Riesling's come a long way since your mum was drinking Blue Nun in the 1970s and now Canberra will boast Australia's first riesling-dedicated bar and restaurant in the prime location of Braddon.
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Andy Day (formerly of AKIBA, Kokomo's, Sage, Pialligo Estate, Lilotang, 86 and Ellacure) will open Rizla - slang for riesling - in the old Toasted cafe site on the corner of Eloura and Lonsdale Street.
"I've been eyeing off this site since my time at 86 way back in 2014. It's an awesome spot, one of the best corners in Canberra.
"When I moved to Canberra in 2007 I couldn't sell Canberra riesling. Nine out of 10 customer would turn their nose at it - and at Canberra wine in general," he says.
"But I knew it was only a matter of time before the reputation was there and then people couldn't get enough of it.
"Wine lists in Sydney are a great indicator of that - it's virtually impossible to find a venue up there that isn't stocking at least one Canberra wine these days."
Day is not a fan of that clinical, robotic service or slow, boring restaurant experiences, he says to expect a relaxed atmosphere, with the service, food and ambience light-hearted and awesome.
Creating a menu designed wholly to pair with riesling was easy, says Day.
"Riesling is the most versatile wine I know, it can go with virtually any cuisine and almost any protein. The menu is seasonal and every dish will work with the wine list; so imagine lots of fresh seafood, vegetables and white meats, light tropical desserts and of course a banging cheese plate."
And the wines?
"Heaps of rieslings, obviously. About half are from the Canberra district, some top quality Aussies, and some international curiosities including some iconic Germans as well."
Is it just riesling?
"There will be lots of other wines, plenty of other whites, and a good list of reds including Clonakilla shiraz viognier pouring by the glass. I've always put a big emphasis on local, so all Canberra wineries that are making riesling will be featured on the list within the first three months."
A "pop up" cellar door experience is planned for every Sunday lunch in what's called "Cellar to City", bringing local wineries to the middle of town to show off their wares.
"It's an easy way to promote the local wineries and make them super accessible. Who doesn't like free wine with lunch?" Day says.
Rizla is opening on Friday September 13 and will be open for lunches Thursday to Sunday, dinners Wednesday to Sunday, and open all day for drinks Thursday to Sunday.
Karen Hardy
I've covered a few things here at The Canberra Times over the years, from sport to education. But now I get to write about the fun stuff - where to eat, what to do, places to go, people to see. Let me know about your favourite things. Email: karen.hardy@canberratimes.com.au
I've covered a few things here at The Canberra Times over the years, from sport to education. But now I get to write about the fun stuff - where to eat, what to do, places to go, people to see. Let me know about your favourite things. Email: karen.hardy@canberratimes.com.au
