Sage Taste & Test, Spring 2014

This is my third trip to Sage Dining Room’s clever concept Taste and Test, where in exchange for a slightly cheaper five-course meal – and you’ve no idea what’s coming – you write out a score for each dish and a short ‘review’ of them right onto your paper tablecloth. The test lasts for four weeks, with the menu changing each week. If a dish gets an average score below 6.5-7 or so, it’s not going to make it onto the more permanent seasonal menu.

Here’s a quick look at the menu from 30 September to 2 October and my thoughts – but a quick summary? It’s really good.

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A Feast for the Senses

Every year that I’ve lived in Canberra, I’ve always made big plans to attend Floriade Nightfest…. and, every year, something has always come up that has prevented me from going. Yeah, I know – Floriade is the ultimate touristy event to attend, and this blog is meant to be all about exploring Canberra’s lesser-known gems. But this year I was determined to join the masses and smell the roses. Spring seemed like it had well and truly set in for the year, so my friends and I decided to get organised early and buy our tickets in advance. Hmm, perhaps not the smartest move in hindsight…

On the morning of NightFest, we awoke to grey skies and drizzling rain. Gone was the sunshine and warmth of spring that we’d enjoyed over the weekend – suddenly, it felt like the middle of winter again. By mid morning, two of my friends pulled the pin and forfeited their tickets (Floriade doesn’t allow date transfers, unfortunately). Luckily, I still had two others who were willing to brave the inclement weather and accompany me to the event (they probably had the same mentality as me – what a waste of $25 not to go!). So we pulled out our brollies, coats and gloves and braced ourselves for the chilly night ahead.