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Canberra Today 15°/17° | Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Inner south gets its mojo back

For a long time, the inner south, once a happening place, started to drag on the food front. But now it has its mojo back – big time, says “CityNews” dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON

I’VE peeked at the plans and there is definitely a “thing going on” with the cafe Me and Mrs Jones, under construction at the corner of Giles and Kennedy Streets, Kingston.

This dynamite fitout from the owners of Urban Pantry promises to be special, serving food and drink from breakfast till late, seven days.

Max and Marven Azize from Saffron Kingston… Check out the 10-metre, red wall feature, the likes of which have never been seen in a Canberra commercial establishment. Photo by Silas Brown
A few doors down we wait with anticipation for an Asian restaurant to open on Kennedy, with yummy yum cha on the menu. At the other end of the street you’re greeted by Marven and Max Azize, who just opened Saffron Kingston (the Manuka original is still going strong).

Check out the 10-metre, red wall feature, the likes of which have never been seen in a Canberra commercial establishment. New dishes celebrating East Mediterranean tastes are being launched.

Close by, Chris Hansen, formerly of Cape Cod, is getting his hands dirty on his restaurant being built in the 4.5-star East Hotel, across from the famous Kingo. No firm opening date yet.

In Manuka, Public is pumping. Next door is The Vinyl Room, which has just thrown its doors open for business. This tapas and cocktail lounge serves 45 cocktails – classics and “new frontier” drinks, such as the Japanese Funk Stew. I will be going for The Naked Italian on my next visit!

Mid-range tapas is $15 (the seared rare beef with Asian marinade is a dream dish) and pizzas are $20.

On Palmerston Lane, construction is about to start on Banque, a cool new wine bar. Down the lane, where Manuka Fine Foods used to be, a new Italian-style bakery, Ricetta, is being built. Due to open in June, Ricetta will serve pastries and make pizza on a fancy-dancy oven from overseas. Across the way and upstairs in Style Arcade is the new Punjabi Hut, serving Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Back on Franklin Street and hot off the grill is news that a specialist burger bar is opening where Charmers was. The shopfitters of Grill’d confirmed work is expected to be completed in six to eight weeks.

A few months ago Wild Duck, with its sexy fitout and fine Asian cuisine, opened in Kingston Foreshore. The legendary Brodburger has settled into its new home at the Glassworks, with much fanfare. It’s fun to see the original red caravan out front.

Griffith has recently seen the opening of The Gryphon pub across from the elegant, multiple award-winning Aubergine. Now open for breakfast and lunch at the shops is the too terribly sweet Café Societea, which also serves a scrumptious high tea. Service with a smile is guaranteed.

Slightly further afield, in Barton, is Malamay, an absolute must. Operated by the Chairman Group (including Chairman and Yip) this new place is sensational.

So there you have it. Inner south mojo – big time.

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Wendy Johnson

Wendy Johnson

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