Takeaway: Bolly Buds

We recently had relatively new new Indian restaurant Bolly Buds for takeaway, and the experience was good. Quite simply, and quite obviously, there’s nothing better than a good experience to make you order from the restaurant again.

La De Da above Ha Ha Bar

I notice it a long time before I hear about it: there’s something going on upstairs from Ha Ha Bar on Belconnen‘s Emu Bank. What is it? A club? Part of Ha Ha Bar? Eventually I hear about La De Da and my curiosity is sparked. With a new menu recently launched, visiting becomes a priority.

Pulp Kitchen at Ainslie

Ainslie’s Pulp Kitchen is cheerful, popular and recently made the Good Food Top 20 Canberra restaurants list – so, the perfect birthday dinner venue, right?

Lunch at Bicicletta

Bicicletta had been getting some rave reviews, and when searching for a place to dine for in the dying days of 2012, it jumped to mind.

Me and Mrs Jones versus Bodega de Pintxos

It’s December, the days are long, the weather is (finally?) warm (hopefully for good!), and what better way to catch up with friends than to venture down to rejuvenated Kingston?

Courting Courgette

I won’t beat around the bush – our standard four course dinner at Courgette took 3 HOURS. It’s the key impression I’ve taken away from my experience. Sure, there was superb food, lovely wine and a decent ambience, but for years to come, all I’m going to remember is that it was slo-o-o-ow.

Comparing Canberra to Europe

It’s been mentioned to me that Canberra “doesn’t even compare” to Sydney. Even though we all know people who say such silly things are wrong, I reckon it’s probably going to be seen as a pretty big call to do a post comparing Canberra to Europe of all places. But after a 5 week absence while I was in the northern hemisphere (hence the lack of T1 posts!), I’m happy to report back on a selection of a much wider array of things which Canberra simply does equal to or better than Europe.

Sanur’s Balinese Restaurant, Belconnen

Sanur’s on Emu Bank in Belconnen is a regular haunt for me for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s always packed, with all types of people – a big mish mash of young and old, professional and not, families and couples and friend groups etc. This is always a good sign. Second, the variety of people also lends to a good atmosphere. It’s buzzing but you can hear yourself think – and hear each other talk! Third, it serves a local Canberra wine! A few different types of the Gallagher wine feature on a small but decent (and well priced) wine list. Fourth, the service is quick and friendly. (FINALLY.)

But what about the food?

Three course dinner at Sage

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About a month ago Johnboy wrote a charming review of his incredible experience at Sage restaurant at Gorman House . His conclusion that the experience was sensational had stuck with me; I felt like I was missing out! On the night that we were heading out to see the performance of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (tickets which I’d purchased), Boyfriend asked for dinner ideas. I sneakily suggested Sage and within seconds he’d booked. In shock, I responded with, “Did you read the price of the menu?” He hadn’t, but on reading it in the minutes since, thought that it was perfectly reasonable given its calibre and reivews, and that we deserved a bit of a treat after a hectic week.

Curious about Ellacure

Great poached egg with the bean and chorizo cassoulet

It was past midday on a Sunday and I was still trying to make up my mind about where Boyfriend and I should go for breakfast (yes, I’m hopeless). After reading the numerous reviews on The Riot Act in favour of Black Pepper (and dismissing them – review to follow!), I was pleasantly surprised to see the support for Ellacure – a nearby cafe which I sadly hadn’t been to since 2008 (!). I browsed their menu online to confirm that breakfast was indeed served all day (it is!) and while I was disappointed that there were no pancakes on offer, it sounded like it was worth a shot.