As 2023 is coming to an end, I’m going through my Top 10 favourite eats of the year. In no particular order:
Louis
So highly impressed with the offerings at European bistro Louis in Barton, I’ve actually been back two more times. The chicken liver parfait, capsicum panisse, calamari with grapefruit salad, chicken ballotine, and trifle with mandarin and white chocolate are amazing. Louis also offers a 2 or 3 course set menu lunch which I’ve taken advantage of. I’ve never been disappointed here, they are happy to do up a mocktail, and it’s just lovely sitting in the outdoor courtyard.
Pialligo Bakesmith
Newly opened, Pialligo Bakesmith has been a hit and my friends are loving it too. The hotcake here not only looks good, but it is thick and super fluffy. I love the little details like the tiny toffee crab apple, brandy snap cone and the apple tarte tatin spin off just elevates it from a regular hot cake.
Ikigai
This small ramen restaurant in Gungahlin Village is another hit with the locals. I am really impressed with the tonkotsu ramen – umami-rich broth and delicious char on the tender pork belly. I could have definitely fit in a bit more noodles. The price is a bit steep but it delivers on flavour and richness.
Peonee
I enjoyed my three-course lunch at Peonee in Campbell. Amazingly well-balanced, fresh and light. The softest cut of pork complemented with the most perfect witlof salad drizzled with a sweet, tart and creamy dressing. The dessert simply called ‘caramelised youghurt’ also blew me away with so many textures and citrus elements. And it just looks beautiful.
Dada
The duck liver parfait with mulled wine syrup and the banh mi salad are some of my favourites at Dada in Phillip. All the dishes have punchy tasty flavours and are so moreish. I’m really keen to try more of their desserts too.
Lim Peh Wantan Mee
The wantan mee is a favourite of mine at Verity Lane’s Lim Peh’s Wonton Noodles stall. So much so, that I find it difficult trying any of the other noodle dishes here! At just $16, the wantan mee comes with three slices of char siu pork and three fried wontons, plus a side soup with three boiled wontons. You can also choose the noodles to come in a soup or dry. Generous portion size, plenty of noodles, so tasty and satisfying. Great value.
Cartel Taco
An awesome spread of tacos (the prawn is my favourite), good vibes, and frozen margheritas (even virgin versions) at Cartel Taco in Queanbeyan. And you must try the tres leches cake with dulce de leche (made for sharing). They’ve also introduced hot churros to the dessert menu! A perfect summer spot – bring a picnic blanket and sit out on the grass in the sunshine.
Corella
I’ve had some really unique dishes at Corella. A stand out dish for me are the BBQ leeks with stracciatella. The leeks are soft but have a deeper flavour from the char, the stracciatella provides the whole dish with creaminess, the chilli oil gives a dash of heat. With sandalwood nuts and mixed seeds, it’s soft and crunchy at the same time. I wasn’t expecting a great inventive vegetarian dish so this one blew my mind. The wagyu flank in a stroganoff sauce and bitter leaf slaw were also amazing dishes. I’d gladly do another set menu at Corella.
Senn Noods
A recent newcomer to Braddon, Senn Noods is another hit. Lots of flavour to the dishes. Beef jerky is a must. Boat noodles and khao soi all hit the spot, though they are smaller portions. Moo ping on a stick, quail egg fried wontons and grilled prawns are all so tasty. Everything seems well thought out flavour-wise including the little details like the really well prepared paired dipping sauces with fresh herbs. Senn lives up to the hype!
Taki
The $19.90 wagyu beef donburi lunch special is simple and delicious, and includes miso soup and a side salad. I love the slightly thicker cuts of tender wagyu and that the rice is already covered in saucy goodness. You can also order via the app and you might catch the little robot that brings out your food.
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Looking forward to a new favourite in 2024! Happy New Year everyone.
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