The Farmhouse at Pialligo Estate, Pialligo, Canberra

Pialligo Estate is located less than 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre, but it feels very much like you’re visiting a secluded country estate. 

The long-standing property and winery were revitalised in 2015 with the addition of the (now hatted) Farmhouse restaurant, under the guidance of chef Brendan Walsh.

Visiting the restaurant is a journey in itself. After driving down a country-style lane that’s dotted with garden centres and markets stalls, the Farmhouse Restaurant opens up at the end of the road. The restaurant is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, which we later find out include a vegetable market garden and ornamental fruit trees as well as the expected vineyard. The building itself features an imposing entrance with heavy wooden doors that open to reveal several large rustic fireplaces, stone floors and wooden beams in the ceiling.

Read more at http://theyumlist.net/en/2016/08/the-farmhouse-at-pialligo-estate-pialligo-canberra.html 

Local Press Cafe, Kingston Foreshore, Canberra, Australia

Sometimes, it seems as though it might be impossible for a restaurant or café to achieve the big three: great location, great food and drinks, and great service. 

Usually, one or the other is lacking. However, Local Press Cafe really does seem to have them all.

Local Press Café can be found on the Kingston Foreshore area of Canberra, a much anticipated and growing urban waterside community that’s home to some of the city’s most exciting new bars and restaurants. The price for such a prime location is plenty of competition, but Local Press has been able to carve out a niche for itself with its focus on clean, healthy, wholesome food.

Read more at http://theyumlist.net/en/2016/08/local-press-cafe-kingston-foreshore-canberra-australia.html 

Truffle Hunt at Blue Frog Truffle Farm, Canberra

While many of us have enjoyed the intoxicating aroma and earthy taste of black truffles, it was a rare treat to be able to visit the source and join in a truffle hunt at Blue Frog Truffles in Canberra, Australia.

The Canberra Region Truffle Festival is taking place during our visit (it’s on each year from June to August) so it’s the ideal time to join one of the hunts. 

Blue Frog Truffles is located in Sutton, NSW, about 20 minutes by car from the Canberra city centre. It’s a real insight into Australia’s ‘country capital’ – with just this short drive, we’re into real agricultural land with little indication that we’re so close to a major city.

Read more at http://theyumlist.net/en/2016/08/truffle-hunt-at-blue-frog-truffle-farm-canberra.html 

Yabby Jaffles, Monster Kitchen & Bar, Hotel Hotel, Canberra

Set amongst the incredible architecture of Hotel Hotel, it would be easy for Monster Kitchen and Bar to be overwhelmed by its surroundings. 

Instead, the venue is carving out a solid reputation for hearty and sophisticated food, while attracting a lot of attention for one simple little dish in particular.

Before we explain Monster’s new signature dish, you have to understand an Australian icon known as the ‘jaffle’. It’s made by placing your desired filling – usually cooked meat and vegetables – between two slices of bread, then toasting the sandwich using a special press (called a jaffle iron) that seals the edges together, ensuring a crispy toasted outside and a pocket of warmed filling inside.

Read more at http://theyumlist.net/en/2016/08/yabby-jaffles-monster-kitchen-bar-hotel-hotel-canberra.html 

EightySix, Braddon, Canberra

Restaurant eightysix burst onto the Canberra dining scene in early 2013 and quickly earned a reputation for its unorthodox style: the relaxed manner of the staff, the steering toward share plates, and the bustling open-plan kitchen. 

What’s most important though, is that eightysix soon showed it had the skilled team and quality of food to back up its bold presence.

While our waiter and long-time employee of the business, Ross, admits they’ve toned it down since they opened, the experience is as polished as ever. This is evidenced by the crowd that packs the venue when we arrive on a Tuesday evening, on a typically cool Canberra winter’s night. The entrance, glowing yellow from the nearby neon ‘86’ sign, is definitely inviting.

Read more at http://theyumlist.net/en/2016/08/eightysix-braddon-canberra.html