Contentious Character unveils a waterfront urban winery, WORLD opens at East Traders Hall, and brownie-misu is the newest trend we can get behind
Posted on
Just when you thought there was no more Foodie News, Canberra decides to serve up a fresh new batch of steaming hot goss.
On the menu for this week – along with an abundance of new openings all over the city – you can sink your teeth into some seasonal specials, raise a glass in some historic locations and make the most of the cosy winter weather.
Catch up on part one here. Here’s the freshest edition of Foodie News.
News & new spots
The Kingston Foreshore now has an urban winery and cellar door
Contentious Character has made Kingston the newest spot for local and international wine tasting and purchasing with the opening of an urban winery overlooking the lake. And because what’s a drink without a nosh, they’ve also opened an accompanying restaurant to bring a casual wine bar vibe and tapas-style snack venue to the area.
Read the full story here to find out when you can pop in.
You can now try a WORLD full of flavours at Chairman Group’s newest eatery
Taking over a sun-drenched corner of the new East Traders Hall on Constitution Avenue, WORLD is the newest addition to the Chairman Group’s iconic restaurants. The menu is culturally diverse and different, including options like gluten-free French galettes, a Reuben Banh Mi, Oatmilk Ramen and Curry Tsukemen for breakfast and lunch.
As for dinner? Steak and Frites is Korean-style Galbi striploin with ssamjang, there’s a Tom Yum pasta, a Pork Sausage dish with satay sauce, and Mapo Eggplant with whipped tofu and doubanjiang (a spicy Chinese paste).
Read the full story here.
Nepal’s most progressive fine diner opens in Canberra
Canberra is now home to Tusa – a fine dining restaurant with a very interesting story. Newly opened in the space formerly housing both Vincent and Mukbar in Barton, it’s delivering “nouveau” Nepalese cuisine to a city known for embracing the joys of multicultural eating.
The original Tusa is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal and has drawn the attention of the world’s top food writers, from the New York Times to Conde Nast Traveller.
Read the full story here.
Adore Tea lands in Woden
Adore Tea Teahouse & Boutique has opened in a brand-new Phillip location, becoming the latest hot spot for lovers of exquisite teas and tea-infused sweets and savouries.
Offering the full menu – including favourites like the tea-infused quiche, scones with tea-infused jam and clotted cream, and wraps with tea-infused chicken, it looks set to replicate the formula that earned its Mitchell boutique such a loyal following.
Read the full story here.
Nepalese Momo House takes over Gemini Cafe
We recently spotted a sign pointing us to the new addition of Nepalese fare at the well-known Gemini Café on Furzer Street. The new menu is simple and traditional, built around steamed, fried, and chilli-tossed momos. And if you’re chasing a true winter warmer, order the jhol momos – served submerged in a deeply aromatic, spiced tomato and sesame broth that carries just the right amount of kick.
Events, fresh tastes & pop-ups!
Brownie-misu in a jar is a food trend we can get behind
Caffe Al Lago has partnered with Brazen Brownies to create what might just be the perfect dessert: a brownie-misu.
Served in a jar and available in Caffe Al Lago’s signature tiramisu flavours, you can sink your spoon into your choice of classic, Nutella, pistachio and Biscoff.
Shaw Estate introduces some delicious seasonal celebrations
It might be known as the home of award-winning wines, but this winter Shaw Estate is also home to some warming weekly meals.
Every Thursday night is Locals Pasta Night where you can enjoy a pasta dish, garlic pizzetta, and a glass of Shaw wine for $35, while Friday night is Wine & Wagyu Night – complete with a 250g Wagyu bavette steak, served with fries, rocket salad and a glass of Shaw wine for $45.
And as for Sunday night? They’re keeping things interesting with a rotating Sunday special each month. June is an $85 Braised Duo Short Rib, served with Parmesan mash, winter greens, sherry jus, salsa verde and pangrattato – designed to share between two.
Warm up your Friday evenings with the Winter Wine and Providore Series
Who can resist a complimentary fireside tasting series in one of our city’s most historic lounges?
This winter, pop into the Griffin’s Lounge at the Hyatt for a cosy, relaxed hour discovering the fascinating stories behind the vines as you sip on incredible drops crafted by some of Australia’s finest independent winegrowers and makers. Taking place every Friday from 5 pm until 6 pm, no bookings are required. Simply go and enjoy!
Seeking a ski stopover? Try this après high tea
QTea High Tea x Space Kitchen is transforming the QT Lounge into a winter wonderland until Saturday 29 August, complete with cosy alpine comforts and a touch of après‑ski indulgence.
Priced at $50 per person, start with savoury treats like split pea and smoked ham soup, followed by freshly baked scones piled high with mountains of rosewater cream and strawberry jam.
Make the most of the white chocolate fountain, sip on spiced mulled cider and if you’re feeling a little extra, the cake trolley will make the rounds with toasted smores, chocolate caramel snowballs – all available for additional purchase.
Plus, every booking is entered into a draw to win a Thredbo lift pass, to make most of this season (or next)!
Devil Ramen will warm you up this winter
Mild? Spicy? Or straight to Hell? The choice is yours. Raijin Japanese Cuisine has brought back its Devil Ramen for winter – and you’ll have to sign a waiver to order it.
Available for a limited time, the steaming bowl of ramen features an upgraded, heavy-hitting chilli broth that’s guaranteed to make your mouth and throat feel like it’s on fire. It’s certainly one way to warm yourself up…
Raise a glass to Canberra Whisky Week
From Monday 22 until Friday 27 June, Whisky Week is taking over Canberra with boilermaker nights, whisky flights, tastings and more.
From an intimate distiller’s dinner at The Inn, to an all-inclusive tasting session at Verity Lane, check out the full program of events and book your tickets here.
The Member’s Bar is throwing open its doors for Friday night drinks
On Friday 26 June, the Member’s Bar at Old Parliament House is throwing open its doors so you can sip on warm mulled wine or a premium selection of wines, cocktails, and sophisticated bites.
Taking place from 4 pm until 9 pm, all you need to do is turn up and find a spot!
Truffle season launches at Beltana Farm
You know winter is here when Beltana Farm announces its truffle-season events. This year, there are four ways to experience the season: join a guided hunt and stay for a long shared lunch, learn to cook with truffles in an intimate kitchen masterclass, chase the last light on a twilight hunt with BBQ snacks and a glass of something cold, or kick the whole thing off on Thursday 3 July at the After Dark Truffle Fest.
Happening across various dates, expect cold air, warm fires, very good dogs, and food that starts in the dirt and ends on the plate. Book your spot here.
Wine ‘N’ Dine returns this July
A self-guided progressive long lunch that takes you on a mouthwatering tour of the neighbourhood’s hottest venues, all on one glorious afternoon? Say no more.
On Saturday 25 July, Wine ‘N’ Dine is taking over Canberra as they take foodies to four standout venues: flui, VICE, Luna Bar and CURIOSA. Each serving a signature dish paired with a glass of wine from an exceptional Australian winemaker, all you need to do is buy a ticket and choose where you’d like to begin.
With limited spots available, secure your ticket here
Planning a trip to the snow? You might want to know about this
In a collaboration we didn’t know we needed, Thredbo Resort has partnered with the award-winning Skrewball Whiskey (yes, the original peanut butter whiskey). The result? Signature cocktails popping up on menus and an unmissable event: Après Skrew ft The Presets (DJ Set) presented by Skrewball, happening Saturday August 1 at the Alpine Bar.
See you there?
