Dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON writes: “Here I am again. Reviewing take away. I so admire the hospitality business during these crazy covid times. It’s tough, tough, tough.”

DON’T get me wrong, I am not moaning about takeaway. I sincerely applaud those in the industry who put in that mega effort to stay open, even if it’s with reduced hours and menus.

With current lockdown restrictions, I am supporting restaurants and cafes closer to home, partly so the food arrives semi-hot and in decent shape. 

Saffron has been busy with lunch and dinner takeaway since Canberra bunkered down and the dishes travelled quite well and were delish.

One of our all-time favourites at Saffron, to kick start a meal, is the cigar-shaped Bourak ($16 for six pieces). The Greek feta mixed with herbs is stuffed into filo pastry and is tangy and salty and fun.

Another wonderful Saffron starter is the Mantar ($17), big mushrooms crumbed and chargrilled. Such an earthy taste.

Sharing the Sambusek was also satisfying in so many ways ($18). Who can go past quality minced lamb with caramelised onion stuffed in delicate puff pastry? 

Conscious of food travelling, we opted for the hearty and full-flavoured chicken tagine ($30) as a main. The chicken fillets absorbed the heavenly Moroccan spices exceptionally well and we adored the honey chilli sauce with root veggies. The couscous remained lovely and fluffy. 

Bourak… Greek feta mixed with herbs is stuffed into filo pastry and is tangy and salty. Photo: Wendy Johnson

Kafta… tender minced beef and lamb carefully shaped and carefully skewered. Photo: Wendy Johnson

The Mantar… big mushrooms crumbed and chargrilled. Photo: Wendy Johnson

Fattouch… bursting with flavour. Photo: Wendy Johnson

Another dish that travels well is the Kafta ($32) – tender minced beef and lamb carefully shaped and carefully skewered. It’s such a feel-good dish and the grilling boosts the flavour. And then there’s that creamy and dreamy yoghurt dressing…

Our salad hits include Tabouli ($15) and Fattouch ($15), both bursting with flavour. The toasted bread on the Fattouch was a bit soggy but that’s life in the covid fast lane.

Saffron asks that you provide 30 minutes for takeaway so the order is ready and piping hot when you pick it up. 

While fully respecting covid lockdown rules, I’m making every effort to support the hospitality venues that have taken the decision to keep us fed during these trying times.

I’ve grabbed a takeaway coffee from Thirty8 Espresso and enjoyed it on my allowable one-hour walk. I’ve bought a bottle of wine from Caribou (instead of the bottle shop) to take home and may return for a bottle of their house-created maple whiskey. I’ve bought takeaway pizza and wine from Molto, takeaway fish and chips from Bitter Sweet and fun “Walking Cocktails” from Maggo’s. Our bubble has enjoyed a whiskey sour, mojito and spicy Caesar. It’s the least we can do while respecting the rules. 

How are you folks doing with takeaway?