Aubergine

It’s a big week in Canberra for me, because I have two very special guests in town: my parents. Mum’s just had a milestone birthday, and I’m graduating from my Masters, so before they arrive they insist we choose somewhere special for dinner to celebrate. I think Canberra’s two-hatted restaurant should fit the bill.

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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.

Soju Girl

It’s 4.30pm on a Friday and we play ‘which Canberra restaurant is still taking bookings?’. We laughably try for Eighty-Six (definitely full) and I suggest to Boyfriend that maybe, just maybe, we’ll be able to get into Soju Girl. We have talked about going forever. They’ve got a table available at 6, and a table available at 10. We hesitate, and go with 6.

Valentine’s Day at Siren Bar

I’ve previously written positively about my experience(s) at Siren Bar. The following review is anything but positive.

Breakfast at The Elk and Pea

If the epitome of success is a packed restaurant at 11am on Canberra’s hottest day of the year, even when that restaurant’s air conditioning isn’t working, then Elk and Pea is already pretty darn successful.

Sangoma Retreat

Sangoma Retreat is quite literally nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains*, past Richmond and Kurrajong, and down a one-car-width-wide street with gumtrees looming overhead, daring the sunlight to enter.

There’s a fence on the right at number 70, a sign, and a buzzer. Amidst the enveloping bush, you could be forgiven for being surprised by the loud, happy voice on the other end after the three hour drive from Canberra, and the person attached to the voice opens the gate and encourages us to drive on through. Beyond where the few cars are parked, there are subtle creeks with small waterfalls, and an entrance marked by rocks and tall sticks. It’s the first introduction of the Australian bush/African fusion throughout the property.

Lerida Estate winery

We all have moments of sheer genius. Probably my last of 2012 was deciding that lunch at a vineyard would be ideal on our trek to spend New Year’s Eve in the Blue Mountains. Even better, I thought to flick through the Canberra Entertainment Book and saw that there was a deal on wine for Lerida Estate (one of the Lake George wineries).  With just over an hour until we would arrive there, I also had the thought to book ahead for Cafe Lerida (which they seem to recommend). Like I said, sheer genius.

Oktoberfest at EPIC

Oktoberfest doesn’t really need an introduction. The festival is usually held from late in September into October in Germany, and the event is replicated throughout the world (and throughout Canberra).

Friday night at Rocksalt

In any list of Canberra‘s favourite restaurants, Rocksalt in the Belconnen suburb of Hawker invariably gets a mention. With modern Australian cuisine, it’s known for its friendly atmosphere, decent prices and generous portions, while still managing to be synonymous with a fine dining experience.

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.