Melbourne might think it's the coffee capital of Australia but look out because Canberra's own Ona is about to teach the city a few things.
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Ona opened its first interstate premises in Marrickville, Sydney in 2018 to great success, and is now set to move south in early 2020.
Founder Sasa Sestic told BeanScene magazine it was the roasters of Melbourne who inspired him to start the business in 2008.
"At the beginning, we felt handicapped or disadvantaged by not being a part of that scene. But being so isolated in Canberra meant we could bring our own identity and vision to coffee," he said.
Ona marketing manager Jordan Montgomery says the expansion into Melbourne is a part of the natural growth of the company and was long overdue. "Most of us in the coffee roastery, cafes and offices were inspired at some point by the coffee scene in Melbourne," he said.
"We're so proud of the community and the passion that has gone into developing the local coffee scene. Canberra now has one of the highest standards of coffee in the world, and we're excited to take our passion to the city where Australian coffee culture was born."
Headquarters will be in an old warehouse in Brunswick. It will be refurbished and split into three parts, acting as a café, wholesale office and training centre.
Gin food matching
Head to Ducks Nuts Bar and Grill in Dickson and experience Underground Spirits like never before. Each of the five premium spirits, created here in Canberra, have been paired with a canape to be served together. You will also have the opportunity to see Underground's own mixologist create three summer cocktails. Pairings include: vodka with mini ricotta pancakes with smoked salmon, fresh chives, crunchy fennel seeds and crème frais; gin with chorizo and shrimp quesadillas with smokey guacamole; shiraz gin with goat's cheese tart with asparagus and peas; caramel vodka with a rhubarb and chocolate tart with fresh vanilla bean sauce anglaise; and an espresso vodka with the chef's own tiramisu. October 24, from 6pm. Tickets $65 plus booking free from eventbrite.com.au
BBQ masterclass
Pitmaster Steve Hellyer is one of the pioneers of the Australian low and slow barbecue movement, learning the art from some Texans before the craze hit down under. He's coming to Canberra on October 26 to hold a masterclass where you'll learn all his secrets. The class is designed for both the beginner and advanced pitmaster, learning everything from wood and pit selection to sides and even burgers. Throughout the day you'll also be treated to succulent chicken wings and extraordinary smoked links, special candied bacon mac and cheese and of course a massive meat platter at the end. At Rose Cottage, Gilmore, from 10am to 3pm. Tickets $98. Bookings essential at rosecottagecanberra.com
Long lunch
Pialligo Estate is taking the tables out of the restaurant and into the olive grove for a long lunch. You'll be treated to a scrumptious and elaborate sharing menu designed especially for this event. There'll also be an oyster station, a gin bar, and bottomless bubbles. There'll also be an after party at the new Pialligo Fields bar with live music til late. October 25, from noon. Tickets $99 includes oyster bar, a spring sharing menu feast, bottomless Pialligo Estate regional wines, tea and coffee. Gin or other beverages can be purchased on the day. After Party drinks/food can be purchased on the day. Booking are essential at thepialligoestate.com.au
Meet the maker
Another lovely evening at Boffins, at University House, with their series of intimate dinners featuring local winemakers. On November 7, meet Hamish Young from Mada Wines and hear first hand about his selection of wines. Young launched Mada Wines in 2016 and is dedicated to working closely with an exciting group of local growers at the forefront of viticulture in Canberra and its surrounds. The night includes five courses with matched wines. Tickets $120 from unihouse.anu.edu.au