Time for the next edition of our “My Canberra” series. If you’re new to the site, the series is a chance for Canberra women to share their favourite places to eat, drink and shop, and their favourite things to do. It’s about encouraging us all to try  new things and to see our town through fresh eyes.

All too often, we don’t play ‘tourist’ enough in our own hometowns. We get caught up in our neighbourhood favourites that we don’t explore too far afield…we don’t uncover all this region has to offer. The little boutiques, the fabulous coffee shops and providores, the great little secret gems that too few people know about.

This instalment, the lovely Blonde Ink shares her favourite bits of The Can!

Favourite cheap and cheerful dining

One of my favourite things to do is order in Chinese on a Friday night and my never fail place is Ming’s Chinese Restaurant in Philip. You can eat in, take away or even get it delivered if you’re feeling particularly lazy. I highly recommend the chili beef.

Favourite mid-range restaurant

I’ve plugged this restaurant so much; they really should give me shares. Belluci’s is hands down, my most favourite restaurant in Canberra. Their food is always great, service quick and prices decent. In particular the Pollo al Porto and Gnocchi di Agnello are my go to dishes. It’s also a great spot for a first date 😉 and I have a few special memories there with my boyfriend.

Favourite high-end dining

I’m not sure if this is classified as high-end dining but Soju Girl is a new favourite. Everything is designed to share, which is a great way to try several different dishes. Each dish is so unique and always an amazing combination of flavours. You can’t go past the beef cheek, penang cashew curry. Ah-mazing!

Favourite place to grab a drink with friends

Kremlin is the my easynfavourite. The bar staff are great and if challenged can create some tasty cocktails out of some very random ingredients. I also love the décor and vibe, it always makes me feel really mellow.

Hot spot

Canberra city has a lot going for it, lots of pop bars recently in Garema Place with Honkytonks and Playground Bar, which I’m hoping will encourage more business. I think Garema could be a really great spot if there were a few more quality businesses. However being a southsider it isn’t often I stray past Dickson so my opinion may be slightly biased.

Best coffee

Psychedeli is my top place for a coffee. They are only open weekdays though and it can take longer than most other places to get your coffee because of their popularity, but it’s worth the wait!

Favourite place to shop

Over the past few years I’ve really embraced online shopping, however when I need a girl date or have a last minute event I need an outfit for I head straight to the Canberra Centre. I’ve really enjoyed the addition of the ‘new wing’ which isn’t so new anymore, but stocks some great labels.

Favourite bookstore

Is it sad to say I’m a product of my generation and all my book purchases are through Amazon delivered straight to my Kindle? This is perfect when I’m spending Christmas in Darwin, am reading my book in the pool and I finish. I simply jump on Amazon (without leaving the pool) and order another book and in a minute or so I’m ready to start reading, bliss!

How do I get away from it all?

Sydney is my go to place when i need a break from reality. i have a good group of friends there and i just LOVE Sydney. There’s always something to do and I’m continuously discovering new parts of the city. In particular I love a night out on Oxford St, a day spent shopping in Newtown and a lazy morning breakfast at Darling Harbor.

Where to take visitors

My go to places for people who are new to Canberra is, Kingston for breakfast, City Centre for a day of shopping and lunch at Milk & Honey and night drinks at Playground or Kremlin. My favourite touristy activity is hiring bikes and taking a ride around Lake Burley Griffin, stopping for a coffee near reconciliation place and a separate excursion to the Australian War Memorial.

On my ‘still to do list’

I havent explored the north side of Canberra as much as I would like. I’d also like to do more of the walking trails and appreciate some of the great views we have in Canberra.

Southside secrets

A Bite to Eat in Chifley is a complete gem of a spot, great decor and food and they are usually full for breakfast on weekends so make sure you book.