Canberra, The Forage is here

words by annie brown

One of the best things about winter is undoubtedly the food offerings.

When it’s barely past freezing point (or feels that way) and pitch black on your commute to and from work, we can be comforted by the idea that on the other side we can reward ourselves with warm, comforting, carb-laden and let’s be frank, rather indulgent meals.

Because hey, underneath that oversized coat and those stretchy pants, no-one can really tell what’s going on and anyway, we have at least four months before we’ll have to bare any skin.

Embrace it, I say- it is hibernation season after all (come springtime I will regret these choices but that’s a future me problem).

So… back to the food. Considering all of the above, winter really is the perfect time for a festival for all those Canberran foodies out there and it just so happens that all our culinary wishes are coming true with The Forage once again popping up in Barton this Saturday, July 1.

Held on the grounds of the Little National Hotel from 2pm-7pm, The Forage is a celebration of the region’s food and wine offerings, with a distinct winter twist.

The food festival will house a collection of local food trucks, cafes, restaurants, wineries, breweries including crowd favourites Kusina, Lazy Su, Pialligo Estate, Three Mills Bakery, Mr Papa and Bombolini.

Sip on mulled wine as you listen to live music on the hay bale seating scattered around the grounds or indulge in a chilli and chocolate brew from BentSpoke brewery, a collaborative creation made especially for the festival.

We know where we’ll be this Saturday (lurking in the carpark at 1.50pm sharp).

Hot tip: Leave the tight, button-up jeans at home. A loose-waisted ensemble will serve you well. Schedule nap time post-event and if you fancy a bombolini doughnut, get in early.