RUMOUR has it, award-winning chef and MasterChef judge George Calombaris could be opening a restaurant in Canberra.

“CC’s” heard whispers the Channel Ten personality is currently in “talks” with Aurora developers.

And while negotiations remain top secret, Calombaris, 32, has apparently expressed a keen interest in opening a restaurant along the promenade of the Kingston Foreshore development.

The $50 million Aurora project includes a mix of apartments and cafes and is due for completion in July, with the entire precinct finished sometime in 2014.

Calombaris currently owns six restaurants in Melbourne, including Maha, The Press Club and Hellenic Republic and one in Mykonos, Greece.

Fans can catch the famous chef for what may be a timely visit to the nation’s capital, when he appears at the Hellenic Club at the end of November.

Red card for Rattenbury?

ACT Liberal MLA Alistair Coe is in hot water for allegedly using the ACT Assembly logo without approval. But it seems someone’s got it wrong!

Assembly Speaker Shane Rattenbury has written to Coe after “CC” reported the member for Ginninderra was sending hand-written 21st birthday cards to his electorate constituents.

In the October 17 letter obtained by “CC”, Rattenbury states Coe cannot continue to send the cards until the use of the Assembly logo, for this purpose, has been approved by the Speaker.

“Should you wish to continue to use this stationery, it would be appropriate for you to seek permission, in writing, from my office in accordance with the guidelines,” writes Rattenbury.

But it seems Shane has forgotten that he already approved the use of the Assembly logo more than two years ago.

Coe’s told “CC” he sent Rattenbury the proposal and birthday card design for the Speaker’s approval in June 2009.  And emails releasedto “CC”, show Rattenbury gave the final nod to Coe on July 1 that year.

“Rather than spending time sending me letters about an issue that was resolved more than two years ago, perhaps Shane should use his resources as Speaker more constructively,” says Coe.

Queen distracts big surprise

IT was meant to be a surprise birthday party. But, thanks to the Queen, the lavish celebrations organised by Mark Santos for his partner Prof Anthony Hill, didn’t quite come off as planned.

The former London hotelier, now owner of Teatro Vivaldi, had been planning the party at the Breakfree Lakeside Apartments’ penthouse for months.

But “CC’s” been told guests were awaiting the arrival of the professor when the Queen interrupted their plans.

Apparently, Her Majesty’s cavalcade drove past the apartments on the way to Government House. And, as guests clambered about the balcony trying to get a peek of the Queen, the guest of honour arrived completely unnoticed.

Party-goers turned to see the birthday boy in the doorway and realised they’d missed their “surprise!” cue.

Despite the disaster, a bewildered Hill maintains he was surprised.

The ANU professor was under the impression he was attending a wine tasting.

A star turn for adoption

MEANTIME, Deborra-Lee Furness is on her way to Canberra for an appearance at the National Press Club as part of National Adoption Week (November 6-13).

In her address, the Australian actress and National Adoption Week founder will encourage politicians, media and policy makers to change adoption laws in this country making it easier for Australians to adopt.

There are currently around 37, 000 kids in our foster care system and that number is increasing.

And Australian families currently have to wait an average of six years to adopt either locally or from overseas.

Furness has raised two adopted children with her husband Hugh Jackman.

“CC” has been unable to confirm if the “Real Steel” star will accompany his leading lady to the Press Club.

For tickets to Furness’ Breakfast Summit Address, 9 November www.npc.org.au

Swinging for the heart foundation

GUNGAHLIN Lakes Golf Club may never be the same again!

“CC” hears that the likes of Ainslie Football & Social Club CEO Richard Hogg, Bluestar Print GM Sean O’Neill and Heart Foundation ACT CEO Tony Stubbs are set to tee off for the Gungahlin Lakes Inaugural Heart Foundation Golf Day, on Tuesday, November 15.

And if this crowd’s anything to go by, no doubt they’ll be “on par” for the 19th.

To get a sponsorship “slice” of the action, to support the Heart Foundation continue to save lives from the number one killer of men and women in the ACT, call Brooke McIlveen on 6282 5744 for details.