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

Your complete Christmas Gift Guide, thanks to the Canberra Outlet

If the idea of escaping the heat this week and finishing off your Christmas shopping in spacious, cool, air-conditioned comfort sounds pretty good to you, then the Canberra Outlet is where you want to be.

Forget lugging heavy bags back and forth, and jumping in and out of a hot car to visit several different shopping centres in order to get what you need.

With the opening of the marble-tiled premium mall and the addition of new international retailers (such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Swarovski) now complementing the huge existing range of retail outlets, you really can find everything you need in one trip.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/your-complete-christmas-gift-guide-thanks-to-the-canberra-outlet/346339

Three great drives for a cool car around Canberra

If I’ve got a few hours to spare, there are few things I enjoy more than a long drive in the country.

The chance to listen to some cool tunes on blast, breathe the fresh air and see some different sights – for me, it’s the perfect way to clear my head and hit the reset button.

One of the many benefits of living in Canberra – if you love to drive – is that there are any number of great drives you can take in and around the region, whether you have a day to spare or just a few hours.

Recently, and just in time for the warmer weather, I had the chance to test drive the incredible Alfa Romeo 4C. I hadn’t driven one before, but as soon as I laid eyes on it, I was smitten.

As you would expect from the iconic Italian marque, it is a work of art to look at and ridiculously fun to drive.

So with the top down, a long weekend to enjoy and a car-loving friend in town, it was the perfect chance to seek out some fun local drives.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/three-great-drives-for-a-cool-car-around-canberra/337229

Food, wine and comedy at Pialligo Estate: Grapes of Mirth returns in December

If sitting out in the sunshine with a glass of fine local wine in hand and some of Australia’s best comedians in front of you sounds pretty great, you’re going to want to know all about The Grapes of Mirth.

The Pialligo Estate team is once again bringing some of Australia’s leading comic talents to Canberra as part of the second annual Grapes of Mirth national tour on Sunday, 1 December from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

When was the last time you really laughed? Laughed until your stomach hurt? ‘Til tears streamed down your face and you doubled over, barely able to breathe?

A really good laugh is like a big breath of fresh air for your soul. I’m almost certainly funnier after a couple of glasses of wine. You probably are, too.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/food-wine-and-comedy-at-pialligo-estate-grapes-of-mirth-returns-in-december/337609

ALLBIDS the right vehicle for finding the classic car of your dreams

How many cars is too many? Ooh, that’s a risky question to ask any car enthusiast…

Even more dangerously, if you could pick up the car of your dreams, right here in Canberra, and for only a few thousand dollars, would you be tempted?

If the answer is yes (or even if it’s no), you might want to jump on to ALLBIDS.com.au this week to check out their second Unique and Classic Car Auction.

You know, just for a look … a browse … there’s no harm in looking, is there?

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/allbids-the-right-vehicle-for-finding-the-classic-car-of-your-dreams/334178

The All Japanese Car and Bike Show is on again this Saturday

What cars and motorbikes did you dream about when you were growing up?

Did you stare up at posters of legendary Australian Holdens and Fords on your walls?

Or did you gaze longingly at the classic Jaguars, MGs and Aston Martins that starred in all your favourite action and spy movies?

Maybe it was pure, raw American Muscle – Mustangs and Chevrolets – that caught your eye and made your heart beat a little faster?

Just as many of us remain sentimental about the music that was the soundtrack of our teens and 20s (ahem, Backstreet Boys, anyone?), there’s little doubt the motor vehicles we admired in our youth hold a special place in our hearts as adults.

And for a generation of Australians today, it’s the finely engineered Japanese cars and bikes that changed the automotive world – Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Mazdas and more – that have become their classics and the icons of their driving lives.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/the-all-japanese-car-and-bike-show-is-on-again-this-saturday/334086

Canberra’s biggest wine tasting is going to be a corker

Farrah’s Liquor Collective (FLC) is a growing Canberra business with a new approach to liquor retail, and this weekend, the team is throwing open their doors and inviting you to sample their very own ‘hottest 100’ favourite wines from their collection.

It’s shaping up to be a huge event, and it’s all happening on Saturday, 26 October from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Farrah’s Liquor Collective in Fyshwick.

Read more: https://the-riotact.com/canberras-biggest-wine-tasting-is-going-to-be-a-corker/332462

Down the rabbit hole, with Pialligo Estate’s Mad Hatter’s High Tea

We may have just found the perfect way to spend a fresh winter’s afternoon in Canberra with your friends, workmates, or – like me – catching up with your mum.

Throughout July, August and September, the team at Pialligo Estate is putting on a series of Sunday high teas, and I was fortunate enough to be invited along as a guest for the first one.

So with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party theme from Alice in Wonderland, it was down the rabbit hole we gladly went …

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/down-the-rabbit-hole-with-pialligo-estates-mad-hatters-high-tea/311667 

Growing gardens provides a growing business for Canberra woman Suzie Fletcher

A highly successful national not-for-profit, that originated in Canberra, is now helping a new wave of women facing barriers to employment to find purpose and a sustainable income.

Multiple studies and social welfare groups such as The Salvation Army now point firmly to older women as being the new face of poverty and at an increasingly heightened risk of financial crisis and homelessness.

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/growing-gardens-provides-a-growing-business-for-canberra-woman-suzie-fletcher/308178

Canberra Short Film Festival offers opportunities for new and experienced filmmakers

Do you have a burning idea for a film that you’d love to make? Fancy yourself as the next Scorsese, Spielberg or Tarantino? Just watched the latest release on Netflix, and thought, ‘I can do better than that!’?

You have until the first week of July to get your entry in for the Canberra Short Film Festival, which is on again this year in September.

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/you-have-until-the-end-of-this-month-to-get-your-entry-in-for-the-canberra-short-film-festival-which-is-on-again-this-year-in-september/307779 

I hadn’t ridden in over a decade – and then, along came a Spyder…

We’ve asked the question before – are two wheels better than four? That may be true – but what about three wheels?

As The RiotACT‘s resident motoring writer, and one of few staff members who have a valid motorcycling licence, I was recently invited to review the remarkable Can-Am Spyder.

If the name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll likely recognise these as the pretty tough – if a little odd looking – three-wheeled machines, that will have turned your head if you saw them on the road.

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/i-hadnt-ridden-in-over-a-decade-and-then-along-came-a-spyder/295826

Revhead rendezvous: Dream cars to buy or sell at Canberra’s unique car auction

Local car lovers are likely to be feeling excited – and their pockets, a little lighter – with a brand new classic and unique car auction announced today by ALLBIDS.

It’s hard to believe, given the nation’s capital is also home to Australia’s biggest annual car festival, Summernats, but since the 1990s Canberra hasn’t had its own unique and classic car auction.

Instead, enthusiasts have had to travel to Sydney, Melbourne, or even further, to pursue their passion.

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/revhead-rendezvous-dream-cars-to-buy-or-sell-at-canberras-unique-car-auction/295982 

Cheers for cheese, and Cheese for Change

An alliance of Canberra businesses has joined forces to raise awareness and funds to help prevent violence against women.

I’ll warmly embrace any opportunity to indulge in my favourite cheese and wine for a good cause. Or any cause really.

From fondue to cheesecake, grilled cheese sandwiches to cheesy pasta, cream cheese frosting to cheesy biscuits – there are plenty of reasons why this humble food is loved by so many.

And this weekend brings the perfect opportunity to get cheesy. Really cheesy.

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/cheers-for-cheese-and-cheese-for-change/296056

‘Cheers Mate’: Canberra’s latest vodka, raising awareness of mental health in hospitality

Recently, we brought you news that a brand new variety of glittery colour-changing, unicorn-themed vodka had been launched in Canberra, and it was a huge hit.

Now, the local entrepreneur behind that sparkling drink is on a new mission, to start a conversation about mental health in the hospitality industry.

And it’s a conversation that starts with ‘the world’s most ethical vodka brand’, made right here in Canberra.

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/cheers-mate-canberras-latest-vodka-raising-awareness-of-mental-health-in-hospitality/295866https://the-riotact.com/cheers-mate-canberras-latest-vodka-raising-awareness-of-mental-health-in-hospitality/295866