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

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

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

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