Is there a better way to enjoy Lake Burley Griffin than at a European-inspired, alfresco boutique bar right on the water, with a quality wine in hand, asks dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
MARGOT Espresso Vin and Fromage (call her just “Margot”) is the latest place to pop up on the shores of the lake. It’s pretty. It’s chic. It’s unique for Canberra.
Margot’s blue and white striped outdoor chairs are attractive and comfy. The small white picket fence that encloses the bar area is super cute. And Margot holds a prime position at West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace.
Margot doesn’t have a kitchen but offers yum items that can be served simply and efficiently, with everything carefully selected to go with a verre ou deux de vin. We sat back, relaxed and nibbled at Australian brine-cured olives ($8) and two types of roasted nuts (almond and cashew, both $8), sourced from The Nut Shoppe, operating since 2008 at Fyshwick Markets.
Cuca sardines are on the menu, served in their original tin. We selected those canned in high-quality, extra virgin Spanish olive oil, but Margot also serves tins of this aromatic fish paired with a classic tomato flavour and a “picantes” version with the olive oil infused with chili.
These famous, traditional sardines are caught exclusively off the Galicia-Portugal coast and are packed quickly to preserve taste and freshness. Margot serves them with fresh baguette and Spanish golden peppers ($14).
Our small, curated fromage box featured a selection of three cheeses, and dried fruit ($35). My favourite was the soft Riverine buffalo blue, from Berry’s Creek (Gippsland), which I found smooth and creamy. My friends preferred the award-winning cheddar, a traditional cloth-bound cheese that matures for about a year at family-run Bay of Fires (Tasmania). Also in the fromage box was Monte Rosso, handcrafted by Section 28, Adelaide Hills.
Quality wines are the focus and Margot refreshes its list regularly. French and local and regional wines are available, with whites starting at $14 by the glass, rose $13 and reds $15. Cheeses also change regularly, to ensure top pairing with wines and to celebrate Canberra’s four seasons.
A prosecco from Tumbarumba kickstarts the wine list, followed by a French champagne. Other whites are from Ravensworth, both Loire Valley and Vaucluse (France), and Eden Road. One rose from Nick Spencer is on the list and a French option. Reds are from Mount Majura, Ravensworth, Collector and Rhone Valley (France).
Mornings start at 7am at Margot. Enjoy quality coffee and pastries from well-known Wildflour while soaking up the view.
Hats off to Margot for no cash, but no surcharge. We hear plans are underway to weatherproof Margot for the cooler weather, a smart move indeed.
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