As the seasons change in Canberra, there’s always something new to look out for – and to sink your teeth into! And what better way to celebrate the season then with a new Asian-inspired menu at one of Canberra’s top establishments.
First Edition is anything but your run-of-the-mill hotel restaurant. Located in Novotel Canberra on Northbourne Avenue, First Edition’s menu changes every season to make use of the very best produce that Canberra has to offer.
When we heard that they had begun serving a brand-new Asian inspired autumn menu, we just had to go in and sample some of the dishes.
Situated just above the Novotel lobby, First Edition sports a long, generously stocked bar, luxurious furnishings, and exemplary service. The wait staff is completely across the entire menu, so if you’re someone who has trouble picking a dish, they should be able to help you out with a recommendation.
We started off with a selection of bao buns, which come in either braised short rib or vegetarian, with both options packed full of fresh, delicious flavours. The vegetarian buns feature tempura-coated oyster mushroom and wasabi mayonnaise, and the short rib comes with fresh chilli, coriander and crushed peanuts.
For mains, we chose to try Chef Sean’s Sichuan Tea Smoked Duck and the Fettuccine Con Salsiccia e Pomodoro. The duck was cooked perfectly, came with a tasty plum and tamarind glaze, and was served on a bed of crisp greens tossed in ginger infused soy.
The fettuccine was served with casalinga, a traditional Italian slow cooked pork sausage, and a rich tomato sugo.
The rest of the menu looked just as appetizing, with some standout options being the salt and pepper squid, soft shell crab, and American ribs.
The Write Your Own Adventure Salads are an interesting concept, with four very different salad bases on offer, which you can add chicken rubbed with juniper berry, BBQ ribs, crisp-skinned barramundi or spiced cauliflower and haloumi.
Whether you’re after a casual drink after work, a coffee, or a more extravagant dinner, First Edition is perfect for any occasion.
To read more about the restaurant, head to their dining profile here.
