23 September 2019

Suburban Gem: five reasons to make Chisholm Bistro your local, no matter where you live

| Sophia Brady
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Chisholm Bistro has everything from steak through to healthy light options, along with traditional club classics. Photos: Sophia Brady.

Local Clubs in Canberra have long been suburban gems. They are a source of entertainment, a meal, and the backdrop for many a social gathering.

In the Tuggeranong Valley, the Vikings Group is synonymous with all those things plus a good dose of community and a love of supporting local sport. With four locations in the Southside, it has been part of the landscape for 40 years.

One of the locations, Chisholm Vikings, have recently upped their food and beverage offering; bringing on a new chef, a new look, a new menu, and a new name. As of October last year, The Champs Bistro has been replaced by the Chisholm Bistro. This included a complete overhaul of the kitchen and the offering to members and guests.

Scott Bewert, Venue Manager at Chisholm Vikings said, “I have a background as a chef, so providing good food to our community is something I feel very passionately about. Going from a contract caterer to bringing it in-house was a lot of hard work but it was a very enjoyable process to see the end result.”

“Now we are able to provide our community better value for money and represent quality food on the plate. Plus the new menu really does have something for everybody, we have steak for our hungry tradies through to a lot of healthy light options, along with traditional club classics.”

On a recent visit, we discovered five reasons to make the new Chisholm Bistro your local, no matter where you live.

Lunch Specials

$7 Sunday Roast lunch special.

Club classics from Calamari & Chips to a Schnitty.

With a $7 Sunday Roast lunch special on offer from 12 – 2 pm, it is Sunday done right. Every week there are two roast options carved fresh and hot, served with all the trimmings featuring a choice of sides and house-made sauce. Side options include a Garden Salad, Classic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Steamed Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, and Steak Cut Chips. We tried both of the roasts on offer that day, the pork and the beef, and had two separate plates piled high with homely deliciousness reminiscent of festive family dinners.

The Monday to Saturday lunch specials pack lots of value and flavour on the plate as well. From generous servings of club classics, such as the Battered Fish & Chips which was golden fried on the outside but flaky and tender on the inside. Another option is the Calamari & Chips which was so fresh, it tasted like it had come straight from the sea.

Lighter options include the Grilled Chicken & Pumpkin Salad, loaded with rocket, feta, mixed greens, french vinaigrette finished off with toasted walnuts. Or the succulent Slow-Cooked Herbed Chicken Breast which sits on a bed of greek salad and lightly spiced capsicum coulis.

Weekday Dinner Budget Busters

Tuesday is Schnitty night.

The main inspiration for Chisholm Bistro was to provide the community with quality meals at an affordable price, and the themed weekday dinner options hit that mark.

With $13.90 Pizza, Pasta, and Calzones on Monday night sure to delight every member of the family, $15.90 juicy big Burger and Beer special on a Wednesday night, and my personal pick $10.90 Schnitty on Tuesdays.

The schnitzel itself is a panko-crumbed chicken breast cooked to golden perfection. Served with a choice of sides, you can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of Steak Cut Chips, Garden Salad, and the house-made gravy.

For only a couple of dollars more on Tuesdays, you can turn the humble Schnitzel experience into a masterpiece of flavour by loading it with toppings. Available options are Hawaiian, Mexican or Meat Lover’s garnishes. The Mexican features a delectable combination of spicy guacamole, beans, and sour cream.

Super Saturdays

Two delicious house-made pizzas, garlic bread, and a jug of house beer or soft drink for $29.90!

Saturdays are for good food and good company, and Chisholm Bistro has the ultimate way to enjoy both. Grab a friend and get your fix for either lunch or dinner, of two delicious house-made pizzas, garlic bread, and a jug of house beer or soft drink for $29.90!

The pizzas all feature generous toppings and crisp bases all finished off in the beautiful wood-fired oven for that authentic Italian taste. From the traditional Margherita to Vegetarian options, all pizzas can be ordered on a gluten-free base.

We couldn’t go past the Meatlovers with a BBQ sauce base, topped with bacon, champagne ham, pepperoni, pork and fennel sausage, chorizo, and mozzarella.

Internationally trained Chef

The new head chef behind the kitchen at Chisholm Bistro, Chef Raju brings his international experience from preparing a 17-course menu at the Grand Hyatt Muscat to wowing visitors night after night at Jamala Wildlife Lodge in Canberra.

“I always had an interest in the ingredients that bring a dish together, along with a passion for cooking while growing up, so it seemed the perfect choice to become a chef,” shared Raju.

“I was very impressed with the community work that the Vikings Group do and wanted to become a member of a team that contributes in this way.”

So far, he has built a brand-new tasty menu, featuring club classics, wood-fired pizzas, wagyu beef burgers, and a 10-hour braised lamb rump which is sure to warm up the upcoming cold autumn nights.

View

Overlooking the local cricket ground and the Brindabellas, the view speaks for itself. Luckily, there are floor-to-ceiling windows to capture and enjoy it all, providing the perfect location to while away the afternoon or evening with a drink in hand and some of the delicious new menu on the table.

Chisholm Bistro is located at Chisholm Vikings, Benham Street, Chisholm. Open seven days a week, lunch 12 pm -2 pm, and dinner 6 pm – 9 pm.

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