Discover The Plot at Pialligo this Sunday and support bushfire recovery

Love discovering new markets? Love food, wine and regional produce? Want to support local businesses, especially those impacted by the bushfire crisis? Then you’ve got a few good reasons to pop out to Pialligo Estate this weekend with a brand new regional marketplace opening up on Sunday.

The ‘Love Local’ Market kicks off from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm this Sunday (23 February) at The Plot at Pialligo, the latest development from the Pialligo Estate team (who faced their own close call with the grassfire that broke out nearby in January).

This newest offering joins their popular Market Grill restaurant and stunning Pialligo Fields venue, both of which opened late last year.

Farm Shop Café manager Leonie Sassall said The Plot was created to bring together like-minded businesses to showcase all the good things happening in the region.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/discover-the-plot-at-pialligo-this-sunday-and-support-bushfire-recovery/350093 

The five star local: Kingston’s OTIS gets the balance right

It’s not easy to strike the balance between special occasion restaurant and beloved local eatery, but under the guidance of international chef and owner Damian Brabender it’s a balance that OTIS Dining Hall in Kingston seems to be getting right.

Brabender might even be in danger of being labelled the nicest guy in the Canberra food scene. He’s brought it all on himself, though, with his habit of wandering out of the kitchen to deliver dishes directly to tables, chat casually with guests, and pour a complimentary drink or two.

Despite its warm woody interior, the feeling at OTIS is surprising light and airy, thanks in no small part to the clever placement of a number of large mirrors and the big bright windows looking out onto leafy Jardine Street.

Take a closer look inside and you’ll find a number of endearing and whimsical touches, hints of the history of the hall that formerly housed the Belgian Beer Bar – from the golden glowing lamps, to the long wooden tables, booth-style seating and even coat hooks hanging beneath each light.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/its-not-easy-to-strike-the-balance-between-being-the-fancy-restaurant-you-can-go-to-for-a-special-occasion-and-being-the-beloved-local-where-the-regulars-go-every-week-for-their-favourite-di/355903

Peek into history with a free classic car show in the CBD this weekend

Get a close-up look at some extraordinary modern and historic vehicles at a free classic car show at the ANU’s Kambri precinct this weekend.

In an age when car design can lack a certain flair and sense of adventure, it’s no wonder classic vehicles are such head turners. Whether it’s memories of trips to the coast sitting on a scorching hot vinyl bench seat or childhood dreams of owning a sports car, old cars evoke passionate nostalgia.

But you don’t have to own a classic to enjoy a classic. Just get to Kambri at the ANU for the first ‘Classics at Kambri’ car and bike show this Sunday.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/peek-into-history-with-a-free-classic-car-show-in-the-cbd-this-weekend/357210

Bushfire relief focus for Canberra’s Australia Day concert this Sunday

Aussie indie pop artist Japanese Wallpaper, soulful songstress Nicole Millar and Sistas in Song (featuring local Monica Moore and fellow vocalist Belle Whyte) will headline an Australia Day concert with a different tone in Canberra this Sunday.

It has been a tough start to the year for many Canberrans, so this year, Australia Day might just be the perfect time to gather together and remind ourselves of everything that is great about being Australian – including our courage and resilience, under both hail and fire.

Given the current environment, the ACT Government decided to cancel the traditional fireworks display, and instead has dedicated the popular local concert to raising funds for bushfire relief.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/bushfire-relief-focus-for-canberras-australia-day-concert-this-sunday/352947 

Kicking off the New Year in top gear – Summernats starts today

Summernats, Australia’s biggest car festival opens in Canberra today and runs through until Sunday.

The Street Machine Summernats 33 is expected to attract more than 100,000 passionate attendees, as well as 2,000 entrants who have come from all over Australia and all over the world, to share their love for cars.

The iconic annual celebration of all things on wheels officially kicked off today at 12:00 pm with the City Cruise through the streets of the CBD, a reminder also that there are likely to be road closures around Northbourne Avenue for this short period of time.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/kicking-off-the-new-year-in-top-gear-summernats-starts-today/347913 

A Merry Multicultural Christmas thanks to the SuperGrocer and Liquor Boss at the Canberra Outlet

Christmas is a wonderful time for honouring long-standing family traditions or even introducing some new traditions of your own.

This Christmas, the international SuperGrocer and Liquor Boss at the Canberra Outlet has everything you need to create a fantastic multicultural festive feast over Christmas and the New Year.

The staff at Super Grocer and Liquor Boss is proud to offer a huge range of different foods from around the world, including gourmet and international foods, as well as a vast range of liquor to add some international flare and excitement to their Christmas celebrations and gifts.

In fact, the World of International and Gourmet Food is what sets the SuperGrocer apart. With dedicated ranges from Italy, Greece, Spain, Balkans, Eastern Europe, South America, South Africa, Middle East, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand, UK, India, Asia and many more, it’s the ultimate foodies’ delight and it’s right here in Canberra!

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/christmas-is-a-wonderful-time-for-honouring-long-standing-family-traditions-or-perhaps-introducing-some-new-traditions-of-your-own-and-sharing-food-is-one-of-the-best-ways-to-share-these-traditions/346510 

Damian Brabender and OTIS Dining Hall: bringing fine dining back to Canberra

“A meal can ruin someone’s day, or it can make their day very memorable. It’s a big responsibility, I try to remember that.”

So says Damian Brabender, the name and face behind OTIS Dining Hall, which has gained a loyal following among locals since it opened its doors in late 2016.

Brabender was already a familiar face in the capital prior to opening up at OTIS, thanks to his former role as head chef for Sage Restaurant. His interest in the food industry dates back to his childhood though, growing up near Portland in regional Victoria as one of a family of 12 children.

“Cooking and eating was always a big part of our family’s dynamic. It was the one time that the circus stopped, and everyone stood still or sat down at the same time,” he says.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/damian-brabender-and-otis-dining-hall-bringing-fine-dining-back-to-canberra/344680