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Canberra Truffle Festival 2026: where to hunt, eat and shop for truffles this winter

Featured, Lifestyle - Kaet - June 8, 2026

Canberra Truffle Festival 2026 brings black truffle hunts, dining events, farmers market finds and winter food experiences to the capital from June to August.

There are few Canberra winter rituals more delicious than truffle season.

As the mornings turn crisp and the city leans into its cold-weather charm, the Canberra region becomes one of Australia’s most exciting places to experience black truffle. From truffle hunts and special restaurant menus to farmers market finds and a very good excuse to make truffle butter at home, the Canberra Truffle Festival is a reminder that winter here is anything but quiet.

Running through the cooler months, Canberra’s truffle season celebrates the prized black truffle grown in and around the capital. Earthy, fleeting and deeply seasonal, it is best enjoyed while it lasts.

What is the Canberra Truffle Festival?

The Canberra Truffle Festival is a winter celebration of the region’s black truffle season, bringing together local growers, restaurants, hotels, markets and producers.

Across June, July and August, visitors and locals can book truffle hunts, attend one-off dining events, try truffle menus across Canberra, meet the dogs who do the real work, and take home fresh truffle or truffle products to cook with.

It is one of those festivals that feels very Canberra: part country, part city, part food obsession, and best experienced with a warm coat and an appetite.

Dining Experiences

The Truffle Experience at QT Canberra

For those wanting the full soil-to-plate story, The Truffle Experience at Capitol Bar & Grill, QT Canberra is one of the standout events of the 2026 season.

Held for one night only on Friday 26 June 2026, this seasonal escape is presented in partnership with The Truffle Farm.

The afternoon begins with a chauffeured journey from QT Canberra to the farm, where guests move through the orchard with trained truffle dogs leading the hunt. Noses down, tails up, pats encouraged.

If truffles are uncovered, they are available to purchase before the experience returns to Capitol Bar & Grill for the next chapter: a four-course truffle-led dinner shaped around the day’s hero ingredient.

Expect local produce, considered cooking and a quietly indulgent finish with truffle-infused tiramisu. Because really, why stop there?

The Truffle Experience
When: Friday 26 June 2026, from 2:30pm
Where: Capitol Bar & Grill, QT Canberra, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra
Price: $300 per person
Includes: Chauffeured return trip to The Truffle Farm, immersive truffle hunt, four-course truffle-inspired menu and matching wines

Australian black truffle at Water’s Edge

Another highlight of the Canberra truffle calendar is Water’s Edge Canberra, where the season is being given a polished lakeside treatment.

From 11 June to 20 July 2026, the restaurant is serving a three-course Australian black truffle menu for $130 per person.

This winter, every course at Water’s Edge tells the same story: fresh Australian black truffle, shaved generously and treated with the respect it deserves.

Set on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, Water’s Edge is known for refined Modern Australian dining, seasonal produce and a special-occasion feel, making it a strong option for anyone wanting their Canberra truffle experience with waterfront views.

Water’s Edge Canberra truffle menu
When: 11 June to 20 July 2026
Where: Water’s Edge Canberra, Parkes
Price: $130 per person
Includes: Three-course Australian black truffle menu

More Canberra truffle events to add to the winter calendar

The joy of truffle season is that there is more than one way to take part.

At The Truffle Farm Canberra, visitors can join a truffle hunt, learn how the prized ingredient is grown and harvested, watch the truffle dogs at work, and taste truffle straight from the source. Experiences range from shorter hunts to longer brunch and degustation options.

In Pialligo, Beltana Farm is offering its own black truffle experiences, including guided hunts, shared lunches, kitchen masterclasses, twilight hunts and after-dark events.

For those happy to take a short drive out of town, Turalla Truffles is also part of the regional truffle story, with farm-based experiences and special seasonal dining in Bungendore.

Whether you want the farm gate version, the fine dining version or the weekend-road-trip version, Canberra’s truffle season makes a very good case for not hibernating.

Make it a market morning: where to buy truffle products in Canberra

Not every truffle experience needs to be a big-ticket event.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Canberra Truffle Festival at home is to visit the local farmers markets and fresh food markets, pick up fresh truffle or truffle products, and make something simple.

Start with the Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC on Saturday morning, where local producers and seasonal food are the point. It is a good place to look for fresh truffle, truffle butter, truffle honey, truffle salt, truffle oil and other small-batch winter pantry treats.

On Sunday, head south to the Southside Farmers Market for another chance to shop regional produce and build a winter breakfast or dinner around what is in season.

For a fresh food market option across the weekend, Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets is an easy stop for deli items, bread, eggs, cheese, mushrooms and all the truffle-friendly ingredients you need. Think fresh pasta, good butter, crusty bread, potatoes, eggs and a wedge of something soft and creamy.

On the northside, Belconnen Markets is another useful stop for fresh produce, gourmet ingredients and a market-style browse.

The easiest truffle recipe: make your own truffle butter

If you buy one truffle product this winter, make it truffle butter — or better still, make your own.

All you need is good-quality softened butter, a small amount of finely grated fresh truffle or truffle salt, and a little patience. Mix it together, roll it into a log, wrap it, and let it rest in the fridge so the flavour can settle.

Then use it on almost everything.

Melt it over scrambled eggs. Spread it on sourdough. Toss it through pasta. Add it to mashed potato. Finish mushrooms with it. Let it run over a steak. Fold it through warm rice. Add it to scallops. Put it on toast and call it dinner.

This is the beauty of truffle season: a little goes a long way, and the simplest food often carries it best.

Truffle butter over scallops

How to spend a Canberra truffle weekend

For a simple winter itinerary, start with a Saturday morning market run, book a truffle hunt or dining event, then keep Sunday slow with truffle eggs at home.

If you are visiting Canberra, stay central and use the weekend as an excuse to explore the city’s food scene. Novotel Canberra is positioning itself as a base for truffle season, with easy access to the city and the truffle experiences around Majura and Pialligo.

For locals, the best approach might be to choose one hero event and one at-home moment. Book the truffle hunt, make a reservation for a truffle menu, then bring the season home with market produce, fresh bread and homemade truffle butter.

Why Canberra does truffle season so well

Canberra winter has always been underrated.

The skies are clear, the mornings are frosty, the coats come out, and the food gets richer. Truffle season fits that rhythm perfectly.

It connects the city to the farms on its doorstep, gives restaurants a reason to play with one of the world’s most luxurious ingredients, and turns a cold weekend into something worth planning around.

So rug up, follow the dogs, book the dinner, visit the markets and bring a little black truffle home.

Winter in Canberra has flavour.

Canberra Truffle Festival 2026: quick details

When: June to August 2026
Where: Canberra and the surrounding region
Best for: Food lovers, winter weekends, local produce, farm experiences, special occasion dining and market mornings
Don’t miss: The Truffle Experience at Capitol Bar & Grill, the Australian black truffle menu at Water’s Edge, truffle hunts at The Truffle Farm, Beltana Farm’s truffle events, Turalla Truffles in Bungendore, and a farmers market shop for truffle butter ingredients.

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Christmas Karma: A Scrooge Story With a Bollywood Heart

Recommends, Uncategorised - Frank - November 20, 2025

Bringing together the cheeky joy of UK pantomime and the sparkle of Bollywood, Christmas Karma is the holiday film to kick off your end-of-year watchlist. Written and directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), this vibrant reimagining of A Christmas Carol takes the familiar Dickens tale and reframes it for a modern London — one grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, cultural intersections, and questions of belonging.

A culturally rich twist on a classic story with big song and dance performances, and London’s Christmas charm.

A picture of Kunal Nayyar portraying Eshaan Sood (scrooge) at a festive Christmas market

Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) plays Eshaan Sood, a business tycoon who has forgotten how to be kind. He’s sharp, smug, and impressively unlikeable, an imposing modern Scrooge. Christmas Karma leans fully into the “bah humbug” spirit, holding a mirror to a city where festive lights glow against the realities of inequality and cultural differences.

The film’s arrives with three charismatic guides who dance, sing, and belt their way through Sood’s past, present, and possible future:

  • Eva Longoria brings charm and colour as the Día de los Muertos-inspired Ghost of Christmas Past
  • Billy Porter, ever the scene-stealer, delivers soul, sass, and sparkle as the Ghost of Christmas Present
  • Boy George steps in as the shadowy Ghost of Christmas Future, steering the emotional climax
The ghost of Christmas Past (Eva Longoria), Christmas Present (Billy Porter) and Christmas Future (Boy George) alongside Marley (Hugh Bonneville)
Their combined presence gives the film its rhythm — part musical, part morality tale, part global celebration.

Chadha threads conversations about who celebrates Christmas (and who doesn’t) through a story that’s ultimately about empathy. Much like Dickens’ 1843 novel, the themes still resonate 182 years later. The film nudges audiences to think about community, generosity, and how we define ‘home’ during the holidays.
Christmas Karma is a culturally rich twist on a classic story with big song and dance performances, and London’s Christmas charm.

So Frank Says

  • We loved seeing London lit up for Christmas — the festive streets and markets look spectacular on screen.
  • The original score delivers big Bollywood energy with memorable one-liners and choreography.
  • And make sure you stay for the credits: a joyful rendition of “Last Christmas” featuring Priyanka Chopra is worth the wait.

Favourite Line

Take your mis-guided jolly Christmas spirit with you.

Screening details

  • Season dates: 27 November–December 2025
  • Film Festival: British Film Festival 2025 check the 2025 program for early screening dates
  • Language: English (with musical sequences)

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Savour the seasons: Two-hatted Table’s degustation menu

Eats - Fran - September 27, 2024

Two hatted restaurant, Table, has unveiled an exciting new degustation menu that promises to delight food enthusiasts with its dynamic and seasonal offerings. This innovative menu is on a 2 to 3-week rotation, ensuring that diners experience fresh and varied dishes with each visit. Chef Thomas Heinrich, the culinary mastermind behind this venture, is currently experimenting with a fusion of Japanese and French influences, bringing a unique twist to the Canberra dining scene.

Two-hatted restaurant, Table, has unveiled an exciting new degustation menu that promises to delight food enthusiasts with its seasonal offerings. This innovative menu is on a 2 to 3-week rotation, ensuring that diners experience fresh and varied dishes with each visit. Chef Thomas Heinrich, the culinary mastermind behind this venture, is currently experimenting with a fusion of Japanese and French influences, bringing a unique twist to the Canberra dining scene.

One of the standout features of the new tasting menu is the use of premium, locally sourced ingredients. The calamari, for instance, is sourced from the Hawkesbury River. Known for its tender and flavourful meat, the Hawkesbury River calamari is a testament to the quality of local Australian seafood. The oysters, which can be added as an extra dish, are Sydney rock oysters, renowned for their rich, briny flavour and creamy texture. These oysters are a true delicacy, offering a taste of the pristine waters they come from.

Oysters are an optional extra and served with an apple mignonette
Japanese buttermilk buns
Yuzu Kosho Queensland King Prawns and Koji aged Kingfish

The first dishes are predominently japanese inspired

Chef Thomas’s approach to the degustation menu is both creative and thoughtful. By changing a couple of dishes every few weeks, he ensures that the menu remains fresh and exciting, while also taking full advantage of seasonal produce. This not only supports local farmers and producers but also guarantees that diners are treated to the best flavours each season offers.

Foie Gras Tart
Hawkesbury Calamari
Oxtail + onion + puffed pastry

The Hawkesbury Calamari is one of Chef Thomas’ favourite dishes

The fusion of Japanese and French culinary techniques adds an intriguing dimension to the dining experience at Table by Canberra. Expect to see dishes that combine the delicate, umami-rich flavours of Japanese cuisine with the rich, buttery notes of French cooking. This blend of influences results in a menu that is sophisticated and approachable, catering to a wide range of palates.

Sweet tomato + Strawberries + Almond
Half Time Orange

The half time orange has 6 key ingredients – is your palate up to naming them all?

For those planning to visit, come hungry. The ten-dish degustation menu is generous, offering plenty of food to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Table’s new degustation menu is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a memorable culinary adventure.

Mushroom Agnolotti + Shitake Broth + Black Pepper Oil
Chicken Roulade + Jamon + Zucchinni Blossom
Blueberry Parfait
Petit Fours

Things to know:

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Acclaimed puppeteers bring the magic of Disney to Canberra

Lifestyle - Fran - August 30, 2024

Premiering in Canberra this October 2024, the Tony Award-winning, smash-hit Broadway production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” will be brought to life by innovative theatre company Dead Puppet Society.

Premiering in Canberra this October 2024, the Tony Award-winning, smash-hit Broadway production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” will be brought to life by innovative theatre company Dead Puppet Society.

Brisbane-based theatre company, Dead Puppet Society are known for their imaginative and visually stunning theatre as they combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Their large-scale puppetry, which includes public art and sculptures, creates a world of wonder and excitement that transports you into a world of imagination.

A digital rendition of the imagined set by Dead Puppet Society

After seeing Peter and the Starcatcher on Broadway, founders David Morton and Nicholas Paine secured the rights from Disney Theatrical Group to bring the magical tale to Australia, creating a modern version of the production.

Costume design drawings
Costume design brought to life

The play provides a backstory to Peter Pan and his nemesis, Captain Hook, and is filled with the same adventure and humour that you find in the Peter Pan fairy tale. Add to that some fantastical creatures and a little bit of magic and you will find yourself immersed in the story.

Marionettes and puppets make this production of Disney's Peter and the Starcatcher come to life
Marionettes and puppets make this production of Disney’s Peter and the Starcatcher come to life

Unlike the original production, which required you to visualise some of the creatures in the play, Dead Puppet Society’s production will vividly bring them to life. Their talented craftspeople have been hard at work creating over 100 creatures, including birds, flamingoes, fish and even a crocodile too large to fit on stage.
A mixture of puppetry, live music (three musicians on stage), a stage with moving parts and an exceptional cast of twelve, Dead Puppet Society’s version of Peter and the Starcatcher will captivate the entire family.

PuppetCast
The creative geniuses behind Dead Puppet Society David Morton and Nick Paine (from left), and cast members Olivia Deeble (Molly) and Peter Helliar (Smee)

Things to know
Peter and the Starcatcher premieres in Canberra on 15 October 2024 and is suitable for ages 10 and up (or parental guidance recommended)
Tickets are on sale now and available from Canberra Theatre Centre

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NGA’s latest exhibition, Monet: Impression, Sunrise will brighten your day during winter 2019

Lifestyle - Fran - June 6, 2019

Claude Monet’s masterpiece Impression, Soleil levant (Impression, Sunrise) gives its name to the Impressionism art movement and is the central painting that ties the National Gallery of Australia’s latest exhibition together.

If Claude Monet was alive today and living in Canberra, he would be seen on the shores of our lakes at first and last light creating masterpieces that in 150 years would be adorning the walls of galleries and admired by many.  So, it is only fitting that the National Gallery of Australia’s latest exhibition features his masterpieces along other notable and significant artists to explore this art movement.

Monet’s Impression Sunrise - the pivotal work that gave Impressionism its name and is the central artwork that ties the exhibition together

Monet’s Impression Sunrise – the pivotal work that gave Impressionism its name and is the central artwork that ties the exhibition together

The art movement of Impressionism took its name from Monet’s painting Impression, Soleil levant in the 19th century.  The movement originated in Paris, and artworks often emphasize the passage of time through light fluctuations.

Monet has been credited with describing Impressionism as [you] ‘try to forget what objects you have before you – a tree, a house, a field, or whatever.  Merely think, ‘Here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow,’ and paint it just as it looks to you, the exact color and shape, until it gives you your own impression of the scene before you’.  Indeed the brushstrokes are characterised as small and thin, yet visible to the naked eye.

‘We are able to tell the story of where Impressionism started’, Nick Mitzevich

‘We are able to tell the story of where Impressionism started’, Nick Mitzevich

The exhibition marks the first time that Impression, Soleil levant, will leave the walls of Paris for the Southern hemisphere.  It, along with almost sixty other  paintings – including some by JMW Turner whose early works served as inspiration for Monet – from the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, the Tate, and Australian and New Zealand collections will be on display in a newly designed gallery space where previously the Australian collection was housed.

I overhead Nick Mitzevich describing the Impressionist movement to a member of the media, and I think his description is accurate, eloquent and simple to understand; ‘the painting is not finished; this is where impressionism takes it name – it is an impression of what the artist is seeing’.  Thinking about it, it makes perfect sense to me, and as I gaze at the paintings adorning the new redesigned gallery space I can’t help but feel that I am standing next to these masters, looking at the scene before them and taking in the impression of that moment.

The Monet Tea Lounge provides a different viewing experience

The Monet Tea Lounge provides a different viewing experience

The NGA will also have a dedicated space for their ‘Monet’s Tea Salon‘ – a high tea that is sure to enhance the Monet experience – with sittings at 11am and 2pm.  The corridor adjoining the gallery space has been converted to accommodate this.

People discuss my art and pretend to understand as if it were necessary to understand, when it’s simply necessary to love, Claude Monet

What you need to know

Dates:   7th June to 1st September 2019

Prices:   A single visit adult ticket is $22*, children (up to 16 years) accompanied by an adult are free

Monet’s Tea Salon

$70* inclusive of entry to the exhibition.  Available for a 11am or 2pm sitting between 7 June and 21 July 2019

Website: https://nga.gov.au/impressionsunrise/tickets.cfm

* Please note that tickets purchased through Ticketek may attract a fee which is not applicable if purchased directly from the gallery.

Claude Monet Impression, sunrise [Impression, soleil levant] 1872 Gift of Victorine and Eugène Donop de Monchy 1940 Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris © Christian Baraja SLB

Claude Monet
Impression, sunrise [Impression, soleil levant] 1872
Gift of Victorine and Eugène Donop de Monchy 1940
Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris
© Christian Baraja SLB

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Everyman Theatre’s Queers: A century of gay history

Lifestyle - Fran - March 20, 2019

Everyman Theatre returns to the Canberra Theatre Centre with its first production of the year; ‘Queers’ curated by Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Doctor Who).  The company will transform the Courtyard Studio into a lively English tavern; the Prince’s Arms, where seven regulars will share their stories about life as ‘queer’.

Everyman Theatre’s resume for producing compelling, thought provoking plays continues to expand with this production.  Unlike their recent dramatic productions (History Boys, The Normal Heart, Twelve Angry men), Queers is an immersive play of storytelling and singing where the audience is encouraged to participate and interact with the set.

The storytelling covers major events in the last 100 years of the gay community including the Wolfenden Report of 1957, the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the debate over the age of consent.  The characters are real, their struggles and joys are real.

The company will have a working pinball machine and doors will open one hour before the performance starts.  Capital Brewing Co has come on board as a sponsor, and the ‘tavern’ will be stocking and selling their brews.  Additionally, and as with any good old fashioned tavern, a mixologist will be making cocktails, and the crowd can stay back for karaoke.

The cast of Queers

The cast of Queers

Artistic Director of Everyman Theatre, Jarrad West recalls his decision to perform this piece and says that ‘It was one of those wonderful moments in an English bookstore where I found a copy of this show and determined one day to put it on, never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be less than 2 years after it was first performed!’.

What you need to know:

  • Queers is playing at the Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre for 12 performances
  • Dates : Friday 5th to Saturday 20th April 2019.
  • Tickets are available by calling Canberra Ticketing on 02 6275 2700 or visiting canberratheatrecentre.com.au

 

 

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GOOD FOOD MONTH CANBERRA – AUBERGINE’S BEN WILLIS ON THE YOUNG CHEFS LUNCH

Eats, Lifestyle - Fran - February 11, 2019

The Canberra food scene is forever evolving and the annual Good Food Month is an opportunity to try something new.

Eight of Canberra’s restaurants made the hatted 2019 Good Food list and this year’s festival will not only celebrate our food scene and its people but is also sure to have everyone salivating at each event on offer.

Canberra’s Good Food Month kicks off on the 1st of March, and one of the events we are most looking forward to is the Young Chefs Lunch presented by Citi on March 17th.

Under the watchful eye of two hatted restaurant Aubergine’s head chef and owner, Ben Willis; four young chefs are given the opportunity to show their passion for the industry through their food.

The event consists of a sit-down 4 course lunch paired with wines.  The menu is yet to be announced, with the Young Chef’s working through their dishes to ensure that they not only highlight their skills, but that the dishes are enjoyed by diners as a curated and paired menu.

Selected to participate in this year’s line-up are Sun Hwa Jang (Aubergine), Barry Burger (Pilot), Noora Heiska (XO) and Eddie Tsai (The Boathouse) who all call Canberra home.

Aubergine's Ben Willis will mentor the Young Chefs as they develop their own culinary style for the Young Chefs Lunch - Photo Provided

Aubergine’s Ben Willis will mentor the young chefs as they develop their own culinary style for the Young Chefs Lunch – photo provided

We asked Ben about the event and his role as mentor.

How do you choose the young chefs chosen to be part of the Young Chefs lunch?

The young chefs are chosen based on reputation within the industry. They are the chefs behind the chef. The ones who are putting some great ideas forward but probably not getting recognition outside of the kitchen for it. These are the chefs who you also see potential in for them to step out and open up their own place as they’re just so dedicated to what they do and that next step wouldn’t be a surprise to those that know them or work with them. Those people stand out and in a small town, and you hear about them.

What can diners expect from the Young Chefs menu this year?

Good question as I don’t yet know. You want to give them as much time to gather ideas, test, rethink and hone their dishes so that they are comfortable and confident serving it. I ask that they don’t follow the style of the restaurant that they work in, but that they cook a dish that they would serve if they had their own restaurant. It’s a huge developmental step for a chef to put themselves up for critique.

Are the chefs working together to create dishes that harmonise or will they each be adding their own culinary style to the menu?

They’ll each bring their own style. It’s hoped that the menu will be cohesive but that’s not really the point and they don’t know each other or cook together so it is just luck if it does. I hope we see diversity in the dishes they put out as I’d like to see them take some risks and not play it safe, but push themselves creatively to step away from what is expected.

Will the chefs be using any unusual or local ingredients?

If that is in their ethos then I’m sure they will go down that path but again I give them no real instruction as I want to see what they come up with and how they think and I’m sure that’s what the guests will be looking for too.

In your role as a mentor, what is the one tip you would give to others looking at entering the industry?

It’s an awesome industry and so much opportunity to shape your career to what and how you want it to be. One tip is hard so I’ll give a few.

Find a place that offers something that you would like to learn and stick with it. Do the best you can and push yourself to continue to learn and do better every day. Take responsibility for your own education and develop skills that you aren’t getting from your employer. They have a business and you have a career to build, sometimes they don’t go hand in hand and that’s neither sides fault.

 Professionalism and pride in your craft doesn’t require a level to aspire to. Some people think that you need to work in fine dining establishments to be a great chef. You can be the best pizza chef, the best burger chef, whatever it is as long as you want to be there and care about what the customers are coming to see you for and you will become well known for that. I started my career cooking deep fried food at a club but I loved it and learnt so much from it and I use some of those skills regularly in my businesses.

We’d love to know where you and the young chefs eat when you’re not working. Do like to try new places in Canberra or other cities?

Chefs love checking out anything new, locally or anywhere! The Canberra spots for me at the moment are Bar Rochford, XO, Pilot & a bit biased but Temporada also!

 

The Young Chefs lunch is truly an opportunity to see future masters at work.  To see their thought processes, ideas and vision on a plate. Tickets are available from the Good Food website.

 

Things to note

Date:      Sunday 17 March

Time:     12:30pm – 3:00pm

Venue:    Aubergine, 18 Barker Street, Griffith

Price:     $150 + transaction fee (Ticket includes: Four course sit-down lunch with matched wines)

This event is strictly 18+

For bookings head to the Good food month website available here

 

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Molto Italian embraces Summer with their Sunday Bottomless Brunch

Eats - Fran - November 7, 2018

Sundays are taking a new meaning as Molto Italian opens its doors and offers what is sure to become a weekly ritual.

From now until the end of Summer, between 10:30am and 12:30pm, you can indulge in a three course Italian inspired meal with bottomless Prosecco or French Champagne.

The bottomless brunch is a great way to catch up with friends

The bottomless brunch is a great way to catch up with friends

Your brunch begins with a refreshing platter of seasonal fruit and Italian desserts (we had a crispy, ricotta filled cannoli and a fluffy Italian style doughnut) while enjoying a full glass of prosecco.

A degustation of fresh fruits accompanied by Italian pastries will satisfy the sweet cravings

A degustation of fresh fruits accompanied by Italian pastries will satisfy the sweet cravings

As you devour the sweet course and your prosecco disappears, the glass is refilled as if by magic. The main is next; a hand stretched brunch pizza, with four options to choose from.

A vegetarian option with blistered cherry tomatoes, basil and provolone; a gentle reminder of the Italian bruschetta with that little extra oomph. Or you can choose the breakfast inspired Eggs Florentine pizza , which will delight those who love the original dish.  For the smoked salmon lovers, Molto has catered with a pizza reminiscent of the traditional smoked salmon and cream cheese on sourdough (although we much preferred the pizza base).  And for those who love the meat-lovers pizza, the burrata brunch pizza is perfect, with the oozy burrata blending perfectly with the Italian sausage and crispy bacon.  The pizzas can be made gluten free and they also cater for vegans with vegan cheese.

Take your pick from the four hand stretched brunch pizza options

Take your pick from the four hand stretched brunch pizza options

To end the brunch, a palate cleanser – an ice pole.  In case you haven’t had enough prosecco, one of the choices is the signature ice pole; a combination of Prosecco, blood orange liqueur, blueberry and mint.  Otherwise, you can opt for the alcohol free ice pop – peach melba yoghurt and raspberry fizz pop.

Ice poles to end brunch. Image provided by Molto Italian

Ice poles to end brunch. Image provided by Molto Italian

Molto's bottomless brunch menu (accurate as of time of publishing)

Molto’s bottomless brunch menu (accurate as of time of publishing)

What you need to know

Molto Italian is located at 42 Eastlake Parade, Kingston, Canberra

The Bottomless Brunch is available every Sunday from 10:30am to 12:30PM.

The Prosecco bottomless brunch is $35.  You can upgrade to the French Champagne for an additional $15.

Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Molto on 02 6140 7039

 

We were invited to try out Molto Italian’s Bottomless brunch.  All opinions are our own.

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A festival that gives you a good reason to have a glass of wine

Lifestyle - Fran - March 28, 2018

New South Wales may have the Hunter Valley, South Australia the Barossa and McLaren Vale, but no one does wine like the Canberra Wine District.  Extending from the Capital itself and reaching Murrumbateman, Yass, Bungendore, Wamboin, Lake George and Collector, the region has produced nationally and internationally recognised and award winning wines throughout the years and is probably one of the many reasons Canberra was voted in the top 3 cities to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet.

Renowned for producing some of the best Riesling and Shiraz wines, the Canberra Wine District is having its annual harvest festival – a festival aimed at celebrating the new vintage with cool climate wines, merry entertainment and deliciously paired food.

At the launch dinner of Canberra District’s Wine week, Fergus McGhie from Mount Majura vineyard (the only winery located in the ACT border and only 10 minutes from the city centre) said of the festival;

This is a time to really show people what it is all about, getting involved with what we do in the district. The harvest festival is getting people out to wineries which is great; we want people at the cellar doors, but it doesn’t work so well for those wineries in Canberra (and there’s a number of them) who actually don’t have cellar doors, who want to sell their wines in restaurants, who want people to try their wines and see them.

Fergus goes on to explain that the festival aims to deliver events that are interesting and engaging; to highlight the rapidly growing and evolving district;

We’ve got this vibrant industry with Riesling and Shiraz being our key varieties, but Canberra has been moving on. It’s been moving on as quickly as the North side of Lonsdale Street in Braddon has. We have second generation winemakers now applying their trade; we’ve got new varietals showing themselves and finding a home in the base; we’ve still got people experimenting and trying new blends and wine making processes.

The festival spans over 10 days (6-15 April 2018) and provides a variety of events both in the wineries themselves and in partnership with local restaurants.

Kicking off the festival is a tasting event at the courtyard in New Acton where 14 of the 37 wineries will be present, offering over 60 wines for you to explore the liquid geography of the region and the opportunity to meet and talk to grape growers and wine makers.  Food will also be available to purchase on the day and you can try your hand at pairing it with the wines on offer.

 

What you need to know

Canberra Wine Week – Tasting event

Where:  New Acton Courtyard

When:   Saturday 7th April 2018 between 12Pm and 4PM

Cost:      $20 pre-sale or $25 at the door (includes a tasting souvenir wine glass)

Get your tickets through eventbrite here

 

The full list of events can be found at www.canberrawines.com.au

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BOOKPLATE: Joining in the fun of March festival season in Canberra

Eats, Lifestyle - Fran - February 22, 2018

2018 is a special year for the National Library of Australia as they celebrate their 50th year in existence.

Joining in the party is its resident café BOOKPLATE; renowned for its good food, beautiful Leonard French stained glass windows and relaxed atmosphere.

As part of the Enlighten festival, BOOKPLATE is set to host a series of events highlighting the fun and celebratory aspects of the month.

Starting off is the launch party on the 2nd March.  ‘Switch on’ is free to the general public and set on the podium of the National Library.  Here you can try BOOKPLATE‘s beverages and bites (available for purchase from the podium bars) while waiting for the night-time magic to happen.  Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, will be officially switching on the switch that transforms the Parliamentary triangle into a night sea of illuminations, bringing the area alive at a time when normally no-one is out and about.

After this official launch has happened, Enlighten kicks off for a full week of lights, events and projections.  BOOKPLATE will be serving giant pretzels and beverages (available for sale) every Friday and Saturday night during the festival from their podium bars. Picture live music, drinks and a giant pretzel on hand while you admire the architectural projections and wonder at the live (and brightly lit) performances.

Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

For those of us that are early risers, the Balloon Spectacular is a must. Hot air balloons launch from Reconciliation Place and rise above the Parliamentary Triangle destined for wherever the wind will take them.  This is quite a sight and something not to be missed.  After the early wake up though, you may be feeling peckish or in need of some hot coffee.  Indeed you can even sit at BOOKPLATE (which will be open from 7:30AM during the Balloon Spectacular) and see the balloons glide by as you enjoy your (very early) breakfast and favourite morning drink.  Most locals know about this though, so avoid disappointment and make sure that you book in advance.

Enjoy a fresh and delicious breakfast during the Balloon Spectacular Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

Enjoy a fresh and delicious breakfast during the Balloon Spectacular
Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

Finally, we reach the pinnacle of the month’s festivities as we celebrate everything ‘Canberra’ with Hit 104.7 Skyfire.  The sky lights up for the 30th year and closes Enlighten with a (literal) bang.  A regular event on Canberrans’ calendars; over 100,000 people are expected to descend on the Lake’s shores at the same time to witness the spectacle.

For those that don’t want to elbow their way to a good vantage point, BOOKPLATE is hosting a party on the night to experience the event in style.  Starting at 6PM, local bands will be playing from the temporary ‘Grass Stage’ as guests are treated to a range of curated canapes from the open air lounge while they wait for the sky show to begin with drinks available for purchase.  Don’t wait to get FOMO; just grab your tickets now before they sell out!

So, what events are you adding to your calendar this year?

Sit back, relax and wait for the fireworks to begin Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

Sit back, relax and wait for the fireworks to begin
Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

 

What you need to know

BOOKPLATE is located within the National Library of Australia.

The standard operating hours are
Monday – Thursday 7:30AM to 5PM
Friday – 7:30AM to 4PM
Weekends – 9am to 4pm

Switch On – The official turning on the lights
Friday 2nd March
6.45PM to 7.45PM
FREE

Entertainment on the podium
Friday 9th March
From 6:30PM
FREE

Bands, Beverages and Bites – Nightly Entertainment
Saturdays 3rd and 10th March
7PM to 10PM
FREE

Breakfast Aloft – Balloon Spectacular
Opening daily 10 – 18 March from 7.30AM
Visit BOOKPLATE’s website for standard opening hours outside these dates
During the Festival BOOKPLATE fills quickly so we recommend making a booking

A Lit up Sky with the Party to Match – Skyfire 30
Saturday 17th March
From 6PM (fireworks begin at 8:30PM)
Tickets $70pp + booking fee 18+ only
Bookings are available here

 

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