Spring menu arrives at First Edition. Photo: Branka Prodanovic
You may have recently noticed that Canberra is becoming more vibrant in colour as the seasonal bloom slowly makes its way across the city. Roadsides lined with trees are suddenly fuller with pops of red, yellow, purple and green, and even the tulips have arrived in town thanks to Floriade.
To celebrate this change in season, First Edition Bar and Dining at the Novotel in Canberra have launched a brand new spring menu and it’s definitely a flavour-friendly one.
The menu aims to complement a variety of well-known spring-time ventures in Canberra including Floriade, with a particular focus on utilising local produce to become Canberra’s premiere dining venue.
Packed with seasonal fruits and vegetables that add that burst of colour reminiscent of the season outside, the spring menu includes a variety of dishes to satisfy the cravings of any Canberran or visiting guest. From chicken and prawn wontons to a ‘wild rocket’ salad, and a hearty vegetarian lasagna lined with mushroom ragù and a creamy béchamel sauce.
There is even an eight-hour lamb shoulder within the selection which has been described as a ‘melt in your mouth’ dish.
The menu has been designed and developed by the creative mind of Jennie Tessler who has been the Executive Chef at First Edition Bar and Dining for the last three years. Jennie’s experience in food and her passion for local produce is reflected in the little details the spring selection has to offer including the use of orange blossom, mountain pepper, stone fruit, and berries across the range of savoury and sweet offerings.
For those looking for veggie-friendly, gluten-free, or even dairy-free options, the menu is quite miniature but does nonetheless offer something for everyone. The apple crumble, for instance, is a dessert must-have that combines the sweetness of apples with a smacking spice that hits the tongue instantly, thanks to the use of raw cinnamon. This delicious creation also comes with a side of dairy-free vanilla flavoured ice-cream that is both icy and creamy!
First Edition’s Apple Crumble is a crowd-pleaser Photo: Branka Prodanovic
Other dessert choices carry the theme of First Edition’s previous Asian-inspired dishes. Noteworthy on the spring menu is the Love is in the Air baked rosewater cheesecake with crushed red velvet, white chocolate ganache, and crystallised petals. This decadent piece of deliciousness is a modern Aussie twist on the traditional Japanese cheesecake.
Part of the amusement in dining at First Edition in Canberra is also the ‘curated menu of spirits and specially crafted cocktails’ on offer. Made from the finest seasonal ingredients, the selection of drinks pays homage to local distilleries and tap houses, including the exclusive and classic local gin from The Canberra Distillery. Gin flavours cover anything from cinnamon to lavender, depending on whether you’re seeking something sweet, edgy, or basic with a hint of spring.
First Edition’s gin flavours range from cinnamon to lavender. Photo: Branka Prodanovic
First Edition Bar and Dining is located on Level 1 of the Novotel Hotel on Northbourne Avenue. The dining space is open for a buffet breakfast from 6:30 am -9:30 am Monday to Friday and 6:30 am-10:30 am Saturday and Sunday. All-day dining starts from 11 am with dinner from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm daily.
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