Sorry, missed their winter openings.

Just spoke with a contact in Canberra & he says a 5 minute cab ride to the Kingston foreshore will give you a variety of newish restaurants.

Great - Thabks

We did the Pork Barrel thing last year (it was warm weather and the bifold windows were open, and a number of kids were running through the rose gardens - just lovely). That was a Fodor's recommendation and a good one, although it is sort of out of the way, but I suppose you will be doing taxis no matter where you go. Highly enjoyable casual dining :)

Lavandula

I first went there the weekend our dear
friend NeilOz & his lovely wife & I had dinner at Ruby's. It was great to meet them in person - sadly, it was his last dinner out. Been back quite a few times with visitors & we always enjoy Pork Barrel & the surroundings.

Any idea about dinner? There are virtually no dinner restaurants nearby in walking distance as far as I can see, and Waters' Edge is a bit too pricey

I'm thinking I'm just going to play it by ear and see where I end up. Could just eat in the PH Lounge to make a meal of it. Don't suppose there's a small supermarket/grocery store near there, either?

Tapchi - read a few posts up, where I recommend a short cab trip to Kingston.
Or check Urban Spoon

Or contact the Hyatt & ask them. It's not really in a "restaurant " precinct, but is only a few minutes cab trip to quite a few.

Without any idea of your budget or cuisine preferences, it's a bit difficult to make meaningful recommendations.

So ... the NYT just published a 36 hours in Canberra article. Very informative. And, I'm now realizing that I really should go to the War Memorial, as it's so unique to Canberra. I can probably skip Telstra and the Botanic Gardens.

Oh right. Thank god for the NYT!

Five posts on this thread have told you about the War Memorial, detailed various aspects & implored you to see it.

Nope, not your thing, no time, too inconvenient etc.

But wait! The NYT says the War Memorial is worth seeing & you're
"now realizing that I really should go to the War Memorial as it's so (sic) unique to Canberra "

Ha ha. No. Not just that. I finally woke up to my senses. Thanks for helping me get there!

Besides, I'm a conservative WSJ-reading person ...

And as a bonus the AWM has a significant art collection -

http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/art/

and Mt Ainslie behind it which some of us prefer to Black Mountain and the Tower -

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attrac...y.html#REVIEWS

(take the track up behind the War Memorial, but not if it's wet and mushy, a real possibility in July; also a good chance of seeing kangaroos)

As for DIY sustenance there is a supermarket at Kingston (in the 'original' shopping precinct, not as yet at the new foreshore development as far as I am aware) and at Manuka, but rather than spend valuable time foraging during a quick visit you could do a lot worse than take advantage of the cafes at the AWM, Gallery, Portrait Gallery, Library, and the Hyatt (Promenade Cafe).

Can't help with the conservative affliction (although it is encouraging to find one who admits to reading, even if it is the WSJ ). ;)

Here's the link to the NY Times 36 hours in Canberra if anyone is interested:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/08/tr...alia.html?_r=1

A couple of things I would add to the list: The Drill Hall on the edge of ANU campus has interesting exhibitions. The show by Thai artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook opening in July (touring from Sydney) is confronting but well worth seeing.

Canberra Museum is also doing interesting shows, currently Eliot Gruner Texture of Light.

Also are you wedded to staying at the Hyatt? It's an awkward location and IMO rather overpriced. There are range of places near to Civic that are better value: Novotel opposite Civic and University House an easy walk to Civic (locals can fantasise they are in the room where Nugget Coombs and Judith Wright conducted their affair). There's also another block of serviced apartments on Campus in Liversidge Ave, I've stayed a couple of times.

I got quite a good price (250 AUD) and love my loyalty programs. I also like the location because it's close to everything in Parliament Hill, where I'll spend one of the two days sightseeing. Thanks for the other tips.

Others seem to think the War Memorial worth visiting as well -

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/trav...617-zsaqu.html

Good. I will definitely do it. Apologies for my stubbornness (I'm a Taurus).