For years my husband and I have have bemoaned the lack of dining choices at our local shops (Chisholm). While the newly renovated take-away is fine if you just want a burger, and Chinese is pretty good too (although customers are forced to walk past the cat-calling drunken bogans at the Chisholm hotel) – there isn’t much else on offer for families seeking more exotic fare (the Zucchini Brothers doesn’t warrant mentioning).
Acquiring a decent take-away has previously involved fighting the crowds at maxed-out Erindale, but not any more! We got a bit excited when I saw the signs go up for the Fig and Olive Turkish restaurant (right next to the Supermarket), sincerely hoping that the place would be a raging success – prompting other dining establishments to follow suite. I think we’re safe, if Saturday night’s crowds are anything to go by – the place was packed to the rafters with both dining-in customers and those waiting their take-aways.
The suitably-swarthy, smartly attired (and rather handsome!) young men serving at the tables/front counter were really lovely; friendly, informed and enthusiastic – what a nice change from the usual surly Canberra service. Although they were extremely busy, the take-away turn-around time was 12 – 15 minutes – a pretty slick operation already. The prices are reasonable (we fed our family of four for under $35.00, with pide left over for Sunday lunch), the decor is modern and funky and the food was bloody delicious! The only negative is that they seem to have underestimated their own popularity and there was not enough chairs for the thronging take-away crowds to sit on. The dining area is brightly lit and informal, more like a cafe than a restaurant … so while you wouldn’t go there for a romantic meal, it is perfect for families with small kids and casual dining (there were a number of family groups there on Saturday night).
In summary, a very welcome addition to the Chisholm scene – I do hope that other businesses look to their success and set up shop in the other vacant spaces dotted around the Chisholm shops. Well done to the folks at Fig and Olive!
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