PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIASituated in the heart of Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, Aubergine’s quiet and simple interior is often filled with the murmur of wheeling and dealing and business lunches. The high ceilings give Aubergine a wonderful sense of airiness, while the tall windows let in the light, as well as views of Griffith shops and parkland. The service is welcoming yet refined, hitting the right note between being overly formal and overly familiar. Be seated, and enjoy your amuse bouche while perusing the menu and all its seasonal delights.
There is a very reasonable prix fix option for those who cannot decide between delightful entrees, such as a saute of scallops and gnocchi with pea puree and glazed speck, or pumpkin risotto with lobster and ginger. Then again, it’s probably best to start with a light salad of baby spinach, beetroot and goat’s cheese with sweet and sour onions and candied walnuts to ensure there is room left for dessert. The well-priced mains are generous and served with an attention to detail rarely seen these days. The fillet of beef is crusted in wholegrain mustard, and served with cocotte potatoes and white asparagus; although the leek, gruyere and dauphinoise pithivier (a large French pie) is equally fantastic. The desserts, however, are definitely worth waiting for. The standout winner is the rhubarb and pistachio in puff pastry served with cinnamon ice-cream. Aubergine is the place to be for a quiet romantic dinner or an impressive work lunch.
Russell Buzby, October 2008