Composer challenges the ‘gods’
Composer Chris Sainsbury is analysing the "disrespectful" way some non-indigenous composers have made use of Aboriginal themes and culture, writes arts editor HELEN MUSA.
Two hats and Chatham House rules, okay?
“The star dish of the night was the Tasmanian ocean trout with crispy skin, salty Yarra Valley caviar (pop, pop, pop in the mouth), sorrel and a delicate horseradish cream," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
Delighting dons and students
"China Plate is attractive to young diners with its selection of Asian fusion dishes and prices, but sophisticated enough to attract uni profs and other non-millennials," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
Top spots at the Bay and beyond
Heading to the south coast for Easter? If you’re wandering through the Bateman’s Bay area and slightly beyond to Mosquito Bay, there are two spots on the water worth a visit, says dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
New eatery with a gift in store
"Calli is more than a café. It’s a café, a wine bar and an upmarket homewares and gift store. It's right on the water, close to the action, but far enough away to have its own sense of calm," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
Bright new pub offers hits and misses
"The menu at Badger & Co offers more than just pub grub and the prices are super reasonable, especially for the portion sizes," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
Breakfast in the Public domain
"Hats off to Public for tantalising tastebuds at breakfast. One expects the usual suspects to be on the menu, but it’s great to order something refreshingly different," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
New menu doesn’t disappoint, pity about the service
"It took more than 30 minutes for starters to start arriving. We went inside to enquire but were just told it wouldn’t be long (it already was)." Dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON endures a slow start to what turned out to be a good meal.
Waiting brings a dent to Ego
"Alter Ego’s menu has great variety and we had no trouble choosing refreshingly different dishes. I think the kitchen team is on to something," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / When the clock’s ticking on dinner
"Hats off to the chef and his team for sourcing premium cuts and top-grade seafood, and for focusing on regional and other quality Australian produce," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / Everything’s poppin’ with pizza
"The Pop Inn – a mobile bar – has joined forces with The Pizza Trailer – a mobile pizza operator – and the combo will continue to pop up periodically," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / Dining til dawn in Narrabundah
"I road tested the nasi goreng, which Kita labels the "Breakfast for Champions". While I only finished half, I can see how starving shift workers would savour that size of a breakfast dish," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / Drinking in the view, pity about the food
"Sharing a ham and cheese toastie or a vegetable wrap wasn’t going to cut it, especially when sitting in what The Rex says is a sophisticated cocktail bar," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / The critic’s top five Canberra eateries of the year
One of Canberra’s most-experienced food critics and this paper’s longest-serving columnist, WENDY JOHNSON indulges herself with her top eating experiences for 2018
Dining / Catch of great fish ‘n’ chips
"Catch busts the myth that you can’t get good fish in Canberra. The menu includes ethically sourced fish as fresh as possible to the capital, and it’s good," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / Baby steps into Civic
"Baby Su is quick off the mark with serving, which is just as well because you can't reserve a table," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / Betti’s doing it for herself
"The atmosphere when the couple were together seemed cool and chilled with fun deck chairs. Now it’s more 'Latina Cantina'," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / You say frittata, I say fantastic
"The service was a wee bit slow, but the staff made up for it, engaging as we placed our order and all smiles when they brought our brekkie out," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / All you Knead is lunch, lunch is all you need
"Knead offers more, with its growing line-up of intriguing deli products to buy and take home. When I say intriguing, I mean it," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
Dining / Club builds in plenty of choice
"Woden Central claims it’s a 'new dining destination in the heart of Woden'. We can see why," writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON
TOP STORIES
Look out for the rare, red wattle
With some rare plants it’s best to buy them when you can. One such is Acacia leprosa “Scarlet Blaze”, the red wattle, writes gardening columnist CEDRIC BRYANT.
