I Love Canberra

I Love Canberra

For the second year in a row I have ventured down the Hume to stop over in Canberra on the way to Thredbo. It’s a good idea for a few reasons: it’s a great way to break up the trip being only about three hours south of Sydney; it’s a really pretty town; culturally exciting; and the food is amazing.

We stayed at the Hyatt Hotel which is such a lovely way to remind your senses that you are on holidays. It oozes classic old world charm and I always request to stay in the heritage part of the hotel where the walls in the hallways leading to your room are adorned with photographs of past politicians. If the walls could talk it would be very interesting.

We booked a table at the highly recommended Italian & Sons and were not disappointed. What a meal, and so professionally executed both from the kitchen and the wonderfully informed and friendly people on the floor.

We started with garfish and the most lovely peperonata, dotted with toasted pine nuts and plump little currants. With a squeeze of lemon to spike things up it was a perfect way to start.

Next up we ordered a salad of witlof, cos, apple, and house smoked ricotta di Buffalo. So fresh and crisp.

For the main we shared a couple of dishes, although, the one that stood out for me was the beef short ribs cooked slowly in wine and served with polenta.

Dessert was the bomb! Italian ricotta doughnuts rolled in cinnamon with a nice scoop of mascarpone ice cream on the side.

The next morning on our way to visit a couple of local wineries, we dropped in on the Londsale Street Eatery.

They served brekky all day and are roasting their own coffee beans on site. We had a large brekky of braised beans, poached eggs, bacon, and sausage with a nice piece of pissaladiere bumped up on the side which I thought was a groovy idea. The coffee was outstanding too.

On the way to the snowy, we diverted west to visit one of my favourite wineries Helm Winery. The 2014 1/2 dry Riesling is my pick at the moment. Quite fruit driven, made in the style of many of the famous German and Austrian wines, and just fab served alongside a spicy Thai curry dish.

Well stocked and happy, we head off down the road with bellies full and a boot full of wine to Thredbo vowing to return on our way back to town.

Happy eating,
Simmone x