," Caz explains. "Gathering everyone at a single long table for a generous shared meal." Think stunning ocean views, an intimate atmosphere, and up to 12 guests settling in for the afternoon.

It's suited to celebrations, milestones, or simply getting family and friends together. Alongside private bookings, Alfie's Place will also host occasional pop-up lunches, where individuals or smaller groups can book a seat at the table without taking over the whole room.

And yes, Alfie is real. The venue is named for the family dog, who has quietly become the unofficial host of the place.

The vibe? A long lunch, done properly

Ask Caz what kind of experience she's hoping to create, and the answer is refreshingly simple. "I want Alfie's Place to feel like being invited to a wonderful long lunch," she says. "Beautifully prepared food, a generous table, awesome ocean views and plenty of time to settle in and enjoy it."

This isn't a traditional restaurant experience, and that's the point. "The food is served mostly in shared dishes, and the atmosphere is relaxed, warm and personal," Caz says. Whether guests are marking something big or just catching up, her hope is simple: that they leave feeling they've shared a genuinely memorable afternoon in Bicheno.

What's on the table

The menu draws heavily on Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian flavours, the ones Caz most loves cooking and sharing. Expect slow-roasted meats, seasonal salads, house-made breads, vibrant vegetable dishes and desserts worth saving room for - or squeezing in.

Tasmanian produce sits at the heart of it all. "We have access to exceptional meat, dairy, and fresh produce here," Caz says, and sourcing locally and seasonally is simply how the East Coast works. Guests choose from set menus, with everything designed to be passed, shared and lingered over.

When can you book?

Alfie's Place is now taking bookings for private lunches and gatherings, with a series of pop-up events to be announced soon for anyone wanting to book a seat without the full table.

Why Tasmanian dining hits different

For Caz, great Tasmanian dining starts with extraordinary produce, but that's only half the story. "It is also about the connection to place," she says. "Some of the best Tasmanian dining experiences are small and personal. They allow people to slow down, enjoy excellent food and feel connected to the landscape and the people who live here." That, she says, is very much the spirit she hopes to bring to Alfie's Place.

One long table, one very good dog, and some of the best produce in the country. Bicheno's newest table is worth pulling up a chair for.