Eat

Taste of Bangladesh – a menu for six larger appetites

Standard

Taste of Bangladesh is such good food and warm home-cooking hospitality at great prices, that it’s an ideal place to pick for a family with active, rapidly growing members or group with larger appetites.
IMG_5440

While pappadoms won’t fill much space, they are great to nibble on with a glass of BYO wine (free corkage) while you reach a consensus on the ordering.

IMG_5432

Choose one dish each to share between up to six people, or one dish less if also planning dessert, along with one rice and one naan per two people.

IMG_5434

3 plain naan, cut into quarters.

IMG_5435

One serve rice

IMG_5433

Two serves rice

The Dum Murgh $15.50 is always a winner

IMG_5438

So is the Fish Bengali $16 (with eggplant and tomato)

IMG_5437

The Goat Curry $15 has lovely flavours

IMG_5439

But then every dish is good, including the Kadai Prawns $16.50

IMG_5441

And Kadai Vegetables $14

IMG_5442

Also interesting to try are some of the side dishes, like the Fish Borta $5. This little extra can be shared between six and adds a little extra spicy (very, but you can ask for less heat) crunch to the meal. It’s ideal to order as an extra, if there are just two of you sharing one meal with rice and naan.

IMG_5443

There are three desserts, all $4.50 per serve which are good to share as a tasting experience.

The Pesta Kheer (Milk pudding with Sultanas and Pistachios, served warm) is nice..

IMG_5446

But it’s heard to beat the Gulab Jaman..

IMG_5445

(halved for sharing)

and the Mango Kulfi

IMG_5444

Two serves pictured here.

Taste of Bangladesh on Urbanspoon

Farmer’s Daughter, Yarralumla

Standard

Farmer’s Daughter at the Yarralumla shops is looking a bit different these days. It’s less busy and the menu has changed, but it is open daily (except public holidays) (7-3pm weekdays, 8-2pm weekends) and is still a great spot for breakfast or lunch within an easy distance of the Woden business district.

IMG_5073IMG_5118
The atmosphere is inviting and there is plenty of seating. The dishes are good value and well sized for sharing.

The salads are interesting and beautifully presented and if teamed with a side of one of the Artisan breads ($2.50 per slice of toast/bread), could even be a light lunch for two modest appetites.

The Grilled Lamb Salad ($14.50) is particularly delicious with rare roasted leg of lamb, rocket, zucchini ribbons, pearl barley (just the right amount), and the fresh peas,
pine nuts. mint and pomegranate really make it special.

IMG_5071
The Vegetable Salad ($14.50) is a little sweeter but also lovely with roasted sweet potato, baby spinach, lentils, feta, toasted almonds, parsley, dried cranberries and pepitas.

IMG_5070
Both are served with the house dressing which is pomegranate and blood orange vinaigrette.

For a more substantial dish, the Spring Chicken ($18.50) is good with a lemon and thyme chicken breast with fresh panel salad of tomato, spanish onion, cannelloni beans, crunchy bread, basil and parsley.
It would be particularly good for sharing.

IMG_5072

Interesting breakfast options are also available all day and the include:
Smoked Trout Roesti ($18.50), Grilled Field Mushrooms with a cress and rocket salad, toasted pearl barley, feta and salsa verde ($16.50), Swey crepes served with passionfruit curd, fresh strawberries, toasted coconut ice-cream and spring flowers ($16.50).

There are also delicious sounding sandwich options like a BLT with dijonaise on handmade caramelised garlic bread $14, Salmon Bagel with cream cheese, dill and capers $12.50, Grilled vegetables with fresh rocket, tomato and olive tapenade on dark artisan rye $9.50.

Service is very quick (great for a workday lunch) but if you are really in a rush, there are ready to go options that include salads, frittata, pies and sandwiches as well as a range of macarons $3.50 and sweet delights $4.50-$7.50 in the display case.

IMG_5074 IMG_5075

It is also possible to BYO wine ($2.50 per person, but free corkage on Fridays).

Farmers Daughter on Urbanspoon

Murrumbateman Winery – trying the cheese platter!

Standard

Murrumbateman Winery has been making some great special offers that are well worth taking through sites like Living Social and Groupon.

The current offer for $27 includes:

  • Cheese sharing platter for 2
  • Two glasses of wine
  • One bottle of wine to take home (up to $25 value)

image

Lovely in the good weather sitting outside, when the weather is cold and rainy, it’s cosy inside by the roaring fire.

Bobbie Makin and the team share their passion for wine and offer true country hospitality.

image

Make sure you enjoy a taste of each of the carefully nurtured wines, before choosing one to enjoy with a pre-ordered platter.

The mezzo platter is good but so is the cheese platter accompanied my house made quince paste and olive oil crackers, nuts and grapes.

image

If you still have room, try a coffee and cake or scones with jam and cream $9 (the special of the day).

image image

Murrumbateman Winery on Urbanspoon

Flavour of India, Woden, $10.90 Lunch Special

Standard

Flavours of India on the corner of the Westfield Mall is a convenient lunch location for Woden workers.

IMG_5167

It is carpeted and quite, usually not crowded and has a pleasant setting and atmosphere.

IMG_5165 IMG_5166

Currently it offers some good lunch specials starting at $10.90 for two curries (chef’s choice, one veg one non-veg) and either rice or naan.

IMG_5163 IMG_5162

 

$10.90 lunch special with vegetable korma and chicken chettinad.

If two or more people are dining it can be good to get one with rice and one with naan and share the naan and rice.

IMG_5161 IMG_5164

BYO is $8 per bottle of wine and house wine is available at $6.50 per glass.

Flavours of India on Urbanspoon

Treehouse Bar, Northbourne Ave, City – Friday night special, two for one tapas and starters

Standard

The Treehouse on Northbourne Ave, has plenty of great specials. There’s $9 lunch (and $3 wine) specials (Wed-Fri), Wednesday $10 gourmet hotdog and beer/cider/or maybe wine, the Thursday two for one gourmet burgers, and $5 wine/beer/house spirits 4-7pm Wed – Friday.

IMG_5513

On Fridays there’s a two for one tapas and starters special, choose two dishes from the menu and pay only for the most expensive…

IMG_5517

Team that with some happy hour drinks $5 each and it’s a light dinner for two.

IMG_5514

A good combination is the charcuterie plate for two with a selection of cured meats and accompaniments $18….

IMG_5516

…..and the sizzling honey prawns with fresh shallots and ginger $14…($18 total)

IMG_5515

The chilli salt squid with fresh herbs, tomato relish and lime aioli $14 and the sourdough, olives. balsamic and persian feta $12 (total $14) would be another couple pairing to try.

The upstairs booth overlooking the downstairs bar, is a good spot to relax and enjoy.

IMG_5518 IMG_5519

Treehouse on Urbanspoon

Bookplate National Library, Canberra

Standard

Encouraged by Her Canberra to try the newly managed Bookplate at the National Library, it is clearly still a great spot for lunch or coffee.

IMG_4931

The wonderful view of the lake form the terrace, the stained glass windows and a changing and interesting menu make it a winner.

IMG_4938 IMG_4934
Dishes are beautifully presented and well sized for sharing.
It works well to combine a tasty ‘large plate’ option with a side salad for extra greens for two people.

IMG_4939

The Graziers Platter $21.50 is delicious and includes spressa salami, prosciutto, marinated olives, tuna and prawn pate (very yummy), giardiniera, buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad served with crusty bread.

IMG_4940

It partners well with a Rocket and Parmesan Salad side with Balsamic Dressing $6

IMG_4941

Another good combination that went past is the Spiced pumpkin, chickpea, mesculin leaves and labneh salad with house made dukkah $19.50 and a side of crusty bread and butter $6.

The bookplate also has a wonderful range of gorgeous cakes and desserts.

IMG_4932 IMG_4935 IMG_4936 IMG_4937

Bookplate on Urbanspoon

Taste of Bangladesh – another menu for five to six people

Standard

Taste of Bangladesh and India is one of Canberra’s best casual  dining spots and great place to head with a few friends for a weeknight catch-up.

Start with the pappadoms ($2 for 4, but often complimentary) and a glass of BYO wine (free corkage).

Three dishes is just about the right amount to order for 5-6 people with modest appetites.

IMG_3523

Palak paneer $14, Eggplant Marsala $14, Goat Curry $16, two serves rice, three serves naan cut in half.

IMG_3524

The Goat curry $16 has an excellent flavour and the meat very tender. However, being on the bone, it can be a little harder to share in a group (but still doable).

IMG_3519

The Palak paneer $14 is very good too

IMG_3520

…as is the Eggplant Marsala $14 ( but it is similar to the excellent Fish Bengali dish, so be careful not to double up on flavours)…

IMG_3527

IMG_3517

2 serves rice is enough for 5-6 people

Naans are delicious and huge (half each is plenty for one person)…

IMG_3533

If you still have room for something sweet, the mango lassi $3.50 is delicious.

IMG_3532

And a mix of Gulab Jaman ($4.50 for two whole pieces, but also 3 for $6, halve them to share) and mango kulfi $4.50 for about 6-7 pieces, makes a great group dessert.

IMG_3541

The coffee is not as good, being instant, but try the marsala chai instead.

While you can’t leave disappointed because every dish is a winner, the Dum Murgh ( chicken) and Fish Bengali are two dishes that are very hard to top.

Taste of Bangladesh on Urbanspoon

Farmhouse Resturant, Pialligo, Canberra

Standard

The newly opened Farmhouse Restaurant on Pialligo Estate is really something special.

IMG_5727
IMG_5696
It is uniquely offers the rare combination of fine dining and open yet cozy, luxurious spaces, very close to the centre of Canberra. It highlights exactly what Canberra does so well – the best of relaxed rural living paired with city sophistication.

IMG_5698

IMG_5697
IMG_5699IMG_5700IMG_5706IMG_5707IMG_5719
You can’t help but relax in the engaging rural setting and let yourself be spoilt by the hospitality and generosity of the Pialligo Estate team whose passion for beautiful fine food and wines and and elegant service is evident everywhere.

IMG_5705 IMG_5723

The Farmhouse Restaurant is the latest addition to what has been a working farm for nearly 200 years. It adds to the existing orchard, vegetable and herb garden, vineyard …..

2009 Pialligo Estate Riesling
image
Olive grove….

Extra virgin cold press olive oil

image
and smokehouse……

Smoked salmon, Smokehouse short cut bacon…

image image

….smoked salt

image

….. and uses many of the products for its regional and seasonal menu.

Open for lunch Thursday to Sunday 12-4pm ( last orders 2:30pm) there is a choice of two courses $65 per person, 3 courses $80 per person or the 6 course chef tasting plate $110 per person.

And dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm ( last orders 9pm) there is a choice of 2 courses $85 per person, or the 6 course chef tasting plate $110 per person.

The 6 course chef tasting menu may include dishes such as:

Starter/snack

Sabayon of salmon – Atlantic salmon, smoked salmon ( produced at Pialligo Estate), orchard apples, Chive oil and seaweed powder

IMG_5713

Sea-weed cured bonito, green tomato, crispy chicken, radish and Dashi of it’s own bones

IMG_5715

….or an alternate course for vegetarians ( and mums to be) Jerusalem artichoke, black figs, hazelnut, rosemary and tomato delta

IMG_5714
Delicious sourdough bread and house made miso butter (don’t miss this, they are wonderful!)

IMG_5711 IMG_5708

New season Cipollini Onions, Pialligo Farm Chorizo, Nashi Paear and Young Mustard

IMG_5716

Madura Valley Egg, Veal Sweetbread, Celeriac, Brioche and Pine Mushroom ( a favourite course)

IMG_5718

Muscovy Duck, Musquee de Provence Pumpkin, Red Onion, Chestnut and Licorice

IMG_5722

Valrhona Jivara Chocolate, Buck wheat, Caramelised Banana and Malted Milk

IMG_5724

Coffee and Mignardises (strawberry marshmallow, dark chocolate with truffle, salted caramel ( fantastic)

IMG_5726 IMG_5725
There is also the option of wine pairings such as…

Ravensworth 7 month White Blend 2014 ( a Bryan Martin creation and excellent)
Pialligo Estate Reisling 2009 ( very good too)
Henriques and Henriques 10 year old sercial Madeira
Rippon Gamay Noir 2013
Domaine des Bernardins Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2012

…the Farmhouse Restaurant also offers canapés for other occasions such as….
Potato baskets with truffle

IMG_5703

Quail croquettes with bacon, garlic and Chive mayonnaise ( delicious, like tiny kievs)

IMG_5704

Soon there will also be other dining options that will be well worth considering…
…a Farmhouse Marquee in front of the vineyard, for up to 200 people that would be perfect for a wedding celebration….

….and the near completion Farmhouse Pavillions that will hold 20-25 seated guests, or 30 for cocktails, and offer a more casual experience. The team at Pialligo are flexible about how these might be used, offering a range of service and menu options to fit the occasion and the price range.

image

The Farmhouse Restaurant is the perfect place to show visitors how special Canberra is, showcasing Canberra’s great views, local produce, relaxed living, city culinary sophistication and elegant hospitality.

(Don’t miss the amazing bathroom decor either!)

IMG_5720 IMG_5721

If you don’t have time for a meal with visitors, the local produce is ideal as a very Canberra gift.

Pialligo Estate Farmhouse on Urbanspoon

Canberra’s Vaisakhi Mela, Commonwealth Park – another Indian community festival with great food

Standard

One of the great things about living in Canberra are all the different community festivals offering tastes from around the world that are celebrated on our doorstep.

IMG_5678IMG_5670

Last Sunday the local Punjabi community came together for their first Vaisakhi Mela at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park for music, dancing and great food ….

IMG_5667 IMG_5666

…..like Samosas $5…

IMG_5671

..Rasmalai $5….

IMG_5673

…Jalebi $5…

IMG_5672

And lovely hot Marsala Chai $2

IMG_5668

IMG_5661

A number of food outlets catered for the event including the Café Tandoor from Scullin that offered some delicious dishes like Choley and Bhaturey $5….

IMG_5664IMG_5665

and Butter Paneer (with Rice $8)..

IMG_5663

Definitely worth trying out more of Café Tandoor’s dishes in at their home in Scullin. They are also starting catering services and offering some great options at very reasonable prices.

Cafe Tandoor on Urbanspoon