NFSA

I have mentioned before that I love this place. The atmosphere is fantastic, the staff everywhere love being there and will do what they can to make you comfortable AND the movies are awesome.
The Summer screenings (unfortunately now over) took place in the courtyard, all the deckchairs are lined up and you are welcomed into a casual outdoor atmosphere with a big screen in front of you.

Get there early enough and you can get one of the comfy deckchairs near the front.

We usually got there at about 7:30 and would have a drink from the bar and sit and chat as we watched it get slowly darker, watching the people roll in and getting comfortable. When it rained for Indiana Jones, we were taken into the theatre which is the nicest theatre I have ever seen and were given 2 for one passes on account of the rain. This was much more than needed to be done but much appreciated all the same. Beetlejuice was the next one I saw, which was an experience in that, I havent seen the movie since I was a child and cant remember it being that creepy, but seeing the bats flying overhead from Lake Burley Griffin and watching the film gave it an atmosphere that could never be achieved in other places. The last one we saw was a screening compliments of the American Embassy of Viva Las Vegas, which was evidence that the king still lives and proof he couldnt act but it was the most fun I had had in a long time. But if you get a chance next year and you enjoy the themes, go and check out the courtyard sessions. Be aware though, you will need to buy your tickets in advance from the Arc because they do sell out.

Before I forget, I walked into the Arc a while back to buy tickets and I saw a black and white film screening in the theatrette, I asked if I could go and see and it was ads and television reels from australian television from the 1930's till the 1960's. I sat there for a whole hour laughing at the sexist jokes that ran throughout but it was an entertaining, educational and fun thing I found by accident.

What will you find?

CBB

Gus's and Essen

I finished work early yesterday and had some time to kill so I decided to go get a bite to eat and read a book while I waited. I decided on Gus's Cafe London circuit for the herbivore breakfast (at 3pm) and a cup of tea which set me back about $20. As much as I like Gus's the service and the meal were far from impressive, my pouched eggs were overcooked and the tomatoes were undercooked. the mushrooms though, were a highlight of the entire meal. I didnt get a spoon for my tea and not once did the staff smile or seem to interested other than in their own conversation. The roadworks on London Circuit are really affecting all the stores and cafes nearby but if you are quiet, it should give the opportunity to provide a better service to the customers you do have. In all, I finished the chapter I was up to, paid and headed next door to Essen where I was greeted in a friendly manner, the girls asked what I was reading, if Id had a nice day and suggested a nice tea for me. Tea will cost you $4.90 at Essen but I get four or five cups out of it so I prefer it. Honey and hot milk for my vanilla tea and I was comfortable with my book while it rained. I was there for a few hours before I realised I had to go, but if you want a nice place to go, dont be so conventional and sit at Gus's because its what you know - go to Essen, you'll find it much more enjoyable.
You never know, you might find me there sometime.

CBB

Lighthouse Belconnen

Being born and raised in Canberra, you tend to hear the rumours about the places to avoid and the places that have caused the most trouble over the past couple of years. One such place used to be the Lighthouse in Belconnen which was appropriately nicknamed the "fighthouse"long ago. These days though, if you are looking for a nice, casual place to hang out with friends, I'd say go on a Tuesday night and join is with a steak for Tuesday night Trivia.
Because of its increasing popularity, especially among the UC students, you may need to book a table in advance, but if you're willing head down and take your chances with a usual seat by the windows. Most common meals of the night are steak with chips and your choice of gravy, mushroom, pepper or dianne sauce or schnitzel with the same options. Very much pub food but still very popular because I love to opportunity to get a very rare steak without it coming overcooked. Trivia begins at 8 and goes well into the night but with rounds from general knowledge to sports there will be something everyone can answer. (we do exceptionally well in the films, characters and TV section). Drinks aren't pricey - we get jugs and share it between whoever comes and prepare yourself for the eating competition after round 3 which will make many people very very sick. I remember one time I tried to eat 3 subway cookies faster than anyone else and I cant even smell them now without getting sick. I have also seen grown men shove hotdogs into their mouths without a slight hint of a gag reflex and last week...... a tin of sardines...
the mens were out of order for a while after that.
In all - lighthouse trivia is a fun way to spend the night, head down with some friends, see if you can win some bar vouchers, have a casual pub dinner and dont drink and drive.
If you see us, dont hesitate to come and say hi.

CBB

80 Emu Bank
Belconnen ACT 2617
(02) 6253 0390