As the last tendrils of fog lift from the surface of Lake Ginninderra, the morning light peeps through the autumnal leaves of the oak trees lining the shore. This is the view that from the balcony that greets breakfast diners at Belconnen’s Ha Ha Bar.
A long-time favourite of the Northside, Ha Ha Bar is open from 7.00am (with breakfast from 8.00am commencing 22 April) until late with a fascinating range of dishes to satisfy famished punters no matter what the time of day.
With a reworked breakfast menu, there are plenty of opportunities for kicking back and relaxing in the morning air. One of the wonderful aspects is the range of refreshing juices and iced teas. Packed with anti-oxidants, they’re a great way to see off the evils of the night before.
The Cazuela Brekky is something to behold. Twice cooked kipfler fondant potato baked in a six-hour veggie stock. Topped with a poached egg and cucumber salsa this is a barrage of complex flavours that unite in a wonderfully satisfying breakfast dish. Try it with the chorizo option. It’s an absolute sensation.
For the coffee nuts, there is a range of brews from the straight-up espresso through to truly impressive options from Lonsdale Street Roasters. The cold brew is a great alternative to a typically steaming hot cup of ‘joe’, with a pure iced-coffee flavour thanks to a 21-hour brew. Go easy, though… or you may not sleep until next weekend.
For something sweet, it’s must be the French Toast (but not as you know it). If we eat with our eyes, this is a gourmet’s dream, as it’s hard to imagine the classic sweet breakfast treat looking an better than this. A trio of poached Paradise Pears sits elegantly atop a light brioche – and everything has been drizzled with Cabernet Sauvignon syrup and finished with crushed pistachios. The caramelised fig gelato is a sensation. You’ll be amazed.
The bright colours of the interior match perfectly with the bright, natural setting on the balcony. Accents of yellow highlight the dining room, with pretty and delicate wall art and scatterings of pattering plants enhance the fresh and organic feel.
There’s plenty available for lunch as well, with Wild Rabbit Terrrine, Haloumi and Quinoa Salad and the classic Fish and Chips all decorating the fun and cheeky menu. With a fantastic wine list, inventive cocktails and plenty of delicious beers, it’s proof that any time is the perfect time for stopping in at Ha Ha Bar.
