Monthly Archives: October 2018

Baked in the morning, cooked at night

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Baked on Mort Street, Braddon

When bragels first hit Canberra we headed out to brunch on them, fascinated by this cross between a bragel and a brioche. This trademarked product was the invention of Baked on Mort Street in Braddon. The place was new. The bragel was new. And the concept of this new French patisserie was new.

Over time Baked has matured and expanded and is now an official ‘brasserie’, fully licensed and offering up exquisite dishes that are a tasty combo of the owners’ French heritage and modern Australian living.

Owners Clement Chauvin and Abel Bariller are both seasoned and award-winning operators. Abel is more or less at the helm of Baked Brasserie these days and Clement is still cooking up a storm around the corner at Les Bistronomes.

Duck French crepes with braised duck–sensational

Baked’s interior has changed a fair bit since our first visit—it’s smarter looking with fun features dotted about the place, including some sweet colourful cushions shaped like donuts (OK, they aren’t exactly bragels but they’re funky).

The menu has expanded and it’s a delish read from top to bottom. It was lunchtime and we couldn’t wait to dig in. The pork rillettes are just as fabulous as they are at Les Bistronomes when they’re on the menu. Repeat. ‘Just as fabulous’.

This dynamite duo is famous for the amazingly creamy and decadent duck liver parfait, this one created with a sensational sour cherry compote. Super yummy.

Donuts or bragels? Actually, they’re cushions.

These dishes were both from the small plates menu and were sensational so we decided to keep sharing, next moving on the melt-in-the-mouth cured Atlantic salmon, served with crunchy squid ink crackers and also ponzu, soy and sesame—with none of the flavours overpowering the salmon.

We could have chowed down all day on small plates but need to road test the large plates. Tip: do not go past the duck French crepes with braised duck, hoisin sauce, cucumber, shallots and coriander.

We wanted to leave a wee bit of room having explored the wonderful display of sweets at the front of the brasserie. We ended our Baked experience sharing a generous slice of gluten-free almond cake, which is truly a Baked specialty.  And did we mention sharing a couple of gorgeous looking tarts?

It’s fabulous that Baked is now licensed (you can also byo for $15 a bottle). Abel is a wine aficionado (actually that’s not quite true, he’s an amazing wine expert and a Knight of Cognac). The wines on the menu are quirky and super reasonably priced (we’ve spotted some in other restaurants for much more moola).

A sweet ending …

A fabulous option, if you’re in the Braddon area for brekkie, is the banquet served until noon (minimum of two people). You start with coffee or tea, croissants and jam, move to granola and then scrambled eggs on toast with bacon or cheese. You can wash it all down with juice if you’d like. The concept is super for business people who want to concentrate on meeting time and not fussing over a menu.

The bragels aren’t lost at Baked. Indeed, they’re as popular as ever during the day. Dinner is when they quietly disappear…but no matter because the line-up of options for evening dining is impressive. Once more, Baked offers small and large plates and you can indulge in a dinner-only degustation (minimum two people) for $65—a great deal for a seven-course chef menu.

Check out the desserts.

On our visit we chilled listening some cool tunes (jazz) and loved watching the world go by. We sat inside but could easily have enjoyed sitting outdoors. It’s a spacious space that enjoys the sun.

Baked is open except for Mondays. Breakfast, lunch, dinner Tuesday to Sat and breakfast and lunch Sundays. 6179 8812. 44/38 Mort Street.

Easy eating.

GOWNS AND MOVING RUNWAYS

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Sixteen metres of tulle. A creation by Megan Canning Designs. Image: Martin Ollman.

You could feel their hearts beat. The hearts, that is, of the models wearing voluminous, long gowns at FASHFEST last Friday night (19 Oct). They weren’t just wearing magnificent pieces, they were wearing them while on the long, moving escalators in the foyer of the National Gallery that formed part of the overall runway.

How tricky was it? Consider this. One gown was created with a whopping 150 metres of tulle.

Would the fabric get caught? It didn’t and the show was nothing short of majestic.

Model: Kahu Kapea from HAUS Models.

‘The nature of this event meant we simply couldn’t go out for a broad model casting as we have in some other years,’ said Andrea Hutchinson who co-founded FASHFEST and who is also the event’s Model Director. ‘We needed experienced models who could not just walk in such large gowns, but handle them gracefully on moving escalators, first going down and then going up. It was tricky, especially entering and exiting the escalators. The models had to maneouvre them without interrupting the flow of the show or getting the garments caught.’

Another graceful gown by Megan Canning Designs. Image: Doug Hall, Studio Vita

FASHFEST is ‘changing it up’ and this was its first full show at a cultural institution. The event sold out, with VIP seats going first. Even the standing room upstairs at the top of the escalator was packed with guests staring down over the models for a very different perspective indeed.

The event started with Megan Canning Designs, with the showstopper, 16-metre tulle gown. It was breathtaking watching model Kahu Kapea, from HAUS Models, manage the gown while walking to the cool tunes of zares, Canberra DJ and electronic dance producer. And it wasn’t just Kahu who had to manage massive mounds of fabric. Many other models did too.

Super model Anneliese Seubert (l) with young designer Charly Thorn, walking the finale.

Next up was the evening luxe collection by young designer Charly Thorn, with legendary model Anneliese Seubert modelling an elegant long silk dress which Charly has fondly called the ‘Anneliese Dress’. Charly designed the bold black and white pattern, called ‘stargaze’, and had it printed in Sydney. Some solid pieces in the collection were made from wool and they all popped—pinks, yellows, greens and blues.

Charly Thorn’s new collection pops with colour.

Last, but not least, appeared the collection by Hajar Gala Couture, each piece exquisitely detailed. This is true couture. It takes ages for Hajar to design, fit and make each of her luxury gowns.

Hajar Gala Couture. Image: Martin Ollman.

Pre-show, guests gathered upstairs for a ‘Quandong Paint Cocktail’, created by Archie Rose for FASHFEST and inspired by Lichtenstein’s brushstrokes. As soon as the drink is swirled, the Quandong Paint leeches into it, changing the flavor from a simple gin old fashioned into a native peachy delight.

Models gracing moving escalators–a tricky business indeed, says FASHFEST’s Andrea Hutchinson. Image: Jack Mohr.

Pre and post-show, guests were entertained by Simon Anau while getting up close to a small exhibition of gowns by the three designers, to see just how much work goes into each one.

The National Gallery of Australia was a magnificent backdrop for the first ‘change it up’ event for FASHFEST. So what’s next? Clint Hutchinson says planning is well underway for the next major FASHFEST event in December and Canberrans might just see FASHFEST pop up in-between.

For exclusive updates and special offers, sign up to FASHFEST’s newsletter: www.fashfest.com.au

The Quandong Paint Cocktail created for FASHFEST by Archie Rose. Image: Martin Ollman.

Models from Devojka Models, Victoria’s Models and HAUS Models. Hair for the event led by Craig Rhodes using Sachajuan. MUA was led by Katie Saarikko, using Harlotte Cosmetics. The FASHFEST photography team is led by Leighton Hutchinson Photography.

Couture on the catwalk

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Hajar Gala Couture. Image taken by Leighton Hutchinson Photography for FASHFEST at the NGA. Models (from left): Hellena from Devojka Models, and Emma from HAUS Models.

Ever since she was young, Hajar Gala has adored glorious gowns—elegant, beautifully designed and wonderfully crafted gowns. Today, the fashion designer is one of Australia’s most creative couturiers, running two busy ateliers for discerning women, one here in Canberra (Griffith shops) and one recently opened in Melbourne.

Hajar Gala Couture will present glorious gowns tomorrow night at the National Gallery of Australia as FASHFEST rolls out the first in a series of ‘change-it-up’ fashion events.

‘I believe that no matter how many times one redefines style, classical simplicity and charm can never be outdated,’ says Hajar, whose bespoke creations are carefully thought through from the first sketch, to the final fitting and then finishing touches.

Couturier Hajar Gala

Hajar formally trained in the French couture method at the International Fashion Academy in Europe, learning to meticulously place every stitch. ‘The traditional couture techniques emphasise design but also quality of construction,’ says Hajar. ‘The end result is a timeless treasure that holds its place in the world of luxury.’

At FASHFEST, Hajar will showcase 10 pieces, including some bridal and evening wear designs that first appeared in a collection at Paris Fashion Week (never before seen in Canberra). Models will bring the gowns to life, as they work their way down one of the massive escalators in the foyer of the NGA, and then along the runway and back up the opposite escalator.

Hajar’s gowns have also graced runways in other prestigious fashion shows internationally, including at Milan Fashion Week. Models are from Canberra’s top three agencies—Victoria’s Models, Devojka Models and HAUS Models.

One of Hajar’s creations. On location at Lake George. Image: Leighton Hutchinson Photography. Model: Courtney from HAUS Models.

‘I love the romance of the fine lines and beaded silhouettes of the 1920’s Jazz Age through to Old Hollywood glamour of the glorious 1950s,’ says Hajar, ‘and often reflect these in gowns, using only the best fabrics, all carefully sourced.’

Guests will also get up close to four other Hajar Gala Couture gowns in an exhibition FASHFEST will present tomorrow night and they can do so while sipping on special Quandong paint stroke’ cocktail, created by Archie Rose for FASHFEST and the NGA. Pieces by the two other designers in the show—Megan Cannings Designs and Charly Thorn—will also form part of the exhibition.

Hajar’s work has been extensively covered internationally, including in prestigious publications such as Collezioni Haute Couture. A shoot she did with Canberra’s Leighton Hutchinson, of Leighton Hutchinson Photography, and Courtney, from HAUS, appeared in the magazine. The shoot took place at Lake George.

Only a few seats are left for tomorrow night’s shows so snap one up if you’re keen. Standing room tickets are also available at only $35. The first show is 6.30 for a 7pm start and the second show (repeated) is 8 for an 8.30 start. http://www.fashfest.com.au/tickets

 

Feminine, elegant design

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Designer Megan Cannings (l) at the finale of her 2017 FASHFEST show. Image: Anthony Caffery.

When she was little, Megan Cannings fell in love with fashion. She dreamed of Princess Diana and how stylish she always looked. She dreamed of designing feminine and elegant pieces that would be worn on runways by models.

Megan’s dreams have come true. She’s participated in many fashion events in the past few years showcasing ‘Megan Cannings Designs’ in places like Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville. And she’s back in Canberra on 19 October to present her latest collection at FASHFEST.

Megan is no ordinary designer. She’s been sewing since she was in sixth grade but struggles to read patterns and openly admits she failed home economics. That hasn’t stopped her from creating stunning pieces, including intricate gowns that float across the catwalk.

Feminine, floaty designs. Image: Doug Hall, Studio Vita.

‘My inspiration behind this collection was spring in the country, which is always so beautiful and fresh,’ says Megan. ‘I’ve always adored flowers and so have designed these gowns in different styles, fabrics and colours to look like a spring bouquet.’

This is Megan’s third appearance at FASHFEST. Social media snaps of her debut show, taken by the event’s photography team, were spotted by organisers of Milan’s mega fashion event. At first, Megan couldn’t believe the invitation was genuine. When it sunk in she jumped for joy. The timing wasn’t right, but the invitation itself was a real boost. Megan is hoping to make it to Milan one day.

Megan pinched herself again when the invitation came to showcase at New York Fashion Week. She has just returned from the Big Apple and will be putting some of her pieces from that show into FASHFEST 2018. Next up, the designer is keeping her eye on Paris Fashion Week.

Megan Cannings Designs: FASHFEST 2016. Image: Heidi Flaherty.

At FASHFEST, being held at the National Gallery of Australia, Megan will kick off the evening—the first of three designers. Models will use the towering escalators in the foyer of the NGA as part of the runway.

‘I want my gowns to be something that women desire to wear,’ says Megan. ‘I want them to smile when they see them and be delighted when wearing them.’

Full on manufacturing is the next business priority on Megan’s agenda. And she’s working with a fashion boutique on the Gold Coast getting ready to stock some pieces there.

On 19 October, Megan’s collection will be followed by Charly Thorn’s evening luxe collection and then magnificent pieces by Hajar Gala Couture.

Snapped at FASHFEST 2016 by Wearefound.

This year, FASHFEST is changing it up, hosting a series of rolling shows in cultural institutions and buildings of historic significance. On 19 October, the same show will repeat twice. Other shows will be held in December and February and FASHFEST may even pop up in-between.

Clint Hutchinson, who co-founded the event with his wife Andrea, says the event will always evolve to hold interest. ‘Our strategy has always been to change it up every couple of years, partly to stretch ourselves in the creative space and partly to celebrate what makes Canberra such a special place,’ says Clint.

Tickets: www.fashfest.com.au/tickets

 

Think pre-loved

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Pela’Studio will sell a gorgeous range of hats by Mich Dulce

Some people shudder at the thought of shopping at second-hand markets or in op shops. They truly do shudder.

If you fall into that category, consider a shift in the way you think. Instead of ‘second hand’, think ‘pre-loved’ and see markets as an opportunity to explore, have a bit of fun and be part of the circular economy.

Cathie Wall, who runs several markets under the ‘Canberra Markets’ banner, says it’s amazing what quality items and big brand labels pop up, including Coach, Kate Spade, Anne Klein, MIMCO, Gucci and more.

‘We regularly see high fashion, and some new items even have the original tags  attached to them,’ says Cathie. ‘Many stallholders focus on selling new or quality pre-loved pieces they no longer want or wear because they’ve changed shape, style of lifestyle. It’s not about getting rid of junk.

Tomorrow, the 360 Fashion Market is a chance to see what you can uncover.

Dinu Bodiciu hats have been worn by Lady Gaga. Visit Pela’Studio for a selection

Pela’Studio will be at 360 selling new hats perfect for racing season, and at great prices. Pieces designed by two well-known milliners will be for sale, including Mich Dulce whose creations have been worn by Lady Gaga and Georgia May Jagger. Each is made from ethical Philippine raw materials with traditional European millinery techniques. Pela’Studio will also sell pieces by milliner Dinu Bodiciu. Bodiciu, from Singapore, who is listed along the top milliners in the world. Pela’Studio will also sell super stylish shoes from the likes of T&F Slack Shoemakers from London and WXY from Taiwan.

‘Some stallholders are one-time sellers at our markets,’ says Cathie. ‘They’ve decluttered and are selling fashion items to make a bit of money. Others sell as a regular hobby and some sell clothing, jewellery, shoes, bags and accessories for a living.’

Chic to Chic Boutique with a chic jacket

While many stallholders are from Canberra, others come from interstate, including Chic to Chic Boutique from Albury, who returns to the 360 Fashion Market for the second time with some super stylish pieces across many styles.

For the first time, Canberra’s That Old Dog will be at the market, having sniffed out some quality high-fashion men’s wear that doesn’t cost the Earth, including brands like Ralph Lauren and Dolce and Gabbana.

That Old Dog sniffs out the good stuff

360 Fashion Market always has  great retro and vintage fashion for men and women. Ducky Shincracker returns with  fabulous finds. Recycology returns with amazing vintage, all carefully curated. Romance Revisited has a stall for the first time.

360 Fashion Market is on this Sunday, 10 am to 3pm, The Fitters Workshop, Kingston. Free entry. Plenty of parking.

Other pre-loved markets operated by Cathie include the Canberra Fashion Market (24 Nov) and the Canberra Kids Market (17 Nov).