What's on: Canberra Times Good Food Month 2016, week 2
March 10: Great Canberra wine dinner
Join award-winning wine critic, Nick Stock, and Canberra's very own Bryan Martin (acclaimed local winemaker, author and food critic for the Canberra Times) as they showcase wines from eight of the region's best winemakers matched to a four-course menu from chef Rajib Ahmed.
15 Edinburgh Avenue, Acton, Thursday, March 10 at 7pm, $100 includes a four-course menu with a tasting of eight matched local wines, 6262 8683
March 10: Sake degustation
Seven-course sake degustation menu produced by chef Mamoru Aizawa and a sake sommelier from Japan. Enjoy selected sake from his brewery and super premium sake with O-Toro (Fatty Tuna) from Tokyo Tsukiji Market.
41 East Row, City, 6.30pm Thursday, March 10, includes seven-courses with matching premium sake, 6257 2334
March 11: Bungendore terroir dinner
A dinner at Le Tres Bon showcasing Bungendore's terroir – the tastes and flavours unique to our beautiful place. Come and enjoy a four-course seasonal menu matched perfectly to wine. Expect egg mimosas, organic chicken and pork galantine, lamb shank and red berry sorbet.
40 Malbon Street, Bungendore, 7pm Friday, March 11, $70-$100, 6238 0662
March 11: Beespoke adventures
Join QT Canberra's executive chef Nic Wood for a beehive experience on the rooftop of the hotel for an interactive talk hosted by Capitol Bar & Grill.
From 5.30pm each Friday in March; bookings 6267 1270
March 13: Garden Party with Matt Moran
Celebrate the seasons with keen gardener and gun chef Matt Moran (Aria, Chiswick, North Bondi Fish) at this very special garden party, set on the sprawling grounds of Pialligo Estate. Recipes will be taken from Moran's latest cookbook, Matt's Kitchen Garden.
Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo, noon Sunday, March 13, $190 includes four-courses, wine and a copy of Matt's Kitchen Garden cookbook; bookings mattmoranatpialligoestate.eventbrite.com.au or 02 6247 6060
March 13: The secret life of chefs
A chance to look behind the spatulas and aprons of three of Canberra's top chefs: Ben Willis (Aubergine & Temporada), Janet Jeffs (Ginger Catering) and Sean McConnell (Monster Kitchen and Bar) in an 'in conversation' event at Muse in Kingston.
69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston, 3.30pm Sunday, March 13, $10 includes a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink, 6178 0024
March 15: Local wine dinner
Experience five courses in European bistro style matched with locally produced wines. Meet the winemakers, discuss the wines and enjoy some good simple food in a relaxed environment at Pulp Kitchen.
Shop 1, Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie, 6.30pm Tuesday, March 15, $125, 6257 4334
March 16: Brewery tour and tasting
Want to know what it takes to make world class beer? Join champion brewer and BentSpoke Brewing Co owner Richard Watkins on a guided tour of his working inner city brewery. Finish up with a sample bar and guided tasting of four brews.
48/38 Mort Street, Braddon, 6pm Wednesday, March 16, $25, 6257 5220
March 18: Bridge Room at Aubergine
Join Ben Willis and Ross Lusted, the chef behind the three hat Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year Bridge Room at an all-star dinner to remember.
Aubergine, 18 Barker Street, Griffith, 6.30pm Friday, March 18, $180 for six-courses including matched drinks, 6260 8666
March 19: Coffee matching breakfast
Treat yourself to a four-course breakfast alongside one of Canberra's newest and most passionate coffee roasters Red Brick Espresso Coffee matched to each course with the background on where and how the beans and blends came about.
12 Beltana Road, Pialligo, 9am Saturday, March 19, includes four coffee-based drinks: espresso, milk, filter, cold drip, 6257 3388
March 19: Tequila degustation dinner
Explore Los Altos as the Elk and Pea take you on a journey through Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Tamaulipas to discover and learn of the bountiful range of tequila that the golden triangle has to offer. With a five-course Central and South American inspired banquet paired with tequila tasters and cocktails.
21 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, 7pm Saturday, March 19, $55-$95, 6162 0222
March 20: Long lunch on the lawns
Start with an Aperol Spritz and canapes on the historic terrace of the new Acton Pavilion followed by an intimate long lunch on the lawns of the John Avery Gardens. Enjoy award winning wines from a local vineyard alongside a fresh summer feast over an afternoon.
16 Kendall Lane, Acton, 1pm Sunday, March 20, $55-$95, 6257 7325
March 22: Seasonal dinner
Mezzlira hosts a seasonal dinner. Choose between a two to three course menu or a five-course tasting menu created around one seasonal ingredient; matched to local Canberra wines.
55 London Circuit, City, 6pm Tuesday, March 22, $85-$110, 6230 0025
March 27: Bar Lourinhã Hits Monster
Join Sean McConnell (Monster) and brother Matt McConnell (Bar Lourinhã) at a special event where Melbourne comes to Canberra for an unmissable lunch. The brother chefs will show off their signature dishes alongside matched local wines.
Monster Kitchen and Bar, 25 Edinburgh Avenue, New Acton, noon Sunday, March 27, $100-$170, monster@hotel-hotel.com.au
March 31: Meat sagra
Italian and Sons hosts a sagra, a menu created around one seasonal ingredient, matched to organic and biodynamic wines from Italy.
7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, 6pm Thursday, March 3, $75-$105, 6162 4888
All Month
Burrito or burger brekkie
Grab the Elk and Pea's takeaway Californian breakfast burrito or legendary conquistador burger and a coffee for $18. Monday to Friday. When your pace slows down for the weekend, add a bloody Mary to the mix for only $25, eat in.
21 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, from 8am March 1-31, $18- $25 includes a Bloody Mary, 6162 0222
Lunch
Bicicletta
Bicicletta at the Diamant Hotel in NewActon offers a set lunch for $38. Choose from arancini, fritto di calamari, scottata, gnocchi funghi e salsiccia, spaghetti ai frutti mare, fusilli alla bolognese and desserts tiramisu, millefoglie.
15 Edinburgh Avenue, Acton, from noon Mar 1-31, $38 (includes a glass of Yalumba wine, Coopers Beer or a Thatchers Cider, plus tea and coffee), 6262 8683
Buvette
Buvette encourages conversation in a sophisticated setting with a traditional Parisian feel, delivering seasonal menus showcasing the best of locally sourced produce. Enjoy the signature Bouillabaisse: blue eye, scampi, scallop, mussels and finger fennel.
18 National Circuit, Barton, from noon Tue-Fri, March 1-4; 8-11; 15-18; 22-25; 29-31; $38 (includes a glass of Yalumba wine, Coopers Beer or a Thatchers Cider, plus tea and coffee), 6163 1818
C Dine Bar
Located on the shores of Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin, C Dine Bar provides an elegant yet casual atmosphere with views across the lake – making it easy to forget your day and relax. Come and enjoy a two-course lunch menu and sip on a glass of wine in the surrounds of casual waterfront dining.
17/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston, noon-2pm Mon-Fri, March 1-4; 7-11; 14-18; 21-25; 28-31; $48 includes a two-course lunch and a glass of wine, 6239 5299
Parlour
Head chef James Forman is bringing a new a la carte menu to Parlour in 2016. Experience it for lunch through Parlour Express - quick, easy and affordable. Make the most of your lunch break with an Aperol Spritz on us.
16 Kendall Lane, Acton, noon-3pm Tue-Fri March 8-11; 15-18; 22-25; $25; includes one lunch plate and an Aperol spritz, 6257 7325
Garden Pavilions
Come and enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by the manicured gardens of Pialligo Estate. Feast on a beautiful two-course seasonal menu featuring produce from the Market Garden and a glass of Pialligo Estate Wine.
18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo, noon-2pm Thu-Fri, March 3-4; 10-11; 17-18; 24-25; 31; $45 includes entree, main course, and a glass of Pialligo Estate Wine, 6247 6060
Pialligo Farmhouse
Treat yourself to a fine dining experience with an entree and main with a glass of Pialligo Estate Wine.
18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo, 12.30pm Thu-Fri, March 3-4; 10-11; 17-18; 24-25; 31; $55; includes two-courses and a glass of Pialligo Estate Wine, 6247 6060
Daana
Enjoy a relaxing lunch by the lake with a menu set to explore the wonders of Indian cuisine. With an entrée, side, main and dessert you will be more than satisfied.
Westside@ActonPark, Barrine Drive, Acton, 11am-2pm Thu-Fri, March 3-4; 10-11; 17-18; 24-25; 31; $30 includes a three-course vegetarian meal; $35 includes a three-course non vegetarian meal (beverages included: soft drink or water), 0435 849 970
Silo Bakery & Café
Enjoy a three-course European inspired lunch of whipped bottarga; slow cooked wild boar with polenta and a pear & parsnip mostarda. For dessert you will tuck into a delightful slice of clafoutis tart, all whilst indulging on either a Yalumba wine, Coopers beer, Thatchers cider or Schweppes mineral water, with tea or coffee to finish.
36 Giles Street, Kingston, noon-2.30pm Tue-Sat, March 1-5; 8-12; 15-19; 22-26; 29-31; $38, 6260 6060
Dinner
C Dine Bar
Enjoy a five-course degustation menu showcasing some of Australia's freshest seafood. Opt to add delicious wines matched to each course.
17/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston, 6pm-10.30pm Tue and Thu, March 1; 3; 8; 10; 15; 17; 22; 24; 29; 31; $85 includes a five-course degustation; $110 includes matching wines, 6239 5299
The Chairman and Yip
Sommelier Yann Mengneau opens a selection of interesting and titillating wines for tasting. A brand new exclusive menu will be on offer including barramundi fillets with aged Chinese sweet vinegar and plum and black bean char siu roll with cucumber and lobster tall with shallot and dill.
1 Burbury Close, Barton, 6pm-11pm, Fridays, March 4; 11; 18; 25; 27; $18 - $37 includes a range of menu items with optional matched wines, 6162 1220
Lanterne Rooms
Lanterne Rooms is proud to welcome new Singaporean chef Aravinth, star of the 5-star Capella Resort in Singapore, to cook a seven course Chinese New Year feast. Aravinth will draw on his fine-dining experience and his Indian-Malay speciality to create a truly special evening not to be missed.
Shop 3, Blamey Place, Campbell, 6pm-10.30pm, Tue-Sat, March 1-5; 8-12; 15-19; 22-26; 29-31; $68, 6249 6889
Sake Bar at Lilotang
Sake. Beer. Cocktails. Robata grill. These ingredients equal the perfect after-work destination. Introducing the all new Sake Bar @ Lilotang. Try the sake bar and enjoy the Good Food Month bar menu: Kyoto style wings, seaweed seafood taco and slow-cooked mini beef steak.
1 Burbury Close, Barton, 5pm-11pm Tue-Sat, March 1-5; 8-12; 15-19; 22-26; 29-31; $8-$15, 6273 1424
Indian Cooking at Daana
Guests will be introduced to Indian cooking in a fun and engaging session that will include demonstration and some 'hands-on' participation. Printed notes and recipes will be provided. Each week we will be demonstrating a new element of Indian cuisine. Week one: Indian entrees and street food; Week two: North Indian mains; Week three: Indian breads and todka dal; Week four: Southern Indian specialties.
Westside@ActonPark Barrine Drive, Acton, 10am-11am Sat-Sun, March 5-6; 12-13; 19-20; 26-27; $25-$40, 0435 849 970
Indian Chinese Cuisine at Daana
This March, Daana will be introducing the world of Indian Chinese cuisine to the city of Canberra. Enjoy a three-course meal by the lake.
Westside@ActonPark Barrine Drive, Acton, 11am-6pm Sat-Sun, March 5-6; 12-13; 19-20; 26-27; $30 includes a three-course vegetarian meal; $35 includes a three-course non vegetarian meal, 0435 849 970