Canberran game developers

Electronic game development isn't something that people think of when they picture Canberra, the quiet city home to tribes of public servants and university students. I would say that hardly anybody knows that Canberra plays host to a couple of successful internationally recognised games developers.

Micro Forte

This company was created by the now-CEO John de Margheriti in the 1980s and developed a series of games for EA. It branched out with other titles, garnering international critical and popular success with Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel. It was a buggy and unforgiving isometric tactical game in the Fallout universe. It put players into the role of a squad of initiates in the Brotherhood of Steel. Players outfit their squad before the mission, complete primary and optional objectives, and advance their squad members in rank.

I loved the game -- Micro Forte captured the feel of the Fallout setting perfectly, from the wasteland setting itself to the arrogant Brotherhood characters. The game itself, while being a little buggy, allowed all options for completion, from stealth to frontal assault, and didn't skimp on the difficulty, which is a major failing (in my humble opinion) with today's games.

You can buy Fallout Tactics in stores, occasionally, but the best place to find it is Good Old Games, a website dedicated to preserving the classic games of the golden age of game development.

It should be mentioned that John de Margheriti didn't just found a games company, he also founded one of Australia's first and most respected game development training organisations: the Academy of Interactive Entertainment. Students can gain certificates in 3D animation and software development, and there are campuses in Melbourne and Canberra.

Please join me in a round of applause for one of Canberra's local heroes, if not one of Australian national treasures, John de Margheriti. I haven't covered anywhere near all of his acheivements, which are many and varied, and despite all of his success he remains a driven worker and a genuinely nice guy.

2K Australia

Chances are if you've been anywhere near gaming for the past few years you will recognise this developer. Based in Braddon, 2K Australia (formerly Irrational Games) was formed with offices in Boston, and spread to another office in Canberra after the release of System Shock 2. Yes, that studio.

Anyway, after a couple of well-received games (including the superheroing time-travelling Freedom Force vs the Third Reich and Tribes: Vengeance), they found massive success with Bioshock in 2007, and after some inter-studio wrangling the lightning struck twice with Bioshock 2 in 2010. They're currently working on Bioshock Infinite, which is looking very sexy indeed from the trailer and screenshots.



So well done to both of these Micro Forte and  -- they truly show how great Canberran companies can be, both independently and as part of a larger group, and I reckon they're definitely one of Canberra's best bits.

Yours truly,

The Everyman

Locanda Italian Steakhouse, under Rydges Canberra

Locanda has the (questionable?) honour of being located in the old Bobby McGee's restaurant under Rydges Lakeside on London Circuit. Rydges recently (read: in the last couple of years) undertook the enormous task of renovating their entire lobby and restaurant area, and it really shows in the cool, minimalistic decor and the soothing neutral colours. The moment you step in here, you start to relax.

Locanda has a wide selection of wine and spirits, and the restaurant manager knows them all. We asked him to make a selection of both red and white wine for the table and he exclled himself with a crisp white and a soft red that complemented the courses to a tee.

First up was the rabbit and veal ravioli, drizzled in a delicious sauce and wrapped in homemade pasta. I'm told that the junior chefs come into the foyer of the restaurant, also the lobby of the hotel, at roughly 3pm each day to make all the pasta fresh for the night's dining. Well done indeed, as the pasta was perfectly cooked, the rabbit and veal delicious and the sauce worthy of a good plate-cleaning.

We enjoyed delicious lamb cutlets next with roast vegetables. I'll be honest, one cutlet was slightly underdone and one slightly overdone to my taste, but that would be finding the smallest holes in what was to date one of the best main meals that I have ever eaten.

Lastly, a lemon sorbet with a berry sauce that brought a delicious strong end to our meal. Despite the best efforts of a few of our diners, bowls were picked clean within moments, and we all had satisfied smiles.

Overall, the atmosphere and the service were wonderful. We got there a little earlier than the rush, and as such I did notice a drop-off in service about halfway through the meal, but this was fairly obviously simply the waitress needing to service other tables as well. Special mention to the restaurant manager for his impeccable taste in wine and to the chef for an amazing meal that I will not soon forget.

The verdict: Locanda is a very expensive restaurant, but that is definitely softened by the quality of the food, the drinks and the service. An absolute must-do for everyone.

Yours truly,

The Everyman

Dendy Cinemas Premium Lounge

I love to go watch movies and Dendy supplies some of the best films that you wont get anywhere else, the only problem they have there is the staff - or lack thereof.
There are so few people working there that they seem to constantly be distracted, rushed and you can tell that their attitude towards you is false because of it. I went to the Premium Lounge the other night and the entire place was a mess, it looked like all the shelves had been pulled out and left on the benches, and even though I could tell there were more staff than the two girls on the tills, we didnt get greeted at the door or even approached until we waited in the queue to order food. While these two girls did everything they could to make us feel comfortable - like I said before, they seemed to rushed and distracted to make us feel that welcome. In the end, the movie started late AND it ended up being that the cinema wasnt even sold out. I cant imagine what that experience would have been like if it had.
In the end, regarding food, service and value for money
the Premium Lounge is definetely not worth it.

http://www.dendy.com.au/
6221 8900

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Wagamama

Everyone in Canberra knows Wagamama. Situated in one of the busiest locations in Civic next to Sammys and Babar, Wagamama specialises in a fantastic blend of Asian and Australian Cuisine. Most of what the offer is influenced off Japanese cuisine with a huge range of noodles cooked in many different ways. When I go I tend to find myself ordering Chilli Chicken Ramen or the Laksa which is pretty good but still, I have to review another place that I love for Laksa. Anyway, with flavours of soy, chilli and ginger, if you want some food in a casual setting and a convenient location - this is the place to choose.
The prices here aren't too bad for what you get, I find that people rarely manage to finish what they have on their plates but the other day when we werent too hungry but had to get food because we had to work that night, we decided to get about 5 entrees, which all cost under $10 - which was far more than enough food. Duck Dumplings (gyoza), chicken pandan, cooked soybeans in chilli and garlic (edamame), soy cooked green veges and some jasmine rice, was a huge meal even though we didnt initially intend on eating that much.
Also, there is a waiter there named Daniel, while some staff can be questionable in their services, this waiter was cheerful, helpful and generally interested in giving a good service. Point is - 5 stars to Daniel he made my evening.

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http://www.wagamama.com.au/

125 Bunda Street
Canberra ACT 2600
(02) 6248 7955

Legends Manuka

Legends is a Spanish restaurant in Manuka that has been renovated and continues to be a popular restaurant. The reason being - the food is GOOD. Go for some typical spanish specialties such as Paella, a chicken, seafood and rice dish that you buy to share and can never finish, get some tapas (the mushrooms are my favourite), finish with an orgasmic dessert and while drinking Sangria.

I had the poached pear with cinnamon sugar and dark chocolate for dessert.....mmmmmm.....yummy

Again, this place is rather pricey, dont expect the staff to speak Spanish, but they will take good care of you. The atmosphere in this restaurant is gorgeous, decorated in shades of red downstairs, make of wood upstairs, you are transported to another world where you can experience a taste of Spain. If you arrive and its full, dont worry, sit and have a drink at the bar while the staff come and get you if there is a free table, and ask what is the best thing to order. I can promise that you will be coming back, also, if you are lucky, you will catch some live music to go along with your dinner. I have had fun here, with people young and old, and now Im wishing I could go back.

Indulge yourself with Legends - Salud!

www.legendsspanishrestaurant.com.au

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Crust

If you are anything like me, you will constantly be busy, running around and at times, are in places where you cannot get dinner and are faced with the possibility of Maccas while you're driving. Luckily, there is a place that will get you good food, fast and at a decent price for the quality you recieve. This is Crust.

Crust is the most delicious pizza place I know of and admittedly, I have had it twice this week. Accommodating for all tastes, you can choose anything you like for you pizza, adjust any already made pizza, or make it up as you go. Also, dont worry there are Gluten Free options too - Hooray for all those Celiacs out there.

My favourite, is the Vegetarian Supreme Pizza with Meditteranean Lamb for about $21 but it is oh so good. Also, there is a chance that you will have some to take home and Crust has a funny way of keeping the crust crispy even if you save some for the next day.

There is a Crust in Belconnen and Civic, you can order online, its quick, its easy, im never going to Maccas again.

www.crust.com.au

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Into Belconnen - Bella Vista

Bella Vista really does have a "bella vista" which is "beautiful view" for those of you who cant speak Italian. I first came here in 2005 and have been going back ever since, situated on the shores of Lake Ginninderra, this Italian restaurant is one of my top picks. While a little pricey, it is nice to go to on special occasions to indulge yourself and whoever you are with. The staff here work hard, that is obvious, they accommodate for your every need, know everything on the menu right and can suggest perfect meals for your taste. Th specials board is brought over to your table for you and no matter how many people there are in this restaurant, I still feel like I have some privacy.

I specifically enjoy the seafood risotto which is divine, and I dont know if it still does, but you used to recieve a bib to go along with that so you can get through the shell of what you're eating without getting your clothes dirty. Get a bottle of wine that suits your meal - get an amazing, decadent dessert to share (or not) and enjoy what Bella Vista has to offer.

If you see the manager, she is a beautiful red head and I have never seen anyone run around in heels at that pace for so long in my life. Be nice to her - she's amazing.

www.bellavistarestaurant.com.au

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Cafe Alley

In Civic, all Canberrans know about Cafe Alley its the corner that has Gus' Cafe, Milk and Honey, Essen, My Cafe, Mill and La Scala all next to each other, now I personally have my favourite spots here for different reasons and different times of day for example:

Gus' Cafe:
Gus' has been around forever and I think will always be around. I have had some good and some bad experiences here but its convenient so I always seem to find myself going back. The family working there are very close and seem to know everyone but unfortunately, the service there is lacking. There have been many times where I have sat down for about 20 minutes without anyone realising you were there and decided to leave even though it wasnt busy. Other times, we are well treated and have a great conversation with the staff. I love Gus' for breakfast - which they do all day. But after a heavy night out on the town, we always find our way back to Gus' in the morning for a good breakfast. Im not a vegetarian but I prefer the vegetarian breakfast and there was a chorizo omlette on the specials board once which was so delicious but so huge that the 3 of us had to try and finish it. Also, banana cinnamon smoothies and mint hot chocolates are a weekly thing for a few of my friends and myself. Check out the specials board have a break and go experience this one yourself. Lack of consistency with the service lets this place down though.
http://www.guscafe.com.au/

Essen:
I love Essen, there is a girl there called Linda who is the nicest, humble, down to earth, hardworking person I know. Essen is fantastic for food, but I love it for the coffee, teas and cakes. Prices here are great too. Dont be disheartened by how the place looks because this cafe does the best hot drinks I know. If any of my friends say lets go out for cake, this is where you can find us. There is a flourless chocolate log cake and if you get it with some ice cream, best thing ever. Been back quite a few times for that one and its not nice on my waist line. There is also the cake Linda suggested, Banana Pistachio Cake warmed up a little and served with ice cream - also very very good. Thanks Linda! If you like your coffee, come here, staff are great, fast and they wont let you down

Milk and Honey:
If you are feeling a little bit more indulgent and would prefer a bit more privacy, Milk and Honey is the way to go, I personally only go there for hot drinks and desserts when Im feeling a bit classy but its a good place to go and relax. The staff are nice, the coffee is good and I will admit I quite enjoy their range in hot chocolates.
http://www.milkandhoney.net.au/

As for the other Cafes, I havent gone there yet, but now I have this blog, I think Ill have to start.

Blu Ginger Civic

I love this place, its a fantastic Indian Restaurant that I find myself constantly going back to. Let me first say, this place has the best service I have seen in Canberra yet. The staff are friendly, helpful and fast. There are so many places around that ignore you for half an hour and then resent you when you ask if you can make an order, but Blu Ginger, your staff are the best trained staff I have seen and have never had a bad experience with them.
Now, about the food, can I just say.... yummy! Many people are reluctant to try Indian food because they think its too spicy but at Blu Ginger, there are a range of flavours where you can choose how mild or hot you would like it. Personally I love the lamb Rogan Josh and the Mango Chicken and cant help but get all the sides and entrees. Ask whats on special because those gems are amazing. But be aware, Ive noticed the increase in customers since it opened and bookings may be required thursday, friday and saturday nights but it is definitely worth it.

http://www.bluginger.com.au/

Regarding prices, very decent, I possibly couldnt afford to go there every week but for the quality of the food I am more than happy to pay the bill. Its that good - go there.

NFSA - The Arc

Being a bit of a movie buff, I cant believe I only recently had the pleasure of watching a film at the National Film and Sound Archive or "The Arc" and let me just say, the place is amazing. Located over at the ANU, opposite the Martian Embassy it is a beautifully decorated building and has lately been playing the best of the 80's films. I got to go see Indiana Jones and while the film was meant to be playing in the courtyard - which would have been a fantastic, intimate, casual setting - the rain put us inside in the theatre. I have never seen a place I like more, the colours in there, the decorations are so different and comfortable that I couldnt help but constantly smile. The staff there actually seem like they want to be there, they are happy and smiling and exceptionally helpful. If you get the chance to watch a film there, or even go visit just to see, take advantage of the opportunity - this place is amazing.

P.S. There are rumours that this place was haunted because it used to be the institute of anatomy where bodies used to be dissected

http://www.nfsa.gov.au/

Introduction

Hello Canberra and welcome to my blog.

Now, having lived here all my life I would be the first to tell you that there is nothing to do in Canberra and that we constantly stuggle to find things to keep us entertained. But thats all about to change, this blog will be all about restaurants, entertainment venues and special events I have been to and can now share my experience with you.

There are all these little gems in Canberra, you just need to search for them, and I never realised until a little while how interesting Canberra can really be. So sit back, enjoy and hopefully I can give you some insight into my little town.

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