The worlds of food and design are more intertwined than you might first think. From the plate, to the table, to the layout of the restaurant, every element combines to make a meal memorable.
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DESIGN Canberra, which celebrates all things design in the national capital's DNA, embraces this with a special food program throughout the festival, which runs until November 24.
The highlight is Eat, Drink, DESIGN Canberra, a dinner like no other, curated for, by and about lovers of design and food.
Last year's inaugural dinner at Aubergine was a sell-out and this year the event moves to Midnight Hotel in Braddon.
Guests will enjoy a movable feast of the freshest local produce, fine wines, and excellent company among the team of designers, artists, producers and makers who have helped to create the new architectural and moody hotel.
Guests will arrive to signature cocktails in the central atrium and discover the secrets of the Midnight design with pioneering architect David Sutherland, director of Fender Katsalidis. There will also be appearances from local industrial designer Rene Linssen and artist Thomas Bucich about their involvement.
Executive chef Andrew Morrow says the menu has been developed with several key mindsets.
"The first is to use artisan crafted products and ingredients that reflect nature's design in an all-natural way," he said.
"We will be working with Steve Feletti of Moonlight Flat oysters to showcase produce his produce alongside his newest vintage of Picpoul Blanc. We will also be working with Eugowra game birds, growers of full free range, antibiotic free and dry processed game birds. The Pines Dairy in Kiama produce small batch, artisan cheeses and gelatos, which we'll showcase, and our various fisherman on the south coast will provide fresh fish, hours from just being caught."
Mr Morrow said seasonality was also important with new season artichokes, carrots and lovage incorporated into the menu alongside strawberries, peas and sunflower shoots.
"The final mindset was design itself, allowing the natural curves, edges and shapes of nature to direct our presentation. Maintaining the integrity of the vegetables and products where relevant and shape our flavours around the natural forms to create bespoke, beautiful plates of food."
November 18, tickets are $180pp. More details and bookings at designcanberrafestival.com.au/
Other food and wine events throughout the festival include: Sunday Sessions each Sunday afternoon from 2pm at various locations around Canberra; City Sessions in Civic Square, with live music each Thursday and Friday evening from 4.30pm; and the Saturday Design Bar in the Canberra Centre, open each Saturday from noon until 3pm.
