Day: December 31, 2013

A Year in Review – Top Eateries of 2013

On By Tales of a ConfectionistIn Canberra, food, foodscoop3 Comments

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As everyone looks back at the year that was 2013, I try to remember where I’ve enjoyed meals at. People have suggested I do my own top 20 eats in Canberra (and surrounding areas), not all of them are flashy and expensive and not all of them made it to the top 20 list according to the Canberra Times (see below). I’ve eaten at many of these restaurants listed below this year and I don’t particularly agree with some of them just like how I expect for you not to completely agree with my list. I went to Aubergine this year for my birthday (I didn’t get around to posting about it because it didn’t particularly excite me and I fell behind) and I found myself disappointed and bored with the meals. Well this isn’t going to be a critic on their list, just a list I have developed myself based on my own opinions and my own experiences.

Tales of a Confectionist’s 2013 top twenty list

(in no particular order)

Malamay Barton, I might not have loved every course but it still sticks in my mind for all the ones that I did.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/malamay/

Ellacure Bruce, I’ve been there multiple times this year and even if I didn’t get around to blogging about each experience, it has never disappointed.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/lunch-at-ellacure/

Flute Bakery Fyshwick, amazing cakes and pastries! I am still amazed when people have not heard of this place. Just remember it’s only opened Monday – Friday 8 til 3pm and more importantly, no eftpos (or bathrooms).

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/09/05/getting-my-fruit-intake-canberra-flute-galette/

The Artisan Narrabundah, even though I went rather recently and didn’t enjoy the dishes I picked, I had complete food envy and other people’s dishes were amazing. If there are mushrooms on the main menu, order them!

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/the-artisan-surprise-party/

A.Baker New Acton, although I can only vouch for their breakfast, not much was appealing on their dinner menu, maybe when they change their menu I would be more excited to go.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/breakfast-at-a-baker/

Mocan and Green Grout New Acton, despite being rather expensive, they small plates that I tasted were amazing.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/09/01/quick-dinner-at-mocan-and-green-grout/

Koochi Gungahlin, they sure can cook lamb! A fabulous unique place that I suggest you all try.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/koochi/

Italian and Sons Braddon, fabulous food and one of the best tiramisu in Canberra!

Mekong River Dickson, great hot stir fried noodles and laksas.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/mekong-river-mmmm-noodles-get-in-my-belly/

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/mekong-river-re-run/

Royal Tara Binalong, it might seem like a long way to go but it is well worth it, please don’t let anyone talk you out of ordering the sticky date pudding.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/11/30/royal-tara/

Morks dined at Florey, I’ve never had fine dining at a Thai restaurant before so this was an eye-opening experience. Unique menu and I’m keen to try them at their new location.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/morks-restaurant/

China Plate Kingston, Chinese food done really well.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/china-plate/

Frugii ice cream several locations, technically not a shop front (hopefully soon, although you can sample a lot of John’s work at Stripey Sundae in Gold Creek village) but Frugii ice cream seems to be popping up more regularly at Canberra markets and events. He puts lots of thought into his unique ice cream flavours and if you get a chance, you have to try his cakes.

Baitong Weston Creek, everyone has eaten Chinese/Vietnamese/Indian/Thai food so this is something different. Lao food takes a lots of food preparation so it is much easier to have someone else to prepare it for you.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/baitong-authentic-lao-and-thai-cuisine/</

Wild duck Kingston, great fine dining Chinese food with unique dishes like lamb shank in golden sands and lemongrass chicken. Don’t forget to order a serve of fried mantou.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/wild-duck-re-run/

PappaRich Civic, quick, cheap and easy Malaysian food, enough said.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/pappa-rich-malaysian-delights/

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/papparich-rerun/

Can Tho Belconnen, I might only eat one thing here, but they do it soooo well! I’m slowly converting everyone I work with to come here.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/07/19/its-a-noodle-kinda-weather-in-canberra-today/

Heng Hing Roast Inn Belconnen markets, a quick cheap place to get your Chinese roast duck on.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/heng-hing-roast-inn/

Bernie’s from the bay Charnwood, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, best Fish and Chips in Canberra.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/bernies-from-the-bay/

Rama’s Fijian Indian restaurant Pearce, a rediscovery of this restaurant since I haven’t been in a while. A good place to get a hot curry.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/ramas-fijian-indian-restaurant/

Special mentions outside of Canberra:

Hanuman Cairns, they have a mixture of cuisines which usually worries me but they made everything really well.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/carins-adventure-hanuman-thai-indian-and-nonya/

il Bacaro Melbourne, fabulous Italian hidden away in the CBD.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/08/11/melbourne-long-weekend-il-bacaro/

Le Crouton Freshwater (Cairns), I tried to eat as much as I could here and I couldn’t fault anything, the pain au chocolat is amazing.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/french-patisserie-breakfast-out-in-the-middle-of/

Vivo Bar and Grill Palm Cove, I had breakfast here and it was amazing! My friend told me he had an amazing meal at Palm Cove and it was not surprising to find out it was the same place that I went to!

Lux Bite Melbourne, it will always be my ‘endless love’

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/melbourne-long-weekend-lux-bite-re-run/

Beard Papa multiple locations (not in Australia sorry!), in short if you see one get the Paris Brest with vanilla custard, you won’t regret it.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/beard-papas-hong-kong/

Lord Stow’s bakery Macau, OMG Portugese tart, you are forever in my thoughts.

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/portuguese-tarts-lord-stows-bakery-macau/

Berowra Waters Inn Berowra, I have only been here very recently but I can safely say that it is the best meal I have ever had and that is a very big call!

https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2013/12/27/berowra-waters-inn-sneak-peek/

The list (top 20 according to the Canberra Times)

No. 1: Aubergine

18 Barker Street, Griffith, Australia, Australia, 2603
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (23)

No. 2: Italian and Sons

7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, Australia, Australia, 2612
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (25)

No. 3: Eighty-six

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (61)

No. 4: Silo Bakery

30 Giles Street, Kingston, Australia, Australia, 2604
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (18)

No. 5: Ottoman

Blackall Street, Barton, Australia, Australia, 2600
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (13)

No. 6: Mocan and Green Grout

19 Markus Clarke Street, Acton, Australia, Australia, 2601
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (14)

No. 7: Lanterne Rooms

3 Blamey Crescent, Campbell, Australia, Australia, 2612
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (7)

No. 8: Pulp Kitchen

Shop 1 Wakefield Garden, Ainslie, Australia, Australia, 2602
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (21)

No. 9: Malamay

1 Burbury Close, Barton, ACT, Australia, 2600
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (8)

No. 10: Sage Dining Rooms

Gorman House, Batman Street, Braddon, ACT, Australia, 2612
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (18)

No. 11: Ox Eatery

69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston, ACT, Australia, 2603
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (13)

No. 12: Le Tres Bon

40 Malbon Street, Bungendore, ACT, Australia, 2621
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (9)

No. 13: Water’s Edge

Commonwealth Place, 40 Parkes Place, Parkes, ACT, Australia, 2600
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (16)

No. 14: Rubicon

6A Barker Street, Griffith, ACT, Australia, 2603
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (20)

No. 15: The Artisan

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (16)

No. 16: Grazing

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (31)

No. 17: Jamie’s Italian

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (39)

No. 18: Jewel of India

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (21)

No. 19: A. Baker

15 Edinburgh Avenue, New Acton, Canberra, Australia, Australia, 2601
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (8)

No. 20: Red Chilli Sichuan

75 Alinga Street, Canberra, Australia, Australia, 2601
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Reader ratings (8)

I wish you all a happy, safe and healthy New Year! I’m still working on my last year’s resolution of cooking at home more often but I think Canberra has opened restaurants/cafes/bars recently more than ever before.

Happy eating xxx