The latest in Canberra foodie news, events, and products with CW Taste editor, Anja de Rozario.
Three of ACT’s top greengrocers were crowned the freshest and best in the business at Sydney Markets’ 2022 Fresh Awards, following the event’s two-year hiatus. Seventeen winners out of 63 finalists were crowned amongst the fresh produce, floral and content industries. Ziggy’s Fresh in Fyshwick triumphed as winner of Best Large Business, and was a finalist in several categories, including: Greengrocer of the Year, Knowledge in Action, Service Excellence, and Retail Presentation. Ziggy’s was beaten out in the latter by fellow ACT business, Tom’s Superfruits in Belconnen. As well as winning in Retail Presentation, Tom’s was a finalist for Knowledge in Action. Finally, Alpha Fresh Foods in Hume was a finalist for the coveted Providore of the Year Award. The retailers were evaluated through a mystery shopping program and judged on everything from freshness, customer service and industry knowledge, to store appearance and innovative approaches.
Deakin & Me celebrates good food. Photos: Ben Calvert.
Now open in Deakin is Deakin & Me, a café that celebrates good food, good coffee and, most importantly, nice people. “It’s how we came up with the name,” says co-owner Zac Calway. “Of course, we want to be serving up great food and drinks, especially with the high calibre of cafes in Canberra. But we really wanted to ensure we created a feel-good space, where people connect with people.” Taste editor, Anja de Rozario’s top pick is their chai spiced French toast with vanilla mascarpone, raspberry gel, candied pecans, seasonal fruits and maple. A chai-lover’s sweet dream, it’s easily one of the best French toasts Canberra has to offer; available every day until 2.30pm. “Because we’re located within a business district, we’ve also included a deli cabinet filled with fresh daily-made lunch options,” says Calway. Diners can enjoy an early breakfast through to lunch with a glass of wine or even a naughty cocktail. “We’ve included a few harder drinks like a mimosa, espresso martini or a negroni to enjoy, no matter the time of day. There’s no judgement here.” The new eatery boasts contemporary interiors featuring the building’s original 1980s terracotta tiles mixed with exposed high ceilings, hanging greenery and an abundance of natural light. Deakin & Me is open seven days a week, 6.30am-3pm on weekdays and 7.30am-3pm on weekends.
For more information, follow @deakinandme
Over two four-day periods in July, 7-10 and 14-17, Westfield Woden’s Bradley Street dining precinct is offering warming sweet treats by your favourite eateries, from free mini hot chocolates at San Churro, to burgers and beer at Grill’d for just $17. Fenway Public House, Hanok Korean Fine BBQ, Rashays, Super Bao, and Grease Monkey are also running limited time offers, including free beer and baos. The winter celebrations will continue for the whole family, with ‘snow’ falling outside the centre at ‘Let It Snow.’
Expect the unexpected at Monster Kitchen & Bar’s inaugural truffle dinner, which will consist of four courses and snacks, all vegetarian, all with truffles, on Thursday 7 July from 6.30pm. Chef Matthew Bentley will be taking guests on a culinary journey, showcasing a different truffle from Farmer Frank from Hidden Valley Farm, Goulburn in every dish. Tickets: $150; add $59 for matching truffle drinks. Monster have added a number of these dishes to their regular menu for truffle season, so even if you can’t make the event, you can still taste some of the highlights.
Bookings: monsterkitchen.com.au
A variety of kid’s school holiday workshops are taking place at the Canberra Centre’s snowing Winter Village from 4 to 17 July, including gingerbread decorating, wreath making and candle making. Located inside the centre near the City Walk entrance, the village brings a Swiss alpine town to life, with cosy fireplaces, winter village photo moments, and a virtual reality experience transporting visitors to the Swiss alps. For the grownups, a Gewürzhaus mulled wine and Swiss chocolate s’mores bar will take place on Friday 8 and 15 July from 4pm to 7pm.
Bookings not required, visit canberracentre.com.au for details.
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