There’s something to be said for a ‘fancy’ restaurant that still feels approachable to a hands-down homebody. Photo: Morgan Kenyon.
I’m not a foodie. I tend to repeat the same simple, tasty meals at home and only eat out five or six times a year, but after this experience, I might just make the effort more often.
Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club coaxed me out with the launch of their new winter menu. The club is upscale but unpretentious – perfect for a Wednesday night otherwise written off by wet, windy weather.
Funnily enough, my first thought as I settled in by the window wasn’t about the view. That enamoured me seconds later, but what grabbed my attention right away was the music.
You can never go wrong with smooth jazz. Pair it with a (real, no batteries here) tealight candle and twinkling city lights reflecting off Lake Burley Griffin, and you’ve got one hell of an atmosphere. I could have perched up and taken in that view until close.
Clonakilla Shiraz was an easy choice and hit the spot while I waited for my guest to arrive.
We went for two courses rather than three – at $59 a head, it was very reasonably priced. Our server was back less than a minute later with sweet, spongy focaccia from Three Mills Bakery and warm share plates for our entrees.
I started with Mushroom Arancini. Oh-so-crisp risotto balls packed full of mushrooms and gooey mozzarella. I need to get my hands on a recipe for this one. They were nice and salty, with that mushroomy earthiness I love so much.
Next up was the Warm Beetroot, Pumpkin and Carrot Salad. Root veggies are a winter classic, though I usually roast them. I was a little worried a warm salad would give me the ‘ick’ … it did not. What colour and flavour!
I usually eat one thing at a time on my plate (neurodivergents will get it), but I tucked right into this one. Persian feta and creamy pistou on the bottom, a generous helping of perfectly-cooked veggies, with toasted nuts and sorrel on top. Such a pleasant surprise.
Lamb shank is the ultimate winter warmer. Honestly, I could have licked that bowl clean if I weren’t in public. Photo: Morgan Kenyon.
We decided on the Canberra Shiraz Lamb Shank and Creamy Garlic Prawn Spaghettini for mains.
The lamb shank was paired with Parisienne purée (French-style mashed potato), baby carrots and beans. The meat fell off the bone as promised, and I really enjoyed the marrow red wine sauce.
Restaurant pastas tend to leave me disappointed and feeling like I could have made the same thing at home, but not this one. The sauce was indeed creamy, and the prawns firm and fresh. Served with fresh parsley, a lemon wedge, and a generous helping of parmesan cheese.
My guest and I were stuffed at this point, but the cocktail of the week was still to come: a gin-based Rhubarb Sour.
We happened to score happy hour pricing, which offers 49 per cent off the cocktail of the week, sparkling wine by the glass, beer on tap, and soft drinks.
Rhubarb Sour has a super interesting, delicate flavour. The fruity tang was perfectly balanced by just a hint of earthiness and a soft, silky egg white layer on top. Had I not been driving, I’d have ordered another.
We ran out of room for dessert, but rest assured, that house-made apple pie with vanilla ice cream is all mine when I return. Maybe I’ll splurge and get the cheese plate as well.
As we made to leave with our bellies well and truly full, our server suggested we indulge in the club’s Weekend Winter Buffet next time. Replacing the regular menu on Saturdays and Sundays, the buffet features a range of roast meats, fresh seafood, pasta, soup, and desserts.
I’ll be sure to check it out when I next venture forth from my humble abode.
Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club is located at Lotus Bay, 1 Mariner Place, Yarralumla. They’re open from 11:30 am until 10 pm Wednesday through Sunday. The menu can be viewed here.
Original Article published by Morgan Kenyon on Region Canberra.
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