For the last six months, we’ve been bringing you the “My Canberra” series on a semi-regular basis. It’s a feature prompted by my observation that all too often, we don’t play ‘tourist’ enough in our own hometowns. We get caught up in our neighbourhood favourites that we don’t explore too far afield…we don’t uncover all this city has to offer. The little boutiques, the fabulous coffee shops and providores, the great little secret gems that too few people know about.

Favourite Cheap & Cheerful Dining

I am a massive fan of anything that involves the words ‘pork’ and ‘belly’, so I love Crust Pizza in Braddon – because that is what my favourite topping (with a few pears to pretend I am eating my greens) consists of. Their pizzas are fabulous and very quickly prepared – ultra-fresh ingredients make them stand out from the run of the mill. Hmmmm… Mediterranean Lamb comes close in the delicious stakes – now I’m hungry…

Favourite Mid-Range Restaurant

Italian & Sons – seen at right – also in Braddon (yes I realise I sound Braddon-centric – I promise this will change. Sort of.) Tony the superstar maitre d’ and all of the staff are incredibly knowledgeable, the food is amazing and the atmosphere is busy and convivial. Simple yet beautifully presented dishes with amazing flavours. And great wine! Molto, molto deliciozo…

Favourite High-End Dining

Aubergine is a perennial favourite – how could it not be? Food – star; service – another star; atmosphere – star, star, star. It is one of the most unhurried and leisurely dining experiences imaginable; there is no fuss, just great waitstaff – and the menu, both eating and drinking, is elegant, exquisite and pared back without being sparse. I also love Rubicon for much the same reasons – although Aubergine does win out for me, mainly for romantic reasons!

Favourite Place For Drinks With The Girls

I do love Playground – because they make a mean Grey Goose Martini. Their tapas menu is also great, and it is easy to let time get the better of you – especially on a nice Spring evening. Watch out for the Pomegranate Martinis though – they look pretty, but they are deadly.

Hot To Trot

Living in Braddon, I can’t help but love watching what is going on with Lonsdale Street. I had the best news this week with the knowledge that my fabulous hairdresser is moving here – yay! Watching places such as Hipsley Lane open, and the whole feeling of progress – while still staying true to the area – is great fun. Love seeing the new diversity here.

Caffeine Queen

Lonsdale Street Roasters. Nothing more to say really, except slurp.

Shop Til You Drop

I do like the City because of the range of shops that are so readily available – I love streamlined looks so SABA and MARCS are favourites for High-End High Street. For a special occasion Soho is a must, and wandering around Manuka village is great fun for tricky little homewares. I am a recent convert to not killing green things (I mean plants) so Pialligo has become a bit of a favourite destination. This may change after my herbs start to die.

My Bookie-Wookies

Paperchain Bookstore in Manuka is a must for all serious bibliophiles. The selection, the browsability – love. I am a book fiend so I try to stay away from here unless I can afford a big splurge…

Off The Beaten Track

I have become a bit of a ‘walk the lake’ convert of late, and on the horizon is a push bike to treadly around my neighbourhood on. Otherwise? It’s flamenco classes at the Flamenco Centre, making a fool of myself at Zumba and tennis where I think I am Sam Stosur (except I probably resemble Mr Snuffalufagus with a tennis racket). Great courts in Forrest.

Guest Quests

The Australian War Memorial is a must, as well as Questacon for kids and adults alike, the National Portrait Gallery – all the things that make Canberra, Canberra! Winery tours are great if you are prepared to be the designated driver and allow your visitors to enjoy the vine. Poacher’s Pantry is a great option for a long, lazy lunch.

Things That I Have Been Meaning To Do, And Eventually Will – Probably

I have a bad habit of missing exhibitions, simply because I have a memory like a sieve and forget the closing dates. No excuse really with fifteen different iDiaries…

Secret Loves