Morning All,

The leaves here are dropping – it is lovely to walk amongst the mass of golden leaves along the Molonglo River.

We have some interesting new stock in but we also have two lots of very good news to tell you.

Firstly Stefano de Pieri (ABC’s Gondola on the Murray) will be coming to Benedict House on 16th August. I met him in Mildura recently, when my old husband and I drove to the Barossa. He has a very busy life in Mildura with his bakery and restaurant, so we are thrilled to have him come here. We have to pay him to make the trip worthwhile so there will be two demonstrations and meals. 12 noon demonstration with lunch to follow $125, 6.30pm demonstration then meal to follow $135. Obviously there are limited places so bookings are essential – can be made over the phone with CC details – ph 6284 2868. He is a great speaker, passionate about food and the industry, and also a lovely person. He will bring his wine, preserves and book as well.

Secondly, we have been nominated in the Out in Canberra People's Choice Hospitality Awards. Now that we have been nominated it is up to customers to vote for us. So if you like coming to Benedict House we would love you to support us in this by logging onto the website and following the prompts.

My niece Klara – from Denmark – and her friend have been with us this week. They are on the big Australian out back journey before they settle down to study. It has been lovely having them, and they have been busy helping in the café and cooking traditional Danish meatballs. They put milk in their meatballs – it makes them very tender – a new twist on the old Aussie rissoles.

Karen who does the newsletter is going to Peru for a month now that she has finished university for the semester. Consequently, no newsletter until the end of June. We will still be here, new stock arriving weekly – Greek ceramic, sterling silver on the way.

Beatrice Raissi is working with us at present. She has been designing jewellery in Paris for many years so we are thrilled to have her here inspiring us with a different vision. We are having an exhibition of her work as well as some of her Parisian contemporaries. It will open with a little Sunday afternoon Soiree – on 6th June. Some of Beatrice’s delicate pastry will also be a feature of the afternoon. Beatrice will also lead us in the preparation of the Bastille Feast on 14th July – some very traditional French winter food.

Have brought back some short workshops on the weekends at the request of customers. Look at the calendar and the new class list on the website.

The original floor boards restored to their former glory - a painful process though it was

Economical silver plated resin

Stefano de Pieri - at Benedict House 16th August

Snake skin large resin

Sterling silver links

Retro flowers

Gold

Stefano de Pieri – Celebrity Chef
Monday 16th August
Demonstration and Lunch 12-2pm $125, Demonstration and Dinner 6.30pm $135.
Reservations essential ph – 6284 2868

Sunday Soiree
Sunday 6th June 3-5 pm
An exhibiton of jewellery from French designers Stefano Poletti, Marianne Orly and Beatrice Raissi

Bastille Feast
Wednesday 14th July
Special Menu – an array of traditional French Dishes $20 pp. Bookings essential.

Pizza n Pasta Family Sunday Lunch
Our own pizza dough and fresh pasta. Choose from 3 gourmet pizzas or 3 pasta dishes – great prices to suit families. Bookings recommended to secure a table.

High Tea in the Refectory
Upcoming High Teas: Queen's Birthday High Tea 13th June, Winter Solstice High Tea and Poetry Reading 20th June, 11th July, 1st August
Take time out, meet up with friends for with traditional food, served with traditional style. Four savoury foods, three sweets, glass of sparkling, tablecloths and tiered plates. $25 per person, 3pm-5pm.
High Teas are usually booked out, if you would like to come to High Tea, you may buy tickets with your credit card and we will send them to you. Bookings essential – 6284 2868

Good Food & Wine Group
Second Sunday of the Month 3-5pm
Master Classes, demonstrations, wine tastings, and sharing of resources and recipes.
We will provide experiences to develop your knowledge and passion for food using fresh produce from the region. Enjoy tasting local wines and sharing ideas with members of the group.
$20 joining Admin fee | $50 per class | $40 per class when paid full in advance. Enquiries 6284 2868

Book Club
First Saturday of the Month 2-4pm
A relaxed monthly get together to discuss and swap books. Includes time to chat and have afternoon tea, formal discussion as well as book swapping. Each member takes a turn selecting books for reading and moderating the discussions. Enquiries 6284 2868

Beading Club
First Saturday of the Month at 10am
A morning for active beaders to meet. Bring your own projects and supplies and share ideas and techniques. An opportunity to share the camaraderie of beading in a group where one can learn from other members and Benedict House staff.
Cost $10. Enquiries 6284 2868

Music Club
Third Sunday of the Month
Soloists or small groups of musicians and storytellers - established or young - will gather in ‘The Refectory’ 3-5pm. Enquiries 6284 2868

Fresh Produce
in season fruit and veg from region is available every Saturday & Sunday + bread, olive oils, Lindsay & Edmund’s chocolate, Sue's famous apple pies and our preserves - reducing the ‘food miles’

Take care,
Kate