Hey folks! As we will be staying in lockdown at least until 15 October, this list of lockdown-friendly food establishments includes ideas for the school holidays, picnic boxes, and celebratory meals for when this is all (hopefully) over. Here are six more Canberran restaurants pivoting during the pandemic, sure to have you covered for any iso occasion.
Les Bistronomes
18 Blamey Place, Campbell
As heard on ABC radio, this French staple is embracing lockdown and making it green. After a local couple gifted Les Bistronomes with four buckets of homegrown Jerusalem artichokes, Chef Clément Chauvin realised that many Canberrans would have a surplus of vegetables, fruits and herbs growing in their gardens, particularly during lockdown when folks can’t readily share the love with their neighbours. Thus, the Les Bistronomes Green Card was born. For anyone who donates their excess homegrown produce to them, the restaurant is offering a 10 per cent one-time discount to dine in (when permitted) or towards their classy take-home dinner packages. Dine on poached pears, fresh baguettes, and the prettiest beef wellingtons you have ever seen.
To order, call 6248 8119
Ginger Catering
National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley
A special experience exclusive to lockdown, Ginger Catering is offering picnic boxes to munch on the grounds of the National Arboretum. Look at them, how gorgeous.
Choose from a breakfast box of pastries and fresh fruit, a delicatessen meats or cheese box, a lunch box of tea sandwiches and falafel, and many more! Then take your goodies from their coffee cart under the Amphitheatre and lay about on the sprawling green grounds with (up to four) loved ones. Each of the main boxes serves 2-4 people (depending on how hungry you are) and are priced at $55-$75 depending on size. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
Order at: gingercatering.com.au/picnics/
Tikka Take
6/21 Genge Street, Canberra
Now this is one for the school holidays. For the few who have not frequented Tikka Take on a night out, they specialise in age-old street food recipes from Central Asia and India with a modern twist. Hello butter chicken loaded fries, Thali trays, and samosa sandwiches. Everything is so affordable – you will need two tummies to enjoy it all. This lockdown, Tikka Take has established a Canberra-wide delivery system, no need to drive in if you don’t live in the Civic area. As there is a $50 minimum on inhouse delivery, this may be the ideal feast for a kids’ birthday party, or a crowd-pleasing array for picky eaters.
Order at tikkatake.com.au/menu/
Bar Rochford
1st/65 London Circuit, Canberra
Everyone’s favourite not-so-secret establishment has a new bar manager, @livkellyy recently made Drinks World’s Top 25 Bartenders in Australia – number one in the ACT! Her team has a range of new takeaway cocktails on offer, “for home use, on the bus or in the shower”. Sample the magic with their four-pack of potions. Dinner packs and house made pastas are also available on their lockdown-updated website, “Roch-Bottom”. Love that.
Order at barrochford.com/
Paranormal Wines
G27/6 Provan Street, Campbell
A natural succession in this list, Max Walker dreamed of starting his own wine bar while working at Bar Rochford. When COVID hit, he noticed that while many businesses were suffering, wine sales were only going up. He brought his brainchild Paranormal Wines to life, championing experimental and unusual wines as well as the classics. Now Paranormal picnic packs are available, with cheeses, meats, olives, and baguette accoutrements.
Order at facebook.com/paranormalwines/
Capitol Bar & Grill
1 London Circuit, Canberra
To end with a flourish, these meal packages are for very special occasions in lockdown. Capitol’s famous prime meat cuts are available for fine dining at home through their takeaway packages. The first Capitol Feast Package features a three-course meal plus bottle, and instructions on how to heat and prepare for maximum deliciousness. Some signature dishes included are the Sonoma Focaccia, a 45-Day Dry Age T-Bone Bistecca Fiorentina, and the Basque Cheesecake. The Capitol Feast Package is designed for two and costs $220.
The second Fiesta Package was made to party, with Sydney Rock Oysters and a DIY cocktail kit among others. Mix up an English Garden, Bloody Mary, Cuba Libre or Moscow Mule and live your best lockdown life. The Fiesta Package is designed for 4 to 6 people and costs $299.
Order at qthotels.com/canberra/offers/eat-drink/capitol-bar-grill-takeaway/
Click here for our previous entry in the Order In series.
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