What makes our city truly unique?  Thanks to HerCanberra, The Poachers Way and Rolfe Classic BMW,  the ACT’s My Kitchen Rules contestants, Andrew and Emelia discovered the answer last weekend when they toured the ACT and surrounding countryside experiencing the Fireside Festival in the all new BMW X4. Andrew takes up the story…

So, what is the Fireside Festival?

A month-long celebration of winter in Canberra, and all those great little places you’ve heard about but never been. It showcases the food, wine and accommodation destinations at our doorstep, and after this weekend’s experiences we realised the undisputed truth: what we have here in the ACT is world-class.

The BMW

Now, I must confess I was initially sceptical about driving the BMW X4 as I never thought BMWs were my style. However, I must admit to feeling a little more than a sliver of excitement on the morning we picked it up. What was the driving experience like and would I come around?

[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i1-_f1ibIac/U-0boty9LNI/AAAAAAAAHEw/GhCZBQ1VQJ4/s144-c-o/BMW2.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520260930481362″ caption=”The all new BMW X4″ type=”image” alt=”BMW2.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

As we were backing out of Rolfe Classic, the X4’s first little surprise appeared: top-down view or ‘mad-dog view’ as I like to call it.  It’s an advanced reversing camera that shows a god’s-eye-view of the car and surroundings that makes seeing where you are in relation to other cars and objects a breeze. I must say this feature works like a dream and is 100% helpful. Ah…plus one for BMW.

A secret nook to impress visitors

First stop on our adventure was Lerida Estate Winery located just outside of Canberra near Lake George.  They were running a wine tasting course that morning so we joined in for part of the course, which was very informative.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8vywb0iptZI/U-0b0Yy9pKI/AAAAAAAAHGc/IAeYqdHpYJI/s144-c-o/Lerida_Class1.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520461451797666″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Lerida_Class1.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

We met Anne, the owner, who was lovely and who had baked scones especially for us that morning (delicious) and insisted we taste some wines. We weren’t about to disappoint her!  They had some fantastic Pinot Noir among others, but what really made us do a double-take was the Botrytis Pinot Gris.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6Dx_FS2ATYM/U-1MPS20FhI/AAAAAAAAHL8/Kfby79P3RZU/s144-c-o/Lerida%252520Estate%252520Winery.png” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047573700271937042″ caption=”Lerida Estate Winery” type=”image” alt=”Lerida Estate Winery.png” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

A strong and sweet sticky dessert wine yet somehow balanced, the tasting was not enough for us so we made sure to go home with a bottle! We also sampled truffle grilled cheese and outstanding coffee. I’ve had quite a few around Canberra but boy was this excellent coffee. Lerida Estate is an impressive secret nook to take out-of-town guests for breakfast or lunch.

Getting to the next destination was easy as we programmed the X4’s navigation system before we left. It took a bit of time to learn how to use the control dial, but that’s to be expected with any new system. The heads-up display was a pretty cool feature giving us clear directions which adapted to the car’s position on the road—something I’ve not seen before.

Romantic little pub is smokin!

The Gundaroo Colonial Inn is foodie heaven with a mix of a typical down-to-earth Aussie pub. We arrived in time to see the special Fireside lunch in action.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tvQoE9QnZmw/U-0bs9KLoXI/AAAAAAAAHFU/fHdV_6LRdDk/s144-c-o/GCI_Dining-room.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520333773906290″ caption=”The Gundaroo Colonial Inn” type=”image” alt=”GCI_Dining-room.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tT5VgDiB8WU/U-1N1TAlWjI/AAAAAAAAHMY/OMyEZXoz_Lk/s144-c-o/Gundaroo%252520Cellar.png” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047575452659571250″ caption=”With a comprehensive cellar stocking all the local wines, owner George is only too happy to tell you about them!” type=”image” alt=”Gundaroo Cellar.png” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

Sampling a selection of house-smoked meats, I found the smoked chicken the best I’ve ever had while the smoked chilli oil is delicious but not for the faint of heart! These smoked goods were a real tribute to the establishment. Come here for an informal but delicious date night with that special someone!

The legendary Poachers Pantry

Next stop was Poachers Pantry, Em had visited before but I hadn’t and couldn’t wait to see what all the fuss was about! Situated on a beautiful farm with lovely artworks, ponds are dotted all around the lawns of the property creating a great atmosphere.  But before we explored, we grabbed a bite to eat. First on the menu was Smoked duck pancakes—amazingly well presented and a wonderful fusion of heavy Chinese and fresh Thai elements.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-afsbyfLUbtU/U-0cCJHdvzI/AAAAAAAAHIg/qjAVfGONfu8/s144-c-o/photo%252520%2525285%252529.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520697760988978″ caption=”Smoked Duck Pancakes from Poachers Pantry” type=”image” alt=”photo (5).JPG” pe2_img_align=”center” pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ ]

Wine pairings fit together with the dishes masterfully. The peppered beef carpaccio was the perfect dish for me, a hint of mustard seeds, watercress and vinegar really complimented the subtle-flavoured beef.

Created to showcase their smokehouse Poachers Pantry certainly delivered with the menu.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/–MdEwdrQJdU/U-0b66T03WI/AAAAAAAAHHc/oz9bOQhnN14/s144-c-o/Poachers-rhubarb_curd_with_buttermilk_mousse.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520573527219554″ caption=”Dessert at Poachers Pantry—a rhubarb curd with buttermilk mousse and raspberry gel, a sous vide rhubarb and white chocolate shard.” type=”image” alt=”Poachers-rhubarb_curd_with_buttermilk_mousse.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E6fWdRKy_3U/U-0b8B5dN-I/AAAAAAAAHHo/phYrbiI-xw4/s144-c-o/Poachers-smoked_lamb_rack.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520592743970786″ caption=”Showcasing Poachers Pantry’s smokehouse, a smoked lamb rack with confit eschallots smoky barbecue sauce and edamame beans is just one of the many beautiful main dishes.” type=”image” alt=”Poachers-smoked_lamb_rack.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

Main was smoked lamb rack with confit eschallots smoky barbecue sauce and edamame beans. Some may say this is just a barbecue sauce, I found it highly enjoyable and you could cut the meat with a butter knife… Impressive.

Light, balanced, varied and delicious, dessert is served— a rhubarb curd with buttermilk mousse and raspberry gel, a sous vide rhubarb and white chocolate shard.

Curtain closes for day one with your humble Andrew and Em falling into a food coma from all the deliciousness! The X4 drove us home and tucked us in without any incident! 🙂

Atmosphere plus…

We began our second day with a 4-course degustation at Podfood in Pialligo.  It’s been a personal favourite of mine since I came here 4 years ago for breakfast, and I was reminded why I had such positive memories.  The ambience of this restaurant is one of the best in Canberra; it’s so romantic to eat in its beautiful garden…

[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M8LiVIbfF6s/U-0b-U_WGGI/AAAAAAAAHH8/UuYD6UvWvNQ/s144-c-o/Pod_Entrance.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520632228681826″ caption=”Podfood at Pialligo.” type=”image” alt=”Pod_Entrance.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

Good morning, Pod!

One word to describe this breakfast. Incredible.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f829fYSrXIs/U-0cBCWQ3zI/AAAAAAAAHIc/I7zNkC5fYCk/s144-c-o/Pod_Salmon_Gravlax.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520678764142386″ caption=”Salmon Gravlax from Podfood” type=”image” alt=”Pod_Salmon_Gravlax.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vsKAxWzIhA4/U-0b9JYd1jI/AAAAAAAAHH4/XPVnvYFzk8k/s144-c-o/Pod_65_Degree_Egg.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520611932952114″ caption=”PodFood’s 65 degree egg – part of their breakfast degustation.” type=”image” alt=”Pod_65_Degree_Egg.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lUNgmXK33yQ/U-0b-tSqO7I/AAAAAAAAHIA/93GfM67LgHc/s144-c-o/Pod_Pancake_Stack.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520638752144306″ caption=”Caramelised banana pancakes from Podfood.” type=”image” alt=”Pod_Pancake_Stack.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E6zNTGfZ6DU/U-0b_4wSJ6I/AAAAAAAAHII/nw03ouUIlng/s144-c-o/Pod_Perl_Barley_Porrige.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520659009054626″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Pod_Perl_Barley_Porrige.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

 Not a bad word to say! Next stop? Bungendore Woodworks.

The X4 has a feature that’s new to me called Auto Start/Stop, which stops the engine at the traffic lights and starts again automatically when you take off. It’s a great idea for the fuel saving benefits and works great if you’re driving normally. Although if you’re the kind of driver who loves rocketing away from the lights and racing everyone, there is the option to turn it off! Personally I think it’s a great piece of innovation and reminds me that I’m sitting in a finely tuned piece of German engineering.

Got wood?

The Bungendore Woodworks Gallery makes you feel very warm and at home, but make no mistake – wood here is a modern and thriving art form not just a quaint reminder of a past era gone by. There are modern and functional pieces dotted all around the gallery but in all cases—masterful execution is on display.

Then you see it: the Hannah Cabinet.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yQEMeZ-tp58/U-0bpVhHGMI/AAAAAAAAHE8/eexJffmP8dY/s144-c-o/BWG_Centre_Detail.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520271593052354″ caption=”The Hannah Cabinet from the Bungendore Woodworks Gallery” type=”image” alt=”BWG_Centre_Detail.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

This beautiful artwork took its creator 6 years to complete and is a majestic sight to behold. You can admire this thing for hours and still find something that surprises you. At first glance you’d think the cabinet is perfectly symmetrical, however, looking closer you see that there are subtle differences that bring the cabinet to life.

The relief work which depicts the birds is incredible, and give a really unique feeling to the piece. It makes you feel very light, peaceful and carefree as if the birds are the happiest and most delicate in the world.

There are also some great paintings including an exhibition which is well worth the drive.

Well worth the drive.

The verdict on the BMW X4? We came to really trust the car, we felt in control and that he wouldn’t miss a beat. The features were just the cherry on top. The real pleasure came from driving the car around the beautiful ACT and NSW countryside. It was a silky smooth ride and it had tons of power when you put your foot down. By the end of the weekend, we had even given the car a name…‘Busby’, because he was like a little bee who reliably went about his business taking us from one flower to the next without complaint. It was indeed a pleasure to drive the X4 and I can highly recommend it, the guys at Rolfe Classic are brilliant and will be happy to help you take Busby or his friends out for a spin! 🙂

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7wsxdi3KpPc/U-0booPIAbI/AAAAAAAAHE4/3Emw_EJA5PY/s144-c-o/BMW1.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/AndrewAndEmeliaCruiseTheFiresideFestivalInTheAllNewBMWX4#6047520259438018994″ caption=”Andrew and Emelia hit the road in the all new BMW X4″ type=”image” alt=”BMW1.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_caption=”1″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

‘Busby’, bye little buddy!

Finally…

This weekend we felt the excitement of tourists exploring a special place for the first time. All of the places we went were different and incredibly enjoyable, AND they were right here in the ACT (and nearby surrounds).

So what is it that makes Canberra unique?… Its enduring innocence.  Sure it’s a big city with great developments here and there, but you can travel 10 minutes out of town and be at an old farm that serves the most divine local food, or walk into beautifully unspoilt bushland so close to the city.

Canberra is Australia’s best kept secret, but something tells me it won’t be a secret for long!

the essentials

What: The Fireside Festival
When: Until the end of August
Where: Venues around The Poachers Way
Web: thepoachersway.com.au/fireside-festival/