Dinner with my usual dining companion, Jane
It’s amazing really how many new restaurants are popping up in the city of Canberra. One new restaurant called ‘Tipsy Bull‘ I had never been to so one evening I walked into the city and met Jane for dinner. On its website, Tipsy Bull says it is great for a quick meal or a long night. It’s definitely a quick meal place; we booked early [6pm] but had to be out by 8pm and that definitely occurred as the bill was put on our table just before 8pm and the waiters were hovering by to get us out for the next group of guests to be seated. So for me that is definitely not a ‘long night’…but perhaps they mean if you eat later it’s a ‘long night’. But no way could I eat at 8pm; much too late for me – no matter where I am, I am an early eater!
Jane told me that a drink she had previously would look good on my post [she had been here before with her husband] and it was a deconstructed gin and tonic which came served on a wooden board with everything ready to make this particular drink…very cute actually. And this was the result when constructed – and delicious so Jane told me – pretty with the rose petals.Jane and I decided to start off with a share plate of fresh bread and a selection of dips.We then ordered a dish of dutch carrots with pistachio nuts and dukkah to share and I ordered a roasted pumpkin salad with candied walnuts, balsamic dressing and honey glaze – both delicious. I just love pumpkin!Jane ordered the crispy fish with Korean chilli sauce and as she was still feeling hungry also ordered the lamb cutlets with a hazelnut pangrattato [I know now this is a posh word for Italian breadcrumbs] and caramelised shallots in a red wine jus. She didn’t think she would be able to eat all the cutlets but managed to..well done Jane!!On this night we had so much fun as we arrived about 5pm [knowing we had to leave by 8pm] and over a drink, we wrote out a list of invitees for my retirement function in November..such fun…and not long until I retire!!!
sunnydaysinseattle said:
Okay, shouldn’t have opened food post at the end of a work day. Now I am hungry!
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks for stopping by!! Hope you have eaten by now.
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Sophie said:
I love this post, Sue, it sounds fresh and joyful. i’m always interested in seeing all the dishes you and Jane order and try, i think that in Australia many chefs dare to cook and serve dishes made out of simple ingredients (such as pumpkin for instance) that are not so noble in the first place, but they turn them into something special and the foods are always very well plated. I also enjoy reading when it’s funny (I loved the “pangrattato” part!). Also nice to learn you’re an early eater, that will help me plan everything for when you come and visit me!
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sileas said:
That must be exciting to see retirement coming so close… I can’t imagine to have to work another 30 years at least, haha 😛
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Little Miss Traveller said:
I’m also a fan of pumpkin, it’s delicious. How exciting for you to be retiring soon and to be able to devote more time to your leisure interests including travelling and writing, a marvellous opportunity!
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Jane Dickinson said:
Great post Sue, I am starting to feel like a celebrity….
Sent from my iPad
>
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Rachel Lishman said:
Hi Sue! I lived in Canberra for three years but have since moved back to London and all my friends out there tell me that Braddon’s changed so much – loads of great cafes and restaurants to choose from now! I really enjoyed this, despite it making me very homesick for the city! I must start posting more about my time there too… 🙂
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kokodynia said:
Indeed, the drink looks good! Beautiful pictures. Anyhow I must admit, that I am not an early eater. I usually start at midnight and my dog starts with me. I do it at home, and obviously I know that it is not a wholesome habit, but I cannot stop myself. Most of all I adore to bake a cake late in the night. Tonight I will! There is a lot of wonderful restaurants in Australia , I am always in awe whenever I read your blog 🙂
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Ha ha. Even Sharon McT was laughing and said to me last night ‘can you write about anyone else but Jane ?’ He he
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi Rachel. You wouldn’t believe it now. Lonsdale Street is full of bars and restaurants and little shops. Yes please write about your time here
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks Marion. It is pretty exciting – two months to go.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Ha ha. Sorry!!!! Yes two more months for me. So exciting!!
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
I am SO excited about my visit Sophie. I love your planning. Thanks for your comments. X
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you so much. My mouth is open in amazement that you start dinner at midnight and the fact you bake at night- wow!!!! I am too lazy. Ha ha.
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Sophie said:
Yeah… still some time to set up the actual in situ plan if I understood well, but the excitment is still likewise on my side too!
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Rachel Lishman said:
Your post has inspired me to exactly that! I’m hoping to get back there one day to revisit all my old haunts and see the new ones. The favourite bit of my Canberran lifestyle was my morning cycles around the lake at sunrise 🙂
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Cuckoo Zhiyou said:
It’s so good to have a dining companion. Haha 🙂
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hope you do. The morning ride or walk here is lovely especially now it’s spring.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Too right. I am very lucky with Jane.
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