Thursday 3rd July

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It's Thursday, July 3.

🌦️ Weather: 13° and cloudy. A medium (60%) chance of showers.

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🍽️ Canberra Eats

This week's foodie news:

Lounge Room: Opening in the former Tumut River Brewing site at Kingston's Kingsborough development, Lounge Room will serve wood-fired pizza in the evenings (also available for delivery), and coffee, pastries and sandwiches during the day. Their drinks menu includes a strong showing of Canberra region wines. Details here.

Bada Bing Closes: City centre Italian restaurant Bada Bing has closed. The venture from Rabble Group—the people behind Assembly, Al's Diner and Fun Time Pony—opened in 2023. My take: While I applaud the impressive fit-out that transformed that corner of the Sydney Building, the food was always just a tad too expensive. I'm hoping the new Italian restaurant in the same building, Bar Lola, has more staying power. I'm curious to hear what you thought of Bada Bing?

Smoke Out: Love smoked meat? Head to Hopscotch in Braddon every Saturday for their new Smoke Out series. Enjoy pitmaster platters with beef short rib, pulled pork, Texan chilli sausage or chicken wings, plus sides like mac 'n' cheese and honey jalapeño cornbread. Details here.

Burgermaker: While Rabble Group just closed Bada Bing, they've opened a new burger joint in Hume. Burgermaker serves up classic smashed burgers—$16 with chips—plus beer from Capital Brewing and Queanbeyan Bitter on tap for $7, along with coffee and brekky options. They're currently open Monday to Friday (weekends coming soon), 6:30am–2:30pm, and till late on Thursdays and Fridays. Find them at 51 Sheppard Street, Hume (Hill Station). Details here.

Champagne and Fried Chicken: Two things you might not expect to pair—Bar Leyla is giving it a go. They say: "The crisp bubbles cut through the golden crunch, creating the ultimate indulgent pairing you didn't know you needed." You'll be the judge—taste four champagnes, each paired with a different take on fried chicken. It's happening Saturdays in July. Details here.

G Spot Closes: G Spot, a food truck based in the Gungahlin Lakes Club car park, has closed. They announced on Facebook last week: "… we're not sure what the future holds for us just yet, but for now we need to step back, take a break and look after ourselves." The popular spot had been operating since 2001.

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Coming Up: 🎶 Live Music at Canberra Theatre

Some concerts coming up:

Sarah Blasko: Nationally revered singer, songwriter, musician and producer Sarah Blasko celebrates her 21st anniversary as an artist with a rare performance of her two seminal albums The Overture & the Underscore and What the Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have on a national tour this October. Details here.

Samara Joy: Five-time Grammy winner and breakout jazz sensation Samara Joy will perform in Canberra this October, joined by her outstanding seven-piece band. Details here.

John Williamson: John Williamson will perform one exclusive show only in the ACT at Canberra Theatre Centre in February next year. Details here.

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Looking Ahead: 🎯 PDC Darts ANZ Premier League

Get ready for a rowdy night of entertainment as the biggest darts tournament comes to Canberra. Eight elite players from Australia and New Zealand will compete in the PDC Darts ANZ Premier League, battling for a coveted spot in the World Darts Championship. You can book a table or choose arena-style seating. Details here.

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Kids

ACT Libraries Winter Holiday Program: Looking for free activities these school holidays? ACT Libraries have released their winter school holiday program, with activities for all ages, including teens. Details here.

Come and Try Squash: With Squash set to become an Olympic sport at the 2028 LA Olympics, interest in the game is expected to grow. Squash ACT is hosting a free Come and Try session for kids on Saturday, July 12. No registration required—just show up. All kids will receive a gift bag with a squash ball, wristband and more. Details here.

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Classifieds

✈️ Qatar Airways: Use promo code FLIGHTS to save up to 10%* on your next Qatar Airways flight from Australia. Qatar Airways will begin flying from Canberra in December. (* Terms and conditions apply). Details here.

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Tidbits

Ice Hockey Classic Tickets: I wrote about the Canada vs USA Ice Hockey Classic series being played in Canberra in yesterday's issue. Here's the link for tickets to the three games—they go on sale at 10am. Details here.