So since there was no Yelp in Australia until this week, I had to rely on Google and the aussies versions of City Search, all of which were terrible.
But I did manage to find a few gems in Canberra and the Duck at Benchmark was one of them. But before that we started with the bread and warm olives. It was the first time I've had warm olives and I loved them, so smart!
http://www.yelp.com.au/biz_photos/ovh3XEFo_pzTnlUIyudv9w?select=RdvuuTOPG-kGDVm_JYDEkA
We also had some iberico ham and calamari; both were massive portions and ended up being too much food for two people as apps. But the ham was okay, not the best iberico I've had but okay. The calamari could have been crispier, but I liked the flavor.
http://www.yelp.com.au/biz_photos/ovh3XEFo_pzTnlUIyudv9w?select=GqUmZltSwBC4NPXmfwPC8w
The duck really was the star though. It was cooked as well as duck can be cooked. Flaky meat, crisp skin, deep flavor, perfectly seasoned. It was all there.
http://www.yelp.com.au/biz_photos/ovh3XEFo_pzTnlUIyudv9w?select=JSxmnMWf5i07kIz8nH_vtg
For dessert we had to try the syrup soaked cocoa and walnut doughnuts with Persian "fairy floss". Yes that's exactly how it was described on the menu and it sounded too weird to miss. Regrettably, the dessert wasn't that good. The "floss" was basically cotton candy and the doughnuts were very very heavy and rich. Though the menu did state they'd be syrup soaked, my fault for ordering that. I'm not a fan of middle eastern or Indian desserts which can be super sugary.
http://www.yelp.com.au/biz_photos/ovh3XEFo_pzTnlUIyudv9w?select=LnRuaVl7aia249Zof-A3Kg
Overall, it was a better than okay meal. read more