Scott talks to Out in Canberra
Sage Dining Rooms – Australia’s Finest
by OutInCanberra 20 November 2013
Over the last few years, Sage Dining Rooms at Gorman House has established itself as Canberra’s premier dining venue. The reasons for this are many – a constantly evolving menu, a commitment to service and dedication to local produce has seen Sage become Canberra’s most respected restaurants that constantly strives to raise the standard of local dining.
Hard work tends to pay off. Earlier this year, Sage Dining Rooms was named Best Prestigious Restaurant at the ACT Hotels Association annual awards. Most people would be pretty happy to receive such an award, but Sage have recently taken it to another level, with the National AHA Awards recently recognising Sage as the Best Stand-alone restaurant in the entire country.
This is no mean feat – competing with some of the best from around Australia. In fact, this is the first time a Canberra Restaurant has been recognised in such a capacity, making the taste ever so sweeter for co-owners Michael and Peter Harrington.
While Sage has all bases covered from the front of house through to the kitchen, there is an important element to the success of any business. The support of numerous suppliers is integral to delivering a quality final product for diners every day.
Wimbaliri , vineyard and winery in Murrumbateman, features heavily across the Sage wine lists, including the popular ‘Gravel Block’ Shiraz and the ‘Close-Planted’ Pinot Noir. Winemaker, Scott Gledhill, is proud of the ongoing association with Sage. “My food ‘epiphany’, whilst living in France, provided inspiration for me as a winemaker. The perfect pairing of wine and food at Sage is a brilliant experience for customers.”
Fresh fruit and vegetables are an integral part in complimenting and enhancing the flavours of fresh meats and fish. Regional Wholesale Fruit Market Canberra, have been supplying the fresh produce since Sage’s inception and love seeing local seasonal items seamlessly integrated into Sage’s new dishes. Meanwhile,Schweppes has also been a long-term partner, with their classic beverages providing a wonderful base for the refreshing spritzers and cocktails that are consumed in the restaurant and the Mint Garden Bar. Campari and Schweppes Soda, anyone?
Speaking of cocktails and delicious, this time of year is the perfect opportunity if you have not already tried Sage’s sister, Mint Garden Bar. Come down to enjoy cocktails and boutique beers as well as a newly evolving bar menu featuring dishes – such as braised shortrib crostini with caramelised marrow and chimmichurri. Mint is a gorgeous setting for equally gorgeous food and is a great place to meet friends.
If you were there for the recent Taste and Test dinner series where guests sampled a range of dishes proposed for the Spring menu – and casting their votes for the most successful – you will know that this is a restaurant that doesn’t rest on its laurels. With the release of this new menu last month, Sage is ready for another successful year in 2014. With the Festive season upon us, this is the perfect time to get in and see what all the fuss is about. We’re sure you’ll be amazed at what Canberra dining can do.
http://www.outincanberra.com.au/articles/sagediningroomsaustraliasfinest