There is a lot of development to get excited about in Braddon at the moment. In particular, the re-opening of a brand spanking new Debacle in the Mode3 complex on Lonsdale street, not far from its former (now demolished) home.
This new and improved Debacle still has its signature big screen TV, well-worn couches, chalkboard art and laid-back, relaxed atmosphere – but with a much more refined edge. Everything is open, spacious and has that hip, urban warehouse feeling of being highly fashionable without even lifting a finger. The bar is easily accessible and extensive, there is enough seating to host a small army of after 5-er’s with plenty of room to spare and a cluster of shiny heating elements to warm the high-ceilinged concrete space when the chillier months set in.
The new menu is also something to feature a favourable face-lift. As a one-off novelty and out of sheer curiosity, we ordered the classic German pretzel with a side of caramel sauce from the bar snacks menu. The novel thought of nibbling at a giant pretzel in one of Canberra’s coolest new establishments was fun enough – but the taste of said pretzel was out of this world. Glossy, golden brown, sprinkled with sea salt flakes and slathered in caramel sauce – it somehow still managed to stay a savoury snack, like a gourmet salted-caramel sandwich – only much better.
If you can’t decide which tasty items to order off the tapas menu don’t despair. The mezze plate contains a sample from each listing and could easily provide 2 ravenous people plenty of sustenance to carry on. Containing tasty treats such as Aussie bush spiced calamari rings with lime Aioli, salt and cod potato croquettes with a citrus relish, crisp twice cooked pork belly, sautéed chorizo, chick-pea korma, steamed Japanese prawn dumplings and crispy fried chicken wings tossed in a house seasoning (which to die for), it would definitely be atop my must-recommend list from the evening.
With winter fast approaching, I thought it seasonally appropriate to order the comforting warmth of a rustic Beef Burgundy pot pie, and the decision was not regrettable in the slightest. A heart-warming combination of rich, mouth-melting French Stew, mashed potato, green baby peas and a flaky puff pastry lid was simple pleasure at its finest.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Debacle without perusing the ever-exciting pizza menu and this occasion certainly didn’t disappoint. We eventually decided on the newest addition to the pizza family – the Zucca. A deep pan, voluptuous base piled generously with spinach, soft roast pumpkin, sweet caramelised onion, toasted pinenuts and golden, bubbling haloumi cheese. On most occasions I tend not to be a pizza person, but Debacle’s salivating selections always manage to sway my manner accordingly.
The same hospitality, great food, amazing deals and chilled-out vibe from the old Debacle have thankfully come across to the shiny new premises. The local and international beer list is as extensive as ever and the concentrated selection of wines on offer represent the top choices for each grape preference. If you haven’t been down Lonsdale Street lately get along to check out the new developments, but make sure you stop by Debacle – even if just for a giant pretzel and beer.
