From frozen ramen to Roman pizza and Korean tacos, Canberra’s food scene is heating up this winter (and even more Foodie News)
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The cold might have settled in, but our local food scene is on fire.
From pizza royalty setting up shop to Ikigai’s frozen ramen revolution and champagne and fried chicken pairings that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about fine dining, this month’s food scene is serving up surprises at every turn.
Yep, it’s time for another Foodie News – and this edition is fully loaded.
Ikigai Ramen is making dinner even easier with the launch of their frozen ramen
It’s a delicious dish that requires time, patience and lots of skill – but for those who are craving a comforting meal without having to get out of their trackies, the launch of Ikigai Ramen’s frozen meals is the answer to your prayers. Available for takeaway from Thursday 17 July, all you need to do is pick up your order, take it home and either microwave it or cook it on the stovetop for eight to 10 minutes. Then pop your egg on top and slurp away! There’s no need to defrost – both the dish and yourself – and with ramen this good available from the comfort of your couch, winter is sounding a whole lot better.
Roman-style pizza takes over the city with the opening of Sliceria
Canberra’s only chef (and one of two Australians) to hold a place in the Top 100 pizza-makers through The Best Chef Awards opened a new grab-and-go pizza place in the city! After much excitement, Thapa Magar Hemnath (or Chef Hem for short) has opened open the doors to his brand-new venue, Sliceria, on Marcus Clarke Street – and with Roman-style pizza schiacciata (thin focaccia sandwiches that are bursting with filling) and a small selection of Roman-style deserts, including maritozzo, cannoli, and tiramisu on the menu, you better be hungry. Read all about it here.
Champagne and fried chicken? Meet the combination you didn’t know you needed
Did anyone else know that fried chicken and champagne were a match made in flavour heaven? Every Saturday, Leyla Bar in Barton is bringing together this deliciously unexpected duo for an unforgettable experience.
Taste four champagnes – Louis Roederer Collection 245, NV Piper-Heidsieck Brut, NV Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label and NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve – each expertly paired with a unique take on fried chicken, as you’re guided through the tasting experience. And as the crisp bubbles cut through the golden crunch, you can thank us for introducing you to this elevated and comforting combination. Just make sure to book yourself a seat!
Kingsborough welcomes a new casual dining destination
And they’re on the mission to create the city’s best pizza. Co-owned by Maheer Prasad and Lachlan Exton, who is also behind Highroad in Dickson and On Lonsdale in Braddon, Lounge Room is the newest addition to Kingsborough – taking out the sunny corner position once inhabited by the Tumut River Brewing Company and Axis Roasters. Also serving ONA coffee, Italian sandwiches, bagels, salads, protein balls, granola bars, financiers, and fruit salad, read all about it here.
Taco Tuesdays get a makeover at Lazy Su
But this isn’t your usual Mexican night, because these tacos have a twist. Lazy Su is hosting a Korean Taco Tuesday night, where you can get your hands on bold, spicy, sweet, crunchy tacos. Priced at $60 per person, the set menu includes Guaca-mame Dip, Scallop Ceviche, Kogi Kimchi Quesadilla and a Ta-ko Platter loaded with Korean-inspired taco fillings like Galbi Lamb Shoulder, Gochujang Chicken Asado and Grilled NT Baby Barramundi. Hungry yet?
Mrs Wang comes back with a bang
Announcing that they’ve reopened, those who have missed Mrs Wang’s contemporary twist on traditional flavours are in for a treat. Tiger Lane’s largest restaurant, head along to eat your way through the mouth-watering menu once more. All-you-can-eat Yum Cha, anyone?
Kingston’s Giles St Café gets a refresh
Fresh Mediterranean brekkie, specialty Redbrick coffee, and organic recipes – Giles St Café is under new management. Serving a menu made from farm-fresh ingredients that travel from the paddock to your plate (and infused with Mediterranean flavour), they also stock bulk wholefoods, and offer a catering service – covering everything you could need.
The G Spot closes
Since 2001, the G Spot has been one of Canberra’s favourite food vans, so it was a sad day when they announced they’re ceasing business. Posting on Facebook last week: “… we’re not sure what the future holds for us just yet, but for now we need to step back, take a break and look after ourselves.” Take a moment of silence for their burgers.
This Saturday Social Club will have you saying ‘cheers’ to the weekend
Looking for a relaxed way to meet new people, discover great local wine, and enjoy a long-table dinner without the fuss? Your Saturday night just got better with the Saturday Social Club at 10 Yards. Featuring wines from top Canberra region wineries, cellar door prices, and a generous commensal dinner to match, there’s something happening every Saturday, so keep an eye on their social media to see what’s on.
A little piece of Italy can now be found in Deakin
It’s time to meet CASA by avanti, a new family-operated café bringing homemade Italian recipes and ideas to your plate. Founded by Daniel Colbertaldo and Stephanie Colbertaldo, it was born from their passion for blending Italian heritage with the modern Australian culture. Reflecting their love for our heritage, food, family, warmth, and the timeless elegance of Italy, find CASA by avanti at 90 Denison Street Deakin (in the NDIS building).
This Ulladulla favourite is coming to Canberra
It’s not a trip to Ulladulla without visiting Mavi Gelati, one of the best gelati and dessert bars on the coast (we said what we said). Serving 32 flavours of gelati (all made from scratch and churned fresh), as well as dessert, açaí bowls and more, with the announcement they’ll be opening a Canberra location, you’d better be excited. We’ll give you the scoop (pun intended), when we know more!
Things are getting yummy at the Yacht Club
Water views aren’t just for warm days, and with the announcement that the Yacht Club will be open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can have the best of both worlds.
Along with serving a winter menu with warm, seasonal favourites that rotate every fortnight, for those who can’t resist a bottomless brunch, your Sundays are sorted. For two hours, you’ll enjoy featuring the monthly changing menu along with bottomless servings of sparkling, white, and red wines, Capital Brewing Co. Coast Ale, and schooners of soft drink or juice. All served and sipped on by the lake, what’s not to love?
The team behind Bada Bing welcomes Burgermaker
Rabble Group might have just closed Bada Bing, but they’ve opened a new burger joint in Hume, and it sounds delicious. Serving up classic smashed burgers ($16 with chips) along beer from Capital Brewing and Queanbeyan Bitter on tap plus coffee and brekky options, Burgermaker is currently only open Monday to Friday. But keep an eye out! They’ll soon be opening on weekends. Find them at 51 Sheppard Street, Hume.
Corella is collaborating with a local vineyard, and we are here for it
They had us at a six-course menu. Known for serving amazing dishes infused with native Australian ingredients, Corella Bar is taking things up a notch thanks to a collaboration with Mount Majura Vineyard on Wednesday 23 July. Taking place for one night only (and with very limited seats), they’ll be serving a menu designed around the best produce of the season, all paired with some of Canberra’s finest wines for $165 per person. See you there?
Taste truffles at Midnight
The hotel that is. This truffle season, Midnight Hotel is serving up something special with the chance to elevate your meal at Braddon Merchant or Midnight Bar with freshly shaved black truffle sourced locally from Clear Range Truffles. Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’ll cure all of your cravings. But that’s not all. For those seeking a warming winter sip, Braddon Merchant and Midnight Bar are also serving up curated whiskey flights showcasing the finest from two iconic regions, Australia and Scotland. Available until the end of August, try it for yourself before time runs out.
Johnny Gio’s Pizza is coming to Canberra!
Hand-stretched dough, baked to crispy perfection, oozing with melted mozzarella and loaded with toppings – the cult fave takeaway pizza joint Johnny Gio’s Pizza from Bondi is bringing their New York-Italian neighbourhood pizza joint to Braddon. We don’t have the details yet but stay tuned.
Tuggeranong Homestead will jingle your bells this July
Still riding the Christmas in July high? Tuggeranong Homestead is here to help you be merry and bright with a jingle and mingle event! Transforming into a winter wonderland on Tuesday 24 July, their Christmas in July event will have everything from twinkling lights to hearty roasts and all the holiday feels. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.
Book yourself a spot in these truffle dinners
Not feeling tired of truffles yet? The Diplomat Truffle Dinner on Friday 25 July will have you mouth-watering with a four-course menu that showcases the rich, earthy elegance of premium truffles – and they had us at slow-cooked Peking Duck breast with blackberry sauce and shaved truffle. If that’s not enough, you can continue the celebration the following say (Saturday 26 July) with an indulgent afternoon at Marble & Grain’s next Masterclass Series event, hosted by Group Executive Chef, Brenden Gradidge. You’ll hear from truffle expert Frank Disibio, owner of Tantalising Truffles in Golspie, NSW, and enjoy a beautifully curated three-course truffle-inspired menu, showcasing the best of local produce.
Finally, plan ahead for the Truffle Degustation at Parliament House on Friday 15 August when they’ll be hosting a six-course truffle degustation in the Members and Guests Dining Room. Priced at $190 ($240 for dinner with wine pairings), the menu has been prepared by Executive Chef David Learmonth and features locally sourced truffles from Macenmist Black Truffles.
Don’t miss this night of warming wines, BBQ bites and vintage vinyl
Lakeside drinks have never sounded so good. Lerida Estate Winery is hosting a “Low & Slow” night on Friday 1 August where they’ll be pouring warming wines, serving BBQ bites and playing vintage vinyl in the beautiful surrounds of Canberra Contemporary. Priced at $45 per person, your ticket includes a glass of Lerida Estate wine (your choice of their new release Shiraz, Pinot Noir or Riesling) and a plate of BBQ meat by the pit masters at Big Box BBQ. Take the time to explore Canberra Contemporary’s latest gallery offering and make an evening of it!
Dr Edge comes to one of Canberra’s best restaurants
Parisian-inspired Kingston cult favourite Onzieme is hosting a wine night with one of the most highly sought-after Tasmanian brands on our shelves – and trust us when we say you’ll want to book tickets. Taking place on Tuesday 29 July, join Peter Dredge (aka Dr Edge) as he takes over the wine list to pour nine of his best drops, matched with nine special dishes prepared by Onzieme. With something of a cult following for his high-quality range and funky labels, wine lovers will be saying ‘Cheers’ to this!
