Australia’s best kept foodie secret – Canberra.
There is no denying that Canberra is currently trending on the food scene, and in a recent visit to the nation’s capital I happened upon a very exciting realisation. All the places I stopped in for breakfast, brunch or a late lunch had one thing in common, besides adorable names, they all promoted clean, fresh and organic eating.
Realm Park, Barton
Maple + Clove is synonymous with wholefoods. I’ll be honest, you don’t get far down the menu after seeing savoury waffles with salmon and broccoli. Broccoli happens to be one of my very favourite vegetables but I had never considered slicing it thinly, lightly dressing and pairing it with avocado, salmon and eggs. Turns out it totally works.
Whilst waffles sounds naughty, this meal is anything but. Packed full of protein, this breakfast will be sure to fuel you for the entire day. After travelling further down the menu you’ll discover such delights as the Portobello Mushroom Burger ($18), a Free Range Egg White Omelette, with asparagus, zucchini and trout ($19.50) or the Brekky Salad with avocado, kimchi and a slow cooked egg ($19).
And for those coffee aficionados, stopping at just one Reuben Hills coffee is impossible, but to feel better about it, why not join the Maple + Clove Runners Group heading off every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15am, followed by a nourishing breakfast at the Realm Precinct.
Kingston Foreshore, Kingston
It’s Sunday, its overcast, and you’re down by the beautiful Kingston foreshore. If there was anytime to treat yourself this would be it. Local Press promotes organic, natural foods and even the naughtiest thing on their breakfast menu (French Toast) demonstrates this is indeed clean eating at its most enjoyable.
The French Toast with dark chocolate soil, seasonal fruit and a tangy berry compote ($18) is undeniably the most enjoyable meal of the weekend, and I’m sure you’ll agree the most instagram-worthy. It is hard however to go past the Green Pea Pancake with poached eggs and chilli jam ($21) or the Baked Chilli Con Carne with poached eggs, guac and jalapeños ($21).
Across the breakfast and lunch menus there is only 3 items that are not vegetarian, with a lot of items also gluten free and a couple of vegan options. One of Local Press’ Cold Press Juices is worth the trip in itself, perfect to take a couple home with you also. On a weekend morning you may find yourself waiting up to 15 mins for a table, but everyone seems happy to do so, and it is well worth the wait.
Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Lonsdale Street has to be my favourite street in Canberra. Brimming with the cutest cafes, homeware nooks and the best in boutique fashion, it is easily a pavement you could pound all day. And once you need that mid-shopping pick-me-up I suggest heading to vegan hot spot Sweet Bones.
Even those who aren’t vegan can appreciate a good coffee and wholesome no-frills food. All Day Breakfast, Light Meals, Burgers and Salads each sounding more delicious than the next.
When you are desperately needing that kick of energy, stop by for a smoothie. The list is long but the list of add ons longer. Including; chlorophyll, garlic, flax seed oil and maca powder. Tailor your smoothie to meet your own health requirements or simply leave it in the hands of the professionals.
The ‘South of the Border’ part of the menu has to be the most intriguing. Nacho Mountain ($16), Southwest Burger with a brown rice patty loaded with chipotle and veggies ($16) and the Buddha Bowl ($15) full of greens, quinoa and marinated tofu chunks, all sounding delectable. Vegan or not you will leave Sweet Bones feeling satisfied.
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