Carlotta is now open: What can Canberra expect from its Mediterranian menu?

And the must-try dishes from the Lucas Restaurants venue.

featured-image

What is Mediterranean dining? Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue It's a definition that is so broad that it's hard to get a coherent collection of dishes, without relying too heavily on one cuisine. That was the challenge Lucas Restaurants set for its new Canberra restaurant, Carlotta, ahead of its opening on Monday.

Inspired by the restaurant group's founder Chris Lucas' travels to the region, Carlotta's head of culinary Mark Glenn said there were plenty of conversations trying to nail down exactly what Mediterranean dining is - from the point of view of the new restaurant - and develop the menu in the process. "We see Mediterranean food through the lens of quality and simplicity," Glenn says. "We have been inspired by the best the Mediterranean has to offer - ripe tomatoes, silky pasta, really good quality beef and plenty of really good seafood.



Mediterranean fare at Carlotta. Picture by Michael Pham "We will have pretty heavy Italian leanings, and we'll be making everything as much as possible in-house. Freshly made bread will all be done every day on site.

" Meanwhile, the pasta will be handcrafted in-house with a program overseen by Simone Giorgianni, the former senior sous chef at Grill Americano in Melbourne, who has made the move to Canberra to join the Carlotta team. The menu features unmissable pasta dishes including ravioli caprese, mafaldine with slow-cooked beef ragu, and crab spaghettini with lobster oil and chilli. Inside the newly opened Carlotta.

Picture by Pew Pew Studio For mains - or as the Italians say, secondi - highlights include John Dory with a herb crumb and gribiche sauce; lamb cutlets alla scottadito; and a seared tuna nicoise salad with anchovy sauce. A custom wood-fired oven from Naples extends its influence through much of the menu including a range of house-made focaccia, as well as shared specials such as the lobster a l'Americaine. "The lobster a l'Americaine, which for a special night, is definitely unmissable.

We're hand-cutting campanelle pasta with market fresh lobster that we've woodfired," Glenn says. "The big Murano pizza oven - we'll be doing lots of different things through there. Not pizza, but we'll have three different types of bread that we'll be cooking [in it] .

.. and lots of sides - some nice greens and things like that.

And then obviously lobsters and things like that as well." Crostini, anchovy and tomato at Carlotta. Picture by Michael Pham Perhaps the most surprising thing about the menu is the lengths that Carlotta has gone to get its mozzarella.

Sold exclusively in Australia at Carlotta, the buffalo mozzarella from Italian producer Podere dei Leoni will be showcased via a variety of different preparations. "It's pretty special. And obviously using the best produce is at the centre of everything that we do at Carlotta," Glenn says.

We have been inspired by the best the Mediterranean has to offer - ripe tomatoes, silky pasta, really good quality beef and plenty of really good seafood. - Carlotta's head of culinary Mark Glenn "From the very best flour out of Italy to make our own pastas and breads, through to the DOP mozzarella that's sourced from Campania in Italy. "And DOP is the Denominazione d'Origine Protetta, which literally means the protective designation of origin.

This certification ensures that products are locally grown and contained to that area. "It makes a promise to our guests as a guarantee that the food was made by local farmers and artisans using traditional methods." Carlotta's menu is complemented by a curated cocktail program, plus a concise and confident wine list that celebrates the local winemaking scene alongside an eclectic mix of Italian wines, with a strong selection available by the glass.

The restaurant's signature cocktail, the Sorrento Fizz, features a refreshing blend of limoncello, yuzu and elderflower. The centrepiece of Carlotta's 120-seat dining room is a long, marble-topped bar and open kitchen flanked by front-row seating, with two adjacent private dining spaces accommodating up to 26 guests. And spanning the full length of Carlotta's frontage is a Euro-inspired al fresco terrace with space for up to 35, offering the perfect spot to enjoy Carlotta's Mediterranean-accented offerings through the warmer months.

Carlotta is now open at 20 Scotts Crossing, Canberra. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Amy Martin Canberra Times lifestyle reporter As the lifestyle reporter, I love finding out what makes people tick and giving insight into the different ways that you can enjoy the city we live in. Email: amy.

[email protected] As the lifestyle reporter, I love finding out what makes people tick and giving insight into the different ways that you can enjoy the city we live in.

Email: [email protected].

au More from Canberra Carlotta is now open: What can Canberra expect from its Mediterranian menu? 7m ago No comment s Libs' president eyes 'objective, data-driven' understanding of voters No comment s Man allegedly throws bong water at partner, breaks phone over missing cigarettes Director's cut: the ultimate guide to the Canberra Writers Festival No comment s Canberra's most expensive apartment sells near price guide No comment s All the results of the Green Machine end-of-season survey No comment s Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading.

.. DAILY Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Loading...

WEEKLY Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Loading..

. WEEKLY FootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered. Loading.

.. DAILY Early Look At David Pope Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon.

Loading...

AS IT HAPPENS Public Service News Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service. Loading..

. WEEKLY Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Loading.

.. WEEKLY Property Get the latest property and development news here.

Loading...

WEEKLY What's On Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Loading..

. WEEKLY Weekend Reads We've selected the best reading for your weekend. Loading.

.. WEEKLY Times Reader's Panel Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers.

Loading...

WEEKDAYS The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep.

Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Loading..

. TWICE WEEKLY The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Loading.

.. WEEKLY Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading...

TWICE WEEKLY Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Loading..

. AS IT HAPPENS Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks. Loading.

.. DAILY Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper.

Ready to read from 5am! Loading...

DAILY Your favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Loading..

..