The latest in foodie news, events and products in Canberra, including High Jinks’ first birthday, a new-look hotel and ice-cream news aplenty – just in time for summer…

Gelatissimo goes to the USA

Gelatissimo is taking its customers on a trip to the USA with three new gelato flavours: peanut butter cup, made with Reese’s; chocolate kisses, made with Hershey’s; and bourbon caramel and pecan, made with whiskey from Western Australian distillery, Whipper Snapper.

Available in-store for a limited time.

High Jinks is turning one!

New Acton bar High Jinks is celebrating its first birthday in style, with a week-long New Orleans-style birthday party, filled with big band tunes and cocktails inspired by the Louisiana city. High Jinks opened in October last year, and owner Noriel ‘Noz’ Calub says the venue “is stronger than ever” after a tough year for hospitality venues locally and around the country. He thanked the locals and his regular customers for keeping High Jinks alive by supporting the venue and having, in his words, “silly goose times”. “It is not only the New Acton community that we see ourselves as part of. We are also part of the hospitality community,” he said. “From the start, our wine list has been local only. We’ve donated as part of the HelpOutHospo campaign last month. We may be small, but we try to do our part.”

To join in the celebrations at High Jinks, book a table from Monday 19 to Saturday 24 October via highjinks.bar

Rydges debuts new look

Rydges Canberra has re-opened its doors after a multi-million-dollar renovation. The new look draws inspiration from the 1950s, with an atrium space, pod-style reception area and immersive lounge areas built around a pond and fireplace. The hotel is also home to new venues The George Bar and Grill and The George Bar, as well as live foliage, tree canopies and a chef’s garden.

To book a staycation, visit the Rydges website.

Messina hits the supermarket

Gelato Messina has once again landed in supermarkets, this time in the form of ice-cream bars. After partnering with Peters last year for Messina Drumsticks, the brands have once again dabbled in deliciousness and the ice-cream bars – in flavours choc hazelnut, espresso dulce de leche, and strawberry cheesecake – are making their way into Coles, Woolworths and independent grocers as we speak. The bars will only be available in supermarkets, not at Messina stores, and retail for $10 for a pack of four.

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