arts & entertainment / reviews
Seared scallops, octopus, artichokes, chorizo, apple, green olive and pickles.
Peanut butter and jelly.
Photos by Silas Brown
Picture perfect at the Pod PICTURESQUE is how I describe Podfood – a charming restaurant set among beautifully established gardens at Pialligo Plant Farm, only minutes from the city.
Wendy Johnson dining
sensation is equivalent in sound and feel to nails running down a chalkboard). At Podfood you can dine inside the quaint My friend enjoyed two entrees, starting with 1930s cottage or on the deck or garden terrace. the seared scallops (always a treat), octopus, Outdoor dining is north facing, making the eating artichokes, chorizo (to spice matters up), crunchy areas lovely and warm in cool months and lovely apple and green olive salsa ($18). At first we and cool in warm months. thought “hmmm… perhaps too much going Owner/chef John Leverink worships food and on here”, but the elements worked remarkably plates up well. Some might think a few dishes are well together and the scallops were cooked to “fussy” but that is part of the experience. John perfection. loves seasonal produce, including from nearby Next was a divine spinach, leek and walnut Pialligo farms. tart, made with butter puff pastry and served I started with beetroot and gin-cured ocean with a dill emulsion, lemon and a thick slice of trout – a rich ruby colour – served with crème taleggio, a strong-tasting Italian cheese ($15). fraiche, salty capers, mustard and tarragon ($16). It was presented on a wooden cutting board, The trout was super fresh and mouth-watering. adding an element of fun. All elements looked glorious on the dark, My duck breast, carrot, buckwheat, rhubarb rectangular slate plate (although I find cutting and radish was a winner ($33). Duck and fruit food on slate plates sets my nerves on edge… the marry so well and rhubarb is such a seasonal
delight. The duck was super tender and the portion just perfect. We shared a dessert (most are $14) and were happy, happy, happy we did. Podfood’s meringue with tangy lemon curd was not too sweet and we enjoyed the citrus sand and lemon foam. For two years running Podfood has received Australia’s wine list of the year award (Fine Wine Partners and “Gourmet Traveller Wine”). It is an impressive list and the staff are knowledgeable on what is on offer. The service at Podfood is impeccable and nothing is too much trouble, starting with when I made the reservation. We could not arrive for lunch until around 1.45, but that was not an issue. Towards the end of our meal, when most patrons were gone, we asked if we could switch tables for dessert and a few moments in the sun. This was not an issue either. Indeed, the staff quietly went about their business and just left us to enjoy. Podfood. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (various days so check). 12 Beltana Road, Pialligo Plant Farm. Reservations very wise. 6257 3388.
Bearcage gets a Chinese hug WINNERS Winners of “Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War” DVD are: Ian McKenzie, of Fisher; Alana Quinn, Woden; Susan Woolias, Kambah; Barry Rollings, Conder and D Miller, Deakin. Winners of the double passes to see “Voices in the Forest” at the National Arboretum, Saturday, November 24 are: Anna Kieltyka, of Cook; Damana Madden, Turner; Linda Wolk, Gowrie; Karen Kranz, Deakin and Janne Ovijach, Mawson. 32 CityNews November 15-21
WIN tickets to see
Jon English in ‘Rock Revolution’ at citynews.com.au
IT’S been an exciting time for film in Canberra, with the sell-out International Film Festival winding up last week. But now the big buzz in our film scene is that Canberra company, Bearcage Productions, has signed the first formal co-production agreement for a documentary television series (“The Story of Australia”) between Australia and China Central Television’s CCTV9 Channel. LOUISE Upshall’s work explores identity through what she calls a “strange synthesis” of popular culture, fashion magazines, folk tales and pre-historic art, seen in “Scar Clan”, at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Manuka, 11am-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday, until November 18. AUSDANCE National has appointed Roslyn Dundas as its new CEO, replacing the legendary Julie Dyson in the office from January. Dundas was director of Ausdance ACT for almost three years from 2005. before that, director of the ACT Council of Social Service and back in 2001, she became the youngest woman elected to an Australian parliament when she joined the ACT Legislative Assembly. She has reviewed dance for “The Canberra Times” and will step down from that to take up her new job.
Helen Musa arts in the city
I SEE that Jodie Lane, who recently supported Billy Bragg, is performing in the Smith’s Alternative Bookstore’s popular “Paperback Sessions” program, 8pm, on November 22. Bookings to paperbacksessions.com.au JUSTINE Clarke is popular with kids, mothers and fathers – in fact with anyone who’s watched “Play School”. She’ll be performing in the Canberra Theatre, 10am and noon, on November 18. She’ll also include a musical reading of her first book “The Gobbledygook is Eating a Book”. Bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberraticketing.com.au WE’VE finished with the Yass Arts Trail, so it’s time to turn the GPS eastward for the Queanbeyan Art Trail and Open Studio Weekend, November 24-25. Ten local studios and galleries will open their doors for workshops, demonstrations and the opportunity to meet the artists. Drive yourself or join the Arts Trail Bus Tour (bookings to 6285 6170) on Sunday, November 25, 10am-3pm. The program’s at qcc.nsw.gov.au
“Selkie”, by Louise Upshall... at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Manuka. THE first AGM of our newest community arts organisation, Playing Field Studio Inc., will be held at the Studio, 2 Kingsley Street, Canberra, 7.30 pm on Monday, November 19.