PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA
Nestled inside Diamant, Canberra's first boutique hotel, Flint Dining Room and Bar has it all in truckloads – fine food, fabulous surrounds and a fantastic atmosphere. The newly refurbished Acton Pavilion – built in 1927 – has been recently renovated and expanded, skilfully keeping the flavour of the past and melding it with the spice of the present. Beautifully restored original stone walls line the interior of Flint's main dining room, while the preserved high ceilings give a sense of spaciousness and light. Two generous outdoor terraces are perfect for alfresco dining in the summer or a quiet cocktail beneath the stars.
Combining Australian flavours with the finest seasonal produce and seafood, the menu is a tour de force by acclaimed chef, Spencer Kells. With dishes designed to be shared, it is best to come with at least a few friends to sample as much of the fare as possible. It is hard not to start with the seared yellow fin tuna, served with a light side of asparagus and baby herbs, drizzled in white truffle dressing, or the barbecue squid covered in cayenne and blue cheese aioli. For the mains, the chef's specialities include the Szechuan lamb rack, presented on sweet potato puree and lightly spiced with a port and star anise sauce. The centrepiece of the kitchen is the wood-fired oven and grill, from which come delicious pizzas (try the unique pear, gorgonzola and sage pizza) and grilled meats. Using only top quality beef, the Angus beef rib eye steak is wonderful and cooked to perfection. Having quickly established itself as one of Canberra's premier restaurants, Flint Dining Room and Bar can only improve.
Russell Buzby, June 2008
LOCATION
New Acton Pavilion just a few blocks from the city center in the new business district of Canberra.
DETAILS
The rustic, unpretentious fare is served individually or to share, encouraging a festive and communal atmosphere of good food in comfortable surroundings.
The setting, a 1927 heritage building, has been dramatically transformed by designers SJB to create a colourful, contemporary space that complements the bold tones and flavours of the menu.
Flint’s striking contemporary dining and cooking space features an open kitchen with views of the wood-burning oven & grill, vaulted ceilings, black wood tables and colourful tableware.
Flint Dining Room & Bar also features two outdoor terrace areas. These are ideal for people who enjoy eating in the sunshine or under the stars.
FUNCTIONS
Flint can cater for up to 160 people for a diner or 200 people for a stand up cocktail party. It is an ideal venue for private events, exclusive dining, weddings, parties and meetings.
The restaurant is conveniently located in the same building as Canberra's first luxury boutique hotel. The Diamont Hotel is a spectacular 80 room boutique hotel equip with meeting and conference facilities.
Other facilities in the building include a day spa and well being retreat, business center, undercover secure parking and 24 hour concierge.
