by Janelle (
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I like to participate in life rather than be a spectator. Music, dancing, theatre, travelling, food, cycling and walking are some of my passions. Writing is an enjoyable pastime that allows me to share my experiences.
On our last road trip from Sydney to Canberra. we took the longer but more scenic way via Collector and Bungendore. The scenery around here gives one a sense of the land that our nation's capital city was built upon.

Beautiful grounds (image JW)
In need of coffee and a light lunch, we happened on
The Farm Shop Cafe at
Pialligo Estate's The Plot on the outskirts of the CBD. It is a rustic casual dining place where you can feast on meals made from beautifully fresh, ethically sourced sustainable produce.

A poke bowl with hot smoked salmon (image JW)
The paddock to plate ethos is important here and good use is made of the estate's vineyard, orchard, olive grove and market garden. Seasonal produce features with an ever-changing
menu and blackboard specials. Children are well catered for, the staff are friendly and blankets and heaters are provided on drizzly cool days.

Blackboard special of spicy baked beans (image JW)
The food was filling, full of flavour and prepared with love. The ingredients were fresh and interesting flavour combinations were included in the meals such as kimchi pickled vegetables and Kewpie mayonnaise. Many options are gluten-free and dairy-free and some of the meals are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Rustic courtyard dining (website image)
You can make a day of your visit here as
The Plot is also home to a children's sensory playground and
activity area, a couple of homewares and gift shops and a market grocer, where you can purchase local specialty products and regionally produced goods.
Within minutes of Canberra's airport and CBD Pialligo Farm Shop Cafe is the place to purchase fine regional produce.