Last Saturday, OutInCanberra’s Taste It Festival 2013 launched with a fantastic little gig down at Playground in Garema Place. It’s hard to imagine a better day to kick off a celebration of Canberra dining. The sun was shining (yet to be overcome by smoke from the unfortunate north), barely a breeze tickled the leaves and the sounds of Ashley Feraude filled the open – almost alfresco – venue.

However, that was not the total reason for visiting Playground for lunch on a Saturday. While their recent lunchtime offerings have received a great response, Playground’s Playtime event was a fantastic opportunity to sample a broad range of mini-delights from their menu, matched with similarly-sized drinks form their cocktail list. We had five courses to work through, from which there were many highlights.

If the weather had a flavour, it would have been similar to the meal’s starting dish of Salt & Pepper Squid (with a delicious red pepper coulis) matched with white sangria. It seemed to make the sun shine more brightly and the birds sing a little more loudly. Suddenly the mood was soaring (or perhaps it was the tequila). Life was good.

Another course that grabbed everyone’s attention was the Deep-fried Lasagna. This little morsel has the entire table talking, wondering how you could possibly serve a snack sized version of the traditional winter-warmer – especially a version that arrives crumbed. In the end, all speculation ended with the arrival of a collection perfectly fried morsels, which, after a quick dip in the rich and spicy tomato ‘fireball’.

All-in-all, it was great work by the Playground crew. Chef Heather Thompson did a great job of treating us to the new flavours you’ll discover throughout the summer season at one of Canberra’s favourite hangouts. With host and owner Nino Arena working the tables, and Ashley Feraude continuing to deliver fabulously smooth tunes in his inimitable way, there was simply every reason to have a wonderful afternoon.

Taste It Festival 2013 was off to a remarkable start! Don’t miss out on another great opportunity to sample the city’s flavours!

Click here to read more about Playground

Click here for more details on events throughout Taste It Festival 2013