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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