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

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

Agostini's, Kingston, Canberra

There’s nothing like a vacant space in a busy location and a few ‘under construction’ signs to build anticipation. Since the popular Ox Eatery at East Hotel closed down last year, locals and hotel visitors alike have been keenly waiting to see what might come next.

No one moreso than chef Francesco Balestrieri, a familiar face on the Canberra restaurant scene, who was quietly plotting away from behind the counters of his tiny kitchen in Joe’s Bar just across the foyer.

With the full support of owners Dan and Dion Bisa, Rome-born Francesco embarked upon his ninth career restaurant build, setting out to turn the blank canvas into a stylish but family-friendly venue that also paid tribute to their own families and heritage. Indeed the name, Agostini, comes from the family – it’s the maiden name of Bisa family matriarch, Marisa.

Read more at http://theyumlist.net/en/2017/05/agostinis-kingston-canberra.html