The Mandalay Bus is back, you can now get traditional Tuscan schiacciata sandwiches in Queanbeyan and even more foodie news
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This edition of foodie news is extra juicy with some mouthwatering updates from around Canberra.
Grab a napkin – you might need it as we dish up the latest and greatest from our ever-evolving food scene.
Foodies, start your engines: the Mandalay Bus is back
It was an iconic part of the Canberra late-night food scene and when Kyaw “George” Thaung passed away in 2019, the missing Mandalay Bus became a hole in the hearts of many foodies.
Now, after a notable absence, George’s son Stewart has once again donned a chef’s hat to take on his father’s legacy, reopening The Mandalay bus in the carpark next to Haig Park.
Serving a mix of Burmese, Chinese, and Spanish cuisine as well as ‘gourmet fast food’, everything on the menu is extremely well-priced and will be just as delicious as you remember. Find it at the Dickson end of Lonsdale Street in Braddon and thank us later.
You can now sink your teeth into traditional Tuscan schiacciata sandwiches
And you only need to travel as far as Queanbeyan. The creation of Joshua and Melinda Kosteski – the family behind the local Italian restaurant Pronto – Fresca Café is now open in the QPRC building.
Specialising in schiacciata (a traditional sandwich from Tuscany made with a range of local and imported Italian ingredients), the menu was inspired by a trip to Italy in 2014, and boasts options like the Mortadella Schiacciata (crema di pistachio, mortadella, straciatella, and crushed pistachio), the Mediterranean (basil pesto, arugula, fior di latte mozzarella, prosciutto di parma, mixed Mediterranean vegetables and balsamic) and the Tartufo with melted tartufo di pecorino, capocollo and truffle oil.
Also serving coffee, fresh cold press juices, and sweet treats, it sounds like a true taste of Italy.
Start your day the Italian way with Agostinis
Forget your sad bowl of cereal. Agostinis has reimagined breakfast with an audacious Italian makeover that will have you saying “arrivederci” to boring morning meals – and it sounds delicious.
Featuring vanilla or Nutella custard-filled croissants that make French pastries blush, buffalo mozzarella paninis that put your average toast to shame, and the ultimate hangover cure in the form of crispy pan-fried pork neck lasagna, breakfast has never sounded so good.
Is this the Scottish Highlands or is it Lake George? Don’t miss Shakespeare by the Vines
Because nothing goes better with Shakespeare’s bloodiest play than a glass of red. Lakespeare is holding a special Shakespeare by the Vines event at Lake George Winery – and it’s happening this weekend.
Transforming Lake George Winery into the Scottish Highlands to bring you an afternoon or evening of murder, greed and bloody tragedy, along with the joy of watching Macbeth outside, your ticket includes a two-course meal: a banquet style main course (fit for a Scottish king) and a delicious dessert. Plus, some of Lake George’s finest wines will be available to purchase (along with tea, coffee and other beverages).
Book your tickets here.
Weekend plans? Sorted. Paranormal Wines is hosting a spicy takeover this Sunday
Add some spice to your Sunday as Paranormal Wines in Campbell hosts Hot Luck for a special menu takeover. The creators of “inauthentically authentic” vegan hot sauces, they’ll be serving up fried snacks, spicy dishes, and a noodle or two, along with cans from The Grifter Brewing Co.
This event is walk-ins only – find out more here!
Canberra’s world-class pizza chef is opening his own place
The countdown is on for April with the news that Thapa Magar Hemnath AKA Chef Hem (one of only TWO Australians in the global Top 100 pizza-makers!) is opening a new eatery in the city.
Located on Marcus Clarke Street (next to where Miss Vans used to be), Sliceria will be offering Roman-style pizza by the rectangular slice, as well as schiacciata (thin focaccia sandwiches) and a selection of Roman-style deserts, including maritozzo, cannoli, tiramisu, and more. Read all about it here.
We have an opening date for the new Shaw Estate Restaurant!
We won’t leave you hanging – it’s Saturday 22 March. Bringing what’s described as a “refined yet relaxed Mediterranean dining experience” to Murrumbateman, the highly anticipated restaurant will offer a menu deeply rooted in Italian tradition while celebrating local and seasonal ingredients.
Predicted to quickly become a popular destination for both wine lovers and foodies alike, from handmade pastas and risottos to expertly grilled meats and seafood, keep an eye out to see when bookings open at Shaw Estate.
Belconnen has a brand-new lakeside café!
Located at Belconnen Arts with gorgeous views of Lake Ginninderra, Kiln is a new café to add to your bucket list.
Serving more than just views, it’s open seven days a week and has a menu packed with delicious dishes like Mediterranean Eggs, Mung Bean Pancakes and the Belco Brekkie. Serving dinner from Thursday to Sunday, you can also pop in for some hearty meals including a classic parmi, a chickpea curry or some juicy burgers.
Already mourning the end of summer? Your favourite lakeside bar is sending it off in style
If we have to say goodbye to summer, we might as well do it with a bang (and a bottomless glass of bubbles). The Boat House is bringing back their epic Lake Side Sesh to farewell summer – and they had us at bottomless cocktails and boat rides.
Transforming the iconic lakeside venue on Saturday 29 March, it promises to be an unforgettable evening by the water, complete with cocktails, canapes, and live music.
Read more here.
Sake and sumo suits: meet Braddon’s newest fight club
In what might be the city’s most eccentric Friday night offering, Hopscotch is transforming into a pocket of Tokyo every Friday this March – and they had us at sumo wrestling suits.
Bringing the energy of Japan’s capital to Braddon, the Tokyo Throwdown at Hopscotch promises to turn typical Friday evening drinks into a Japanese-inspired spectacle, complete with patrons duking it out in inflatable sumo suits between sips of specialty cocktails.
Add in a mouth-watering menu makeover which includes the addition of Yum Cha, Yakitori dishes and Japanese-inspired sips (think: popping pearl cocktails, sake shots and Capital Brewing Tokyo Draught), and your Friday night plans are now sorted.
Read all about it here.
Sushi and wine collide in a delicious collaboration dinner
It sounds like the perfect night out. Koto is collaborating with Collector Wines for a special dinner event on Tuesday 25 March.
Starting with canapes in the National Rose Garden, the night will see you sitting down to a sublime tasting menu prepared by Chef Shinya Nakano, paired with a newly arrived batch of wines, along with some museum vintages.
You’ll need to book in advance for this event and it’s important to note that due to the unique nature of the menu, not all dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Grab your tickets here!
Ballyhoo is lighting up for Enlighten
Transforming into an immersive art space, this year Ballyhoo is getting in on the Enlighten action. Partnering with local artist Tommy Balogh, diners will be surrounded by glowing works. You don’t need to purchase a ticket or commit to a set menu to experience Tommy’s immersive art —simply reserve a table Tuesday to Saturday evenings at Ballyhoo during the festival.
Free-flowing long lunch, anyone?
Honestly, is there anything better? Head along to Carlotta on Sundays to indulge in a long, lazy lunch complete with Mediterranean flavours and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks.
Kicking off from 12 pm and running until 2.30 pm, go enjoy salumi misto, stracciatella with cucumber and dill, handmade pastas and hand-cut polenta chips. Buonissimo!
