How I Holiday: Post-Gig Feeds And Fish And Chips By The Beach With Boo Seeka

Ben Gumbleton (AKA Boo Seeka and Food Seeka) hits the road a lot for work, seeking out late-night feeds and knock-off wine post gigs. Fresh from a trip to Tasmania for his stripped-back Raw Files tour, the Aussie musician shares where to find a "wall of vinyl", the vegetarian creamy cauliflower pasta that keeps playing on his mind and where to go for a stunning drive along the coast. 

What brought you to Tasmania? 

Currently on our Raw Files Acoustic Tour around Australia, and it’s finally time to visit one of our favourite places—Tasmania. There’s so much to love about this island, from its wild beauty to its rich food culture. This run gives us the chance to see more than usual, with shows in charming regional towns known for their incredible music-loving communities. We’re excited to play for you all, but equally thrilled to dive into Tasmania’s world-class restaurants, hidden wine bars, and bustling local markets that make this place such a haven for food lovers. 

Where's the best place you've eaten? 

Two spots stand out: OGEE in Hobart and Havilah Wine in Launceston. Every dish at both places was a knockout—young chefs doing incredible things with local produce, clearly obsessed with delivering the best possible experience to their guests. At OGEE, the food was matched by the atmosphere: a wall of vinyl and a steady flow of great records spinning in the background. It’s the kind of place you could lose hours in and never want to leave. 

What's the best cheap feed you've had? 

With all the driving and setups, we didn’t manage to hit the two Hobart spots everyone recommended—Bumi and Hometown Secret—but they’re locked in for next time. Instead, Jay and I stumbled across a late-night gem called Mr Good Guy, and it hit the spot after our show. Quick service, bold flavours, and exactly what you need when you roll in hungry after a long day on the road. 

What's the best meal you had? 

I never thought I’d say this, but the vegetarian creamy cauliflower pasta at Havilah is the dish that keeps replaying in my mind from this trip; It was unlike anything I’ve had before. Over at OGEE, the sardines with raisins and onions were another standout. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t even on the menu yet, but I was more than happy to tell the chef it deserves a permanent spot. 

What's the single best thing to do in Hobart and Launceston?

Playing music to people who support our music in Tassie is always such a privilege—the passion and energy at these shows make every long drive worth it. With the tour schedule being as full-on as it is, we rarely get the chance to do much more than play, pack up, and move on to the next town. This time, though, we managed to squeeze in a couple of food stops that locals had recommended, and they were absolute gems. It’s those little moments—sharing songs with amazing crowds and catching glimpses of what makes each place unique—that make touring feel so special. 

What were your highlights from your trip? 

This trip took me down new roads to places I’d never been before. Tour life usually only brings me to Launceston and Hobart, which are always incredible and seem to reveal a new restaurant every time, with a food scene that’s thriving. But this run also introduced me to the beautiful communities of Sisters Beach and Beaumaris. Both drives were stunning, leading us to two special spots on the coast. Freshly caught local fish and chips from the general store in Sisters Beach were a standout, and the local winemakers in Beaumaris deserve their own praise. Two incredible coastlines, two unforgettable stops. 

What's the best gig venue in Tasmania? 

This one’s tough to put into words. Honestly, any venue supporting live music right now is a great venue in our eyes. Behind the scenes, they’re jumping through countless hoops that most people will never see, and we’re genuinely grateful for every bit of effort that goes into keeping live music alive. Huge thanks to every spot that welcomed us on this trip—we felt the love at every show and can’t wait to come back.