Eager diners at The Conservatory, located in The Village Centre at The National Arboretum, are in a rare position. Firstly, they get to take advantage of one of the most spectacular views Canberra has to offer. More importantly however, this is a restaurant that pays abundant homage to its command of Canberra’s most spectacular views with its cooking philosophy, elegant service and delightful presentation.
The results are evident in an extraordinary menu, with beautifully wrought dishes like a refreshing entrée of Rare Tataki Beef, served with a crispy noodle salad and citrus dressing. The beef is meltingly tender and perfectly complimented by the sweet and smokey soy and vinegar sauce. The crispy noodles provide textural contrast and beneath, the green salad has its own surprise with some red cabbage adding a little mustard-style zing.
The mains include Spinach and Gorgonzola Ravioli for vegetarians, as well as an array of quality proteins – from seafood through to red meats. One from the specials selection is Kangaroo Fillet, crumbed with Panko and served on a beetroot puree. By including trimmed spring onion and serving this on a matt black plate, the colours are extraordinary – looking almost too beautiful to disturb with the knife.
However, you definitely should. This is an earthy dish that enforces Chef Janet Jeff’s philosophy of featuring local produce. The taste is simple yet big, addressing the grand natural panorama outside.
In delicious contrast is Spinach and Ricotta Chicken Roulade. Wrapped in crispy prosciutto and served on a sweet potato puree, it’s a dish that looks as amazing as the aroma. The chicken is wonderfully moist and the puree plays off beautifully against the depth of the spinach and prosciutto, in harmony with the creamy ricotta.
A dessert of Ginger Bavarois is a lovely way to end. The colours are delightful, with caramelised orange alongside fresh slices of blood orange. The bavarois of cream and ginger gently whipped and thickened is surprisingly light, there is a real sense of fun and adventure as the flavours and textures come together.
Wine lovers will enjoy the wine list and with every wine available by the glass, each dish can be matched with a selection from area’s best vineyards.
Whenever you are hosting out-of-towners be sure to bring them here – but don’t wait to enjoy this very special dining experience yourself. The Conservatory not only reminds us just how wonderful our city is, but takes our gaze out into a region of quality local produce.
