Christmas coffee
Coffee isn't generally something one associates with Christmas, unless it's the cups you need to deal with early risers insisting on opening presents before 6am.
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The roasters at ONA are changing that though, with a Christmas-pudding-inspired blend doing the rounds at the Canberra coffee favourite's cafés. It is also available to buy in a 200-gram bag as a gift for the coffee snob in your life.
Hany Ezzat, the head barista at ONA's youngest stablemate Highroad, sounds more like a sommelier than a barista as he enthusiastically explains the tasting notes in the coffee, and how they change as the coffee moves from hot, to lukewarm and even to cold.
In preparation for our tasting, Ezzat opened the bag of coffee the night before, letting it breathe before brewing it. This one is specifically roasted to be brewed with milk, he says, explaining how different blends suit different purposes. The tasting notes come from the different beans selected for the blend.
The creamy coffee has a hint of custard when drinking it while it's hot, and it's so smooth it's hard to wait and let it cool to get the full experience. The notes aren’t unmistakable in the same way they are if you've ever tasted a Christmas pudding gin, but they are there. There's a hint of liqueur and raisin flavours as the coffee cools and you get to the bottom of the cup.
The cup finishes way too soon, so I’m hoping there will be some Christmas pudding blend under the tree for me this year.
Nutritious nosh
There's something new to check out in the Canberra Centre, with Nosh, an Australian innovator in fast-whole-food, opening its first location in Canberra. With its signature poke bowls and nori tacos, the focus is on nutritious and delicious real food. After two successful years in Melbourne, Canberra is Nosh's first interstate store, and the company says it is "absolutely delighted to be a part of a community that appreciates quality and innovation when it comes to fueling our bellies".
The Canberra venue will be the first Nosh location to cater for Friday evening drinks and after-work catch-ups. Its chef-driven menu is locally sourced, with ingredients in their most natural form to create inspired and wholesome nutritious dishes.
Le Diner en Blanc
Start planning for Le Dîner en Blanc, which returns to Canberra on Saturday, February 9. Attendants of the annual chic picnic will gather at a secret location with more than 1500 people for another unforgettable evening of beauty and magic.
Ticketing to this amazing event happens in three stages. Phase 1 is for members from the previous year; Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase I attendees; and Phase 3 is for people who signed up on the waiting list. The waiting list is now open - sign up now at canberra.dinerenblanc.com/register to be part of this unique night celebrating Canberra.
Last-minute ideas
Head to the glorious Nishi grand stairs on December 22 from 3pm to 6pm for a Last Minute Christmas Market. It will be a one-stop shop to pick up that case of bubbly for Christmas lunch, or tick off all your presents in one go.
Stallholders will include wines, spirits, chocolates, books, plants and fresh produce - all from the Canberra region. Look for ideas from Choku Bai Jo, Contentious Character, The Curatoreum, Enigma Fine Chocolates, Gundog Estate, Idyllic Hills Vineyard, Murrumbateman Winery, Pankhurst Wines, Pialligo Estate, Sapling Yard, Summerhill Road, Quarry Hill Wines, Tallagandra Hill Winery, Underground Spirits and more.
Purchase a souvenir stemless tasting glass for $12 to try before you buy.
Plan ahead
Yarrh Wines is feeding the festive season crowds with street food from around the world every day from December 27 through to New Year’s Day. They’ll do a different dish every day – last year there was a great range including banh mi, duck tacos, Danish hot dogs, prawn smorrebrod, fajitas, croque monsieur and fish and chips.
This year they’re sticking to tacos, but we’re not talking Old El Paso here – think more slow roasted duck, baja fish, lamb barbacoa, braised beef, vegetarian options, genuine corn tortillas, fresh salads, condiments and salsas. In other words, perfect light lunches for the hot festive season.
Please phone ahead (6227 1474) if there are more than four of you, otherwise just turn up. All day, from 11am-4pm.
