Eighteen Months On

6 July 2021 - 11am. The USA Government has not reached its planned c19 related vaccination targets set by President Biden. On the 245 th anniversary of its founding, Stateside had undergone a tumultous year of continued racial divisions, a widespread Coronavirus affliction, political drama and reaffirmed some values and approaches in how it interacts with the rest of the world. Australia as a Federation has reached its 120th year.  Most of its population resides in its south-eastern corner.  The continental island can be as wide as mainland USA, but only has 7.8 percent of the American population. Vaccination, rightly or wrongly, has been emphasised by both Governments to manage the never ending spread of c19.  Canberra is however way behind its vaccination targets and continues to offer an ever changing scenario in this space. Sydney still grapples with a resurgence in c19 local transmission infections.  Although relatively small in numbers, this new outbreak starting at Bondi is said to be dealing with a more infectious mutant strain. The public may not have been fully informed about the severity, or lack of severity, of symptoms of those who tested positive with mostly the Delta strain, although a few hospitalisations or ICU admissions have occured amongst the so far accumulated 330 identified cases in Greater Sydney since 16 June. Melbourne and regional Victoria managed to come out from its fourth c19 related lockdown in June, after a leakage from a returned overseas passenger who was infected in an Adelaide quarantine hotel. By the middle of 2021, Australia has had its international borders mainly closed for around 16 months. In the same period, the character of the Commonwealth has been underlined by the lack of available workers for low paid jobs across several fronts, the shutting out of international students, the intensity of disagreements between state governments and Canberra, the best agricultural output yet in as many years and the smashing of conventions about inner city life. As many as perhaps a third of the workers at the Summitcare Aged Care facility in the north western Sydney suburb of Baulkham Hills were reported as not yet been vaccinated. The focus on this matter came about after five aged care residents at this facility were tested positive with Delta after being infected originally by a staff member. Is there vaccination  hesitancy amongst aged care sector workers, due to lack of confidence in the only available two brands -  or is it more of the risks of personal loss of earnings if they suffer post vaccination side effects?   There is also a real fear by employers at aged care facilities in Australia that they may find a drought in staff availability, if they are all required to be vaccinated.  This can be a chicken and egg scenario that illustrates the bungled roll out of c19 vaccines in Australia, despite the Canberra bubble and state governments touting vaccinations as the manna from heaven in this presumed epidemic. Canberra has so far stumbled on implementation, revised opinions and continued their mixed messaging in this vaccination process for the public.   Their other key tasks in this age of c19 has been to manage our international borders,  help the states quarantine the continuing flow of overseas arrivals at capital city airports and have its medical bureaucrats make pronouncements on how to handle c19. Governments of the Australian states and territories, in varying behaviour, have shown how aggressively independent they can be.  This may not be a negative development, especially in their dealings with Canberra.  Observers can note the divisions arising from political party alignments; the different risk tolerance taken in public health management ( reflect on the different appraches, say between Western Australia and NSW); the frequent use of state border closures, with little time notifications given; and the outcomes for states and territories, bearing the brunt and consequences of poor logistics, lack of attention to detail and many broad and generalised announcements from Canberra. NSW has always had the state government being very consistent in one particular restriction, when any c19 cluster hits Sydney - no singing, no dancing.  At times, outsiders can mistakenly  perceive NSW as one mass school of the performing arts.  Policy changes  by the NSW State Government, since March 2020, have otherwise varied on the usefulness of wearing face masks, the inclusion or exclusion of areas outside Sydney proper as " Greater Sydney", the timing of introducing lockdowns and providing various details or omitted information about daily confirmed positives. Where NSW has been perhaps the most liberal in the current Sydney lockdown, compared to other states,  experts have pointed out the absence of a ceiling in km for travel restriction; the variety of retail outlets that can still open during a so called lockdown; the requirement of face masking only indoors; and  the lack of better controls on vulnerable sectors like medical hubs, aged care homes and shopping clusters. And the children!   This demographic has been paid least attention, until the recent focus on pushing more extensive vaccination rates throughout communities.  Will this help achieve the supposed benefits of reaching herd immunity, or is there another unspoken agenda?  Schools in the Bondi area have reported Delta infections in children. The lack of compliance with common sense social distancing can be a distinct feature of human behaviour in Sydney, since the Bondi cluster was reported on 16 June.  The love of the outdoors by fellow Aussies, on the other hand,can be a good habit in reducing the risks of catching c19, as proper ventilation always helps. Ventilation can be reduced in flow and quality inside crowded indoor venues.  Delta case infections have been confirmed from parties in inner city Waterloo and suburban West Hoxton, having  a meal in Paddington  and taking a domestic flight from the Gold Coast to Sydney. The current Delta strain pattern of infection cases can seem to be deja vu for Sydney - overseas arrivals as the source, household contact cases, workers unintentionally affecting hospitals and aged care homes, infection clusters are detected at work places, people getting infected eating at indoor venues and infectees with no symptoms allowed to travel far from home. There can be increasing reluctance to affect the economy after so many months of c19. A lockdown does not only curtail physical movement for individuals, but it also can negatively affect turnover in sales and revenues for business models still using physical stores. The NSW state Government seems to rely on ever changing daily case numbers to make decisions.  These can range from infections picked up from testing,  a listing of exposure spots, active cases remaining, number of cases linked, number of infectees moving about in the community while still being infectious and number of new reported cases who have already been isolating at home, etc. Covid  has been more than a field day for statisticians!  To me, perhaps the most significant to watch for is the growth or reduction in the list of exposure sites. This tells me whether the Delta is still moving ahead of historical contact tracing. #yongkevthoughts

ONA Coffee House Fishwyck Canberra

Seated just outside ONA, five of us.   it was a comfortable morning for inland Canberra.   The road was just down this parking ramp and the shops are rather light industrial, but what a difference how one well run place can make.....especially a world competitive winner in the coffee stakes - some examples are the 2016 win by barista Hugh Kelly of ONA at the Australian Barista Championships and ONA founder Sasa Sestic winning both the Australian Barista Championship and the World Barista Champion in 2015.




Pulled slow roast beef in a croquet?  Wait, there was more....Salsa Verde, a Latin twist on fried egg and sprinkled with Cheddar Cheese.  It is as if the son from the ranch had brought home a pretty woman with a Spanish background. 
  

I wanted something lighter, particularly after the wholesome dinner the evening before.  And there it was, saying to me, "Take me, take me!".   White Anchovies on sourdough - they sound simplistic, but that morning it combined fulfilling my hopes of and  my missing the garnish from Southern Europe and adopted in south-east Asia.   What did it taste like, this potentially savoury saltish spread on hipster bread?


To me, it was texture on the palate.  The soft cushion of poached egg, enhanced by the anchovies, rested on dough with an air and a bite.   Instinctively I harked for the chilli Sambal to be part of this experience, but it was only a passing - but delightful -  thought. Never mind. 


Whilst most cafes have the Aussie Big Breakfast, here you can try the ONA Big Roll.    A pair of fried eggs and double rashers lay the foundation, with rocket, Aioli, tomato chutney and smoky BBQ sauce adding to the outcome.    We were on the cusp of lunch time but not quite - late breakky but not yet brunch!   If you are there later, try the Barramundi Larb, a salad like dish with Nuoc Mam dressing, peanuts and mixed greens; or the confit Chicken leg.   Nuoc Mam Cham is made from fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, cloves, chilli and lime juice).

And don't forget the cuppa.  If you are feeling adventurous, do check out the Ginga Ninja, which despite the name does have high levels of  cafeinne furtively waiting for you, in this combination of ginger and Cascara ( or tea from the dried skins of coffee cherry).

Ona Coffee House visited is located at  the Roastery sited at 68 Wollongong Street, Fishwyck, Canberra Australian Capital Territory.  Barista courses are conducted here as well.
Opening hours are from 730am to 230pm every day.
Contact +61 2 6162 
Ona has other ACT outlets in the Cupping Room in New Acton and on the Lawns in Manuka. 
Ona coffee is from the green bean trading company, Project Origin.



Click on:

https://kindlyyours.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/ona-coffee-manuka-canberra.html






 

Belluci's Italian Woden Canberra

Having being around for 20 years, operating in the political and academic capital of Australia,  Belucci's has been a main stay of southern European dining.    It opened its second restaurant in Woden several years ago and I had the privilege of being taken there.


It was a Saturday evening and the suburbs of Canberra are not the noisy hubs of night life that one encounters elsewhere in other capital cities like Melbourne and Sydney.   I rather enjoyed the quiet charm outside as an alternative, with easier vehicle parking but with a rather boisterous atmosphere once we stepped inside the place.   We were given a relatively private table on the side.


Immediately I loved the building that house the restaurant, standing tall over the darkness of the evening.   The lay out inside had a centrepiece of a welcoming counter and yet had a more captivating kitchen space at the back.    The staff took initiative to make suggestions, that was a good sign.  

For starters, my eye caught the listing of the crispy skinned pork belly garnished by Vincotto and apple slaw.   The slow brew and reduction of non-fermented grape in making VIncotto  results in caramelised sugars and a cooked wine with more concentrated flavours.


The mushroom Arancini has cauliflower puree and Parmesan shavings to help enhance the overall bite.   This snack of a Risotto had moved through the years from humble beginnings in Italy to be an elegant, grown up speciality.

A combination starter platter.

Meat roast and potatoes.

Staff service was attentive and friendly , even if it was a busy night with tables spread out over a rather large dining area.    I enjoyed the mains of the Marinara, provided with luscious chilli garlic, more than hints of the ocean and well stirred with al dente pasta.


It had been a wonderful catch up with new and known friends, who had come from far and near to gather at our table.    We opted out of a cheese platter but covered seafood, produce from the range, dessert, breads and a selection from the vineyards.   

Spaghetti Alla Marinara.

Zabaglione is whisked up from Sicilian Marsala,  castor sugar, white wine  and egg yolks.   The custard like outcome added a special touch to the Tiramisu served, together with the Mascarpone , trifle,  liquor and coffee, the serving brought to us was topped with chocolate shards.    My other fav to wind up dining for the night is the French vanilla bean creme Brulee served with almond Biscotti.

Belluci's Italian visited is  located at the corner of Launceston and Irving Streets in Woden, Canberra.  There is another restaurant outlet in Manuka.
Opening hours are from12noon to 230pm for lunch every day; for dinner on Saturdays from 530pm till late; and from Sundays to Fridays from 6pm till late.
Contact  +612 6282 1700

Canberra Revisited - Spring Time

Are there only two good times a year to be in Canberra, March and September?  If this is true,  here are my latest reflections on this inland city that is the capital of Australia.   Apart from the museums and Government related sites or institutions to visit, Canberra is also a place to get fit, soak in the fresh air and enjoy the views.  If you are a foreign diplomat or Federal Government officer, then you do call this valley home.  The big lights and crowds of other cities are far away and you can huddle and embrace this unique experience - or soak in a research or academic atmosphere of the universities.  Generally Canberra is a great homely place to bring up families - and then send the children to the so-called big and bad world outside.  They then return as adventurers, achievers, experienced brothers or sisters - and re-seek comfort in the broad avenues, quiet resilience and cocktail parties of what is always a home town.

A pair of lovers not the foreshores of Lake Burley Griffith, near the National Carillon.

Commitment made amidst the tulip blooms.

Magic and wonder from an earlier age.

A bird soars at the Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes.

Dobinson's Big Breakfast, Canberra Centre

View of Captain Cook Jet and Telecoms Tower on Black Mountain in the background -view through the willows.

Outdoors is best when the sun is benign and shining.

The double decker bus is an excellent idea.

Charlie Black - Manuka, Canberra

The bar where it counts - refreshingly different.

Uniquely hidden away in a corner, beside the cinema in Manuka, across the road from apparently where the main action is, lies a lifestyle pub that tries to be different. Sure, there are the wooden tables outdoors that seem to herald another common pub, but once we get inside, the walls are adorned, different types of seating are offered and then there is the bar counter. With a marble top, staffed by twenty something of age staff and decorated in a way that no one can miss, I reckon this counter is meant to be the centre of attention. Are we in South America? The side murals portray sultry dark skinned women, the lighting is low and there are a few sports screens -  was trying hard to appreciate and understand the common thread of a theme going around the various corners of the venue, some lit, others darkened.May be Charlie Black's wants to surprise - and then makes us relax in the unusual.

Lamb cutlets with cous cous and mash.




My eye caught the availability of mango flavoured cider on tap, a delightful option. Canberra is surrounded by diary and farm country and I subconsciously wanted to try some dish from the land. Oh yes, in true blue Aussie tradition, it had to be lamb.  Pub style, the buzzer whizzed loudly on the table and the food went out through a window from the kitchen.  There was laughter and sounds of merriment from the nearby tables.  It was only early evening and it was not that cold for Canberra standards. I found the cous cous well made, with a Moroccan flavour, to accompany the juicy lamb cutlets.  I am told that Charlie Black's specialise in tapas and burgers, with their sweet potato chips a hit any time of day or night.  Finally I connected the wall murals with the food - Mexican, casual and with things like peppers, calamari and pear with walnut salad.  It was easy then to move on to the several types of Margaritas served - passionfruit, pineapple or mango - or the coladas.

Lonsdale Street Roasters - Braddon, Canberra

It is easy to locate in Braddon. If you are driving along Northbourne Avenue, the main thoroughfare in
and out of Canberra, turn into either Elouera or Cooyong Streets and head for Lonsdale Street. The section that also boasts the Elk and the Pea also hosts an unassuming, Melbourne styled cafe that drew in the crowds as early as 8am on a holiday Easter Monday. The relatively nippy air may have enhanced the flavour  and aroma of the brew but I reckon it is the easy and informal atmosphere created here as well that proves irresistible. The bricks remain neglected and  the seats are quickly occupied but nobody is bothered about such things, as all are intent to sip  and enjoy not just coffee, but to soak in the experience.

Cyclists, early morning risers, women's groups, couples, twenty somethings - they all gathered and waited patiently in front of the sole window counter.  The menu is simple enough with not too many choices but it is the coffee packs that stand out calling us to take them home! Staff stand whilst they work, whether the baristas or those handling the food. I could sense this is an institution. The other icon of Canberra coffee I could think of at 11 degrees Celsius this morning was the Ona from Manuka.

The coffee provides different sensations from Campos in Sydney, Ka-Fe in Wollongong or those found along Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne.  My cup is served after I hear my name called out and a smiling and cheerful young lady brings it over. There is no internal seating, everyone is placed  all over the wide pavement area. What happens when it rains?  I chose the panini with leg ham, mozzarella cheese and mustard (photo below), which was sufficiently light to provide a contrast with the thick, creamy and pleasantly presented cuppa in front of me.

The choc topping over my cappuccino takes my breath away - and then I await for more.  I forget about the cares of the world and realise that this is one moment I work for. I am not going to be distracted about this brew creation. My first impressions are that this is a heavy blend and yet so tasty on the palate.  There is little bitterness and more full gulps of a nutty undertone.  Just what I prefer! A good looking woman in the queue has a toy dog and boyfriend accompanying her.  The customers are all dressed up against the morning cold but the cafe staff seem to be geared for perpetual summer.

Canberra - National Gallery of Australia

The Urban Pantry - Manuka, Canberra

Egg Benedict, perhaps the smallest serve I have experienced, with only several pieces of leg ham bits and a small slice of Sonoma sourdough. A Friday morning in February 2013.

It is a dinner, brunch, lunch and breakfast place that will do well in any trendy setting.  It carefully describes and offers its produce as organic and fresh.  It provides options as gluten free and free range.  The Urban Pantry has quick acting staff and customers were so relaxed on the morning I had walked over from the Rydges Capital.   There were several similar places open that early morning, but this one was the most busy.  I had a breakfast smoothie in a tall glass (AUD8) and the Eggs Benedict shown above.  I did consider the buttermilk pancakes, but I was bothered with the infused mascaporne so early in the day. The smoothie was made from oats, honey, bananas, almonds and berries, all blended with milk.

The proximity of the Urban Pantry to the Australian Parliament may underlie its understated importance of a place where networking, intrigue and dealing may take place. Up front, it was a lively gathering hole for a variety of demographics, ranging from women friends, couples, office types, retirees and families.

Urban Pantry's stated philosophy is to provide a warm space for customers and to serve with knowledge and finesse. They do take extra attention with the earthy decor and rustic accessories. However, the tables are unavoidably small to make more effective use of the nature of the venue.  Urban Pantry does come out with unique choices like a braised duck leg risotto, garnished by orange butter and sugar snap peas.  They are strong on the meat table with suggestions like veal medallions, fennel salted pork tenderloins, herb crusted lamb rump and the roast duck breast forming a bed below pearled barley and pecans with a pomegranate dressing.  There are different surcharges to a guest's bill between Sundays (open till 2pm only) and public holidays.

Situated at one strategic corner of the Lawns in Manuka,  it can be crowded inside but offers options of el fresco seating on the corridors outside.

Other breakfast items that caught my eye served at other tables were the sweet corn and zucchini fritters served on toast and graced by bocconcini, spinach, basil and cherry tomatoes.  Apart from modern Australian, there are hints of Mediterranean fare available - for example for lunchtime, there is a burger accompanied with green pea falafel, quinoa tabbouleh and tahini yogurt; and for both lunch and dinner, the pappardelle with king prawns, zucchini ribbons, chill, lemon and mint.   Dessert delights include traditional Dutch dumplings and the coconut rice pudding, enhanced with passion fruit syrup and mango sorbet.  The store also offers a wide variety of oils, antipasti, preserves, whilst also embracing its own coffee blends.

Ona Coffee - Manuka, Canberra

Serbian born Sasa Sestic not only has a torrid affair with coffee,  but also enjoyed the game of hand ball and loved chocolates. Ona Saw outlet had its beginnings in Manuka itself in the Australian Capital Territory. This started with chocolates but then coffee was selling better.  In 2007, Sasa began seriously going into the art of coffee bean roasting, with two mates, Aaron Howman and Angus Mackie.  It is said the guys from the start longed to - and did -  produce niche and unique coffee. And so the story of Ona began.  They source their single origin and blended  beans from places as diverse as Malawi, Costa Rica and Italy.  Today, Ona not only brews, but offers barista sessions, holds community gatherings, whips up cafe food, organises coffee themed events and sells related hardware and accessories.

The deep passion shown by Sasa translates into the coffee served at the Manuka cafe. Here, crowds already gathered on the early Friday morning I visited the place. There is an air of positive intensity as the baristas concentrate on their craft, whilst customers willingly abide and quietly soak in the ritual. There are expectations.  There is a focus on business, yet also the carrying out of a craft.  There is a flow and momentum behind the coffee machine.

Ona also has branches in the Jindabyne /Perisher area and Newcastle in NSW, whilst in Queensland, you can  find an outlet in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.  Interesting enough, they have come up with a decaffeinated premium product for sale, together with several others which can be found in store and on line.  The site in the Lawns in Manuka may seem compact, but there is a vibrancy found from the product - strength, flavour and texture of the coffee beans used - and the service delivery, with  a village feel.

Would I return? A definite yes, I reckon this is the best coffee I have had in Canberra. This a must visit for anyone then going to explore further the delights of Manuka - the church, the cinema and an orderly  neighbourhood - before choosing a place for lunch time. Maybe the Ona Coffee Cafe again!

Canberra to Sydney - Dash 4 800 - Vistas from a Window

Taking off from Canberra Airport on a sunny Friday afternoon - order and simplicity at this air terminal.

Approaching Botany Bay (above) and then the Dash makes a curved route to make a landing at Sydney runways from the ocean side (below).  The southern Sydney shire of Sutherland is laid out below , together with the entrance to the King Georges River, a main artery of Australia's largest metropolitan region.  Sydney Airport, Kingsford-Smith with the international,  domestic and airline cargo terminals, is sited rather close to the city centre and its iconic Harbour Bridge.  In 2010, this airport handled 36 million passengers.  It has strict aircraft curfew restrictions in place since 1995, and also has a cap of 80 aircraft landing at any one time, perhaps causing the infamous delays on Friday evenings with aircraft having to go through a waiting pattern over the Blue Mountains or the Canberra region before they are authorised to land.

Above and below, the Dash flies over the Royal National Park, a bush reserve that separates southern Sydney from Wollongong and the start of the NSW South Coast.  The RNP was the first Government declared reserve in Australia, modelled on and inspired by the preservation of the Yellowstone National Park by the US Congress.

It is always impressive to see Sydney, whether from a passenger ship or from an aircraft, so it is good to have a window seat. Something about the ocean and the coastal landscape combine to have this exhilarating effect on passengers as the craft swoops in close to land, whether by night or in the daytime.  The Dash provided  a more personal and close up perspective of this experience.

Sydney to Canberra - Dash 4 800 - Vistas from a Window

Take off over the Sutherland Shire in the south eastern parts of the greater Sydney region, New South Wales.

Inland from the Wollongong coast, the aircraft does not go up much higher.

Over the Goulburn Valley, the Dash is already preparing to descend and the cabin crew are sent scurrying clearing up after already served drinks and snacks.

Skirting over pastures, the shadow of the Dash can be seen in the foreground, as aircraft wheels already detract and poise to land.

The Dash approaches Canberra Airport - it can be a vibrant ride, with the vibes of vibrating turbo propellers, and yet at the same time, cosy, as the plane only seats around 80 passengers.  You can embark from the front or back - and like riding in a  manually driven car, always feel close to the craft, engine and all.