Canberra’s newest food festival has all the flavour without the crowds

Posted on 8 March, 2023

There’s nothing we love to see more at HerCanberra than a new foodie precinct.

So, naturally, we were overjoyed when Constitution Place, the city’s newest hub, emerged as a destination for everything from a great coffee to elevated chef’s table experiences.

Boasting some of Canberra’s hottest restaurant openings of the last two years (Such & Such from the team behind Ainslie’s beloved Pilot, Sydney’s The Meat & Wine Co. and Mu Omakase, a 12-seat Japanese fine diner from the much-lauded Chairman & Yip team, for a start), Constitution Place hasn’t just become a foodie playground for the corporate set but the whole of Canberra.

Now, a new festival is showcasing the culinary precinct in all its glory. Tasting Notes food festival, running now until 31 March, sees five restaurants and cafés along Lyric Lane host special events and menus, creating a choose-your-own-adventure foodie experience. So, what should you be booking in for?

The ultimate after-work wine down

First, snap up your tickets (and gather your mates) for WINE HOUR at Arc. This tasty event will take place on Thursday 23 March from 5–6 pm (did someone say after-work drinks?) where for $30 per person you’ll enjoy tastings of your favourite pours over a generous spread of canapés provided by Arc. Why not buy a glass or share a bottle with friends?

If you’re lucky you might snag a tasty take-home deal on your favourite bottle on the night.

 

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We’re not sure what we’re more excited for—sipping a glass of something yummy in Arc’s iconic pink-and-maroon interiors to celebrate the end of the workday or having five types of Mada goodness at our fingertips. Book via Eventbrite.

Such (& Such) deliciousness

Photography: James Erskine.

Speaking of delicious drops, book into Such & Such across March to indulge in their “delightfully surprising” set menu of Mod Oz and receive a glass of sparkling on arrival (or a hand-crafted non-alcoholic creation).

Having recently sampled Such & Such’s strawberry pannacotta, all I can say is run—don’t walk.

Photography: James Erskine.

Give us mu, please!

Celebrating something special in March? Mu Omakase’s Meet the Chef Robatayaki Dinner on Wednesday 22 and 29 March is not to be missed.

Taking place in Mu Omakase’s moody 12-seater restaurant, Executive Chef Chuck Yu will create 13 courses (yes, 13) plus a special mystery dish as he presents an in-depth exploration of the cooking methods used, including the Japanese robatayaki method of barbeque.

Photography: Ben Calvert.

There is also the option to add on a chef’s selection of six characteristic varieties of sake to pair with your dining experience and all guests will take home a memento from the evening.

Photography: Ben Calvert.

As you might expect with such limited seating, book now to ensure you don’t miss out.

Photography: Ben Calvert.

A steak experience like no other

Those looking for the ultimate culinary experience won’t want to miss The Meat & Wine Co.’s AGED Flavour Fusion, which is available from Monday 13 March.

A dish that perfectly showcases the talent of The Meat & Wine Co.’s dedicated team of chefs, the AGED Flavour Fusion features a tender signature Monte Rib-Eye steak, encased and dry-aged in Wagyu butter that has been infused with a decadent combination of caramelised onion and red Japanese miso, resulting in the perfect steak with an incredible umami flavour.

Order the new AGED Flavour Fusion during March and receive The Meat & Wine Co.’s signature natural room mist to take home, with notes of pine, cedarwood, juniper and mint. Subject to availability and whilst stocks last.

Book your table now.

Photography: Dom Cherry.

But wait, there’s more!

Naturally, Tasting Notes also has more casual opportunities to enjoy the precinct, including Asahi Happy Hour at Tenkomori ramen house, where you can snap up an Asahi Super Dry and Gyoza dumplings or Edamame for just $12 from 5–7pm daily.

However, if you’re keen to make a night of it, why not have a cheeky staycation at A by Adina, Constitution Place’s own boutique hotel?

With beautifully-designed studios and apartments, A by Adina’s ‘The A Touch’ and ‘A Luxurious Escape’ packages will inject a touch of luxury into your weekend, with inclusions like Maybe Sammy cocktail packs, Hunter Lab skincare products, minibar credit and late checkout if you stay two nights or more. As they say, a change is as good as a holiday.

 

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Feature image: The Meat & Wine Co. Image supplied.