We love the vibe at Penny University and we're excited by their new series of dinner events, Nights at Penny.
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The series will showcase Penny's well-loved and unique cooking style, in a casual-meets-fine-dining atmosphere.
Nights at Penny will be hosted on a monthly basis, taking the form of divine four-course dinners. The series will be a showcase of local produce, with each course paired with matched alcoholic beverages.
Penny University co-owner Ellie Raymond wants to show the cafe in a different light, while providing entertainment and delicious food for the Canberra community.
"At Penny's, our philosophy has always been that no matter who you are, you're always welcome here, and that we consistently provide a great experience," she says. "The same goes for our new dinner series. We want our customers to experience a multi-course culinary adventure of the highest calibre, but without the pressure of a fine-dining location."
Head chef, Alexander Siu, formerly of Malamay, Belluci's Manuka, and Café Della Piazza, is excited to showcase the team's gastronomic skills in a new setting.
"We wanted to put a fresh twist on traditional dishes, highlighting the versatility of our rich local produce and demonstrating techniques that we wouldn't be able to sustain for lunches," he said.
After a successful first dinner, the next event is May 31 and the theme is "Food from Home", showcasing the cultural backgrounds of the Penny chefs and what they eat with their families at home.
The four-course menu includes shitake mushroom fritters, barramundi with a Japanese twist, Indian spiced lamb, and a citrus dessert with house made sorbet.
Each course will be made with local produce and paired with carefully selected wines from Contentious Character. $110pp with wine matching, $80 without.
Que syrah syrah
Spend a night at Contentious Character exploring old world and new world vintages of cool climate shiraz. In France, they call this grape variety "syrah", whatever will be, will be. With a menu of locally made bresaola, parmesan and parsnip, smoked tomato arancini and braised local lamb, carrot mash and lamb jus, alongside the accompanying selection of surprising shiraz, chosen by winemaker Jeremy Wilson. The night will feature a Doris Day soundtrack, definitely an evening to remember. June 1, 6.30pm, $120pp all inclusive wines and four courses. Return bus tickets from town also available.
Cooking classes
There's a range of classes to spice up the cooler weather at the Pialligo Estate Academy but we're liking the idea of the Mexican class. Learn how to cook tortillas, spicy brisket tacos, guacamole with a twist, chicken quesadillas and a jalapeno slaw. Includes dinner and accompanying wines and recipes to take home. $139pp, 6-8.30pm.
Just open
Some new places to check out this week include Calli Homewares Cafe and Bar, Morning Dew and Sheer-Yakh Cafe.
Calli's an exciting new concept on the Kingston Foreshore, offering breakfast and lunch, and selling a bespoke range of homewares and gifts. With a fresh seasonal menu, there's something for everyone.
Residents of the Molonglo Valley probably don't want the rest of us to know about Morning Dew, Arthur Choi's (Coffee Lab, Coffee Grounds) new venture in Denman Prospect. With a great view, a fresh menu, and Ona coffee, it's worth the drive.
Sheer Yakh, in Garema Place, in the City, offers traditional, handmade Afghan icecream. Open until 10pm, try it for dessert on your way home.