Free taquitos, eightysix’s Banoffee Pie comes in an XL and more events you can poke a fork at: your latest Foodie News fix
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This edition of Foodie News is finger-lickin’ legit.
From Fonda giving away 100 free taquitos to the gooey details about the Canberra Cheese Festival, and more food-focused events than you can poke a fork at, here’s the city’s freshest Foodie News.
Last drinks for Louis Couttoupes
In a shocking announcement, Louis Couttoupes has made the decision to leave Onzieme, the award-winning Kingston restaurant that opened to immediate and lasting acclaim.
But despite the crowds of happy diners (and the healthy booking lists), as a sole operator up against some bigger guns in Canberra, Louis says that he cannot afford the one vital ingredient to a bustling venue – staff.
“The simple fact is, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for independent owner/operators to compete, not only with the interstate operators of this world, but also with some of the local operators with deeper pockets who can offer more money and are aggressive in their hiring practices.”
Read the full story here.
Caffè al Lago now serves pizza
Home to some of the best sandwiches on the northside, since it opened in 2024 Caffè al Lago has become the go-to destination for anyone seeking authentic Italian sandwiches. Now, the business introduced a new offering – pizza. And you can bet that they’re going to be good.
Available Wednesday to Friday from 5 pm and on the weekend between 11 am and 8 pm, the menu includes everything from the Margherita Classica to the Peri Peri Chicken. Simple, authentic and delicious, it’s a true Italian treat.
You can order eightysix’s Banoffee Pie in an XL this Mother’s Day
Never know what to give your mum for Mother’s Day? eightysix have made it easy, launching their iconic Banoffee Pie in an XL so you can treat the women in your life to something delicious.
A symphony of luscious caramel, salty pretzel, fresh banana, whipped cream and chocolate shavings, call 02 6161 8686 or email info@eightysix.com.au to order your pie. With orders cutting off on Friday 8 May, make this one delicious Mother’s Day.
Hunter and Barrel coming soon
Hunter and Barrel will open its doors next month in the former Carlotta space in the Canberra Centre. From the meat menu there are Portoro Grain Fed 200 gram Eye Fillets (MB2+) and Rumps (MB2+) to 300 gram New Yorkers (MB2+) and 350 gram Rib Eyes (MB2+) to 700 gram Black Diamond T-Bones, and 300 gram Wagyu Rumps and Rib Eyes (MB6 or 4+), all levelled up with an optional Bone Marrow Topper and cooked over a coal fire.
Sticky Rice lands in Weston Creek
There’s a new reason to swing by Cooleman Court, with Sticky Rice dishing up a menu that goes beyond your standard Thai takeaway. Blending Thai, Lao and Vietnamese flavours, the offering spans everything from familiar favourites to harder-to-find regional dishes – think Northern Thai sausages and Laos-style sun-dried beef.
Spitfire Pizza pops up at Dairy Road
A new pizza pop-up has landed in Fyshwick, with Spitfire Pizza serving up New York-style slices at Dairy Road for a limited time. The passion project of local chef Stefan Geou, the menu is deliberately tight – just a handful of pizzas built on a thin, crispy 18-inch base, with a focus on quality over quantity. It’s casual, by-the-slice dining with big flavour (and a three-month lease, so don’t sit on it).
STOMP your way through Canberra’s wine region this weekend
If your ideal weekend involves a glass in hand, STOMP Festival is your cue to head out of the city. Taking place across the Canberra wine region, it’s a celebration of local drops, produce and the people behind them. Expect cellar doors, tastings and a choose-your-own-adventure approach to exploring Canberra’s cool-climate wine scene. Check out everything that’s happening here.
Free taquitos, anyone? Fonda is making our dreams come true
You read that right. From 12 pm on Wednesday 22 April Fonda is giving away 100 free taquitos to anyone craving Mexican for lunch.
It will be first come, first served, so you’ll need to be fast. Start planning your trip to Bunda Street now!
Highroad will be hosting a Local Legends Dinner
It’s all in partnership with Pour Folk. On Saturday 16 May, Highroad is transforming into a wine bar as they host an unforgettable evening celebrating outstanding local wines (and the stories behind them).
Featuring a carefully curated selection of both current and museum release vintages from some of Canberra’s most respected producers, you’ll sip on standouts including Helm Riesling, Collector’s Tiger Tiger Chardonnay and Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, and more. Add in a curated menu to match, and you’re guaranteed a good night out.
Book your seat here.
Deakin welcomes a new café
Looking for a new coffee spot? Our Little Café has opened on Geils Circuit, serving ONA coffee, freshly made sandwiches and pastries from Wildflour.
Open Monday to Friday from 7.30 am, pop in for your next weekday caffeine fix.
A long table dinner in a suburban garden
If your ideal Sunday leans more “shared feast” than “Uber Eats”, this one’s for you. Two Before Ten is hosting a long table dinner in a garden setting at 10 Yards in Aranda, bringing people together over a seasonal, chef-led menu. Expect a relaxed, communal vibe, good wine and a menu designed to celebrate local produce – all kicking off from 4 pm on Sunday 3 May.
Put this full-day culinary workshop into your diary
Interested in learning about Ayurveda cooking? This seasonal culinary workshop on Sunday 19 April will take you through understanding, preparing, and eating a delicious, healthy, balanced meal based on Ayurvedic principles.
Teaching you how to plan and prepare meals with sattva (peace and clarity), you’ll learn how to create a balanced meal, explore optimal food proportions, use herbs and spices for healing and balance, and learn to manage your energy in the kitchen.
Make sure to take an apron and notebook and book your spot here.
Meet author Rosalie Ham at The Dressmaker High Tea
Love the internationally acclaimed novel The Dressmaker? This is your chance to meet author Rosalie Ham over scones with jam and cream. On Saturday 2 May, indulge in tiers of delicate finger sandwiches and exquisitely crafted pastries at The Hyatt as she shares insights into her writing journey, the unforgettable town of Dungatar, and the story behind her beloved characters.
With limited seats available, book your spot here.
We’re counting down the days to the Canberra Cheese Festival
It promises to be a gouda time. Taking over Grainger Gallery in Fyshwick from Friday 10 May, the Canberra Cheese Festival will be bringing together exceptional cheesemakers from across Australia for both casual consumers and hardcore curd nerds alike to enjoy.
Across the three days, you’ll get to meet the makers and (most importantly) taste their amazing award-winning cheese. And if that’s not enough, they’ll be pairing it all with premium Canberra District wines, making the event feel like one massive cheese board. Book your tickets here.
Middle Eastern magic comes to the Canberra Southern Cross Club
They had us at “Arabian Night Buffet”. On Friday 15 May, Woden’s Canberra Southern Cross Club will be serving up a curated selection of traditional dishes, rich spices and vibrant flavours that celebrate the essence of Arabian cuisine.
Priced at $75 for members and $90 for non-members, there will also be a live belly-dance performance! Book your seat here.
