Chez Frederic

19/04/2025

Happy Easter from Chez Fred’s!
The team and I still miss serving our incredible customers – it’s hard to believe how much time has passed. We often think of the buzzing kitchen, the familiar faces, and all the laughter and stories shared across our tables.

As a special treat this Easter, I wanted to share something from our menu that was always a crowd favourite – our Chicken & Chilli Jam Meatballs! If you comment below, I’ll send the recipe to your inbox next week! *update* I have just got off the phone with our supplier and good friend, Tony at RedHill Butcher Shop - he’ll supply a discount for the mince if you show him my message! We’ll announce the discount on Tuesday afternoon.

And if you’ve ever wondered what I’m up to now – I’ve joined RSPCA ACT, an organisation Chez Fred’s proudly supported for over a decade. It’s been such a privilege to work in a place I care so deeply about. If you’re interested in fostering or volunteering, DM me – I’d love to reconnect and take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter. There’s so much work to be done, and we can’t do it without community support.

Wishing you all a joyful, peaceful Easter. You are still so dearly missed.

With love,
Sara

22/01/2025

With a heavy heart, I must announce that Chez Fred’s has permanently closed its doors.

This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but after 11 wonderful years, the challenges of running a small business have made it impossible to continue.

The truth is, running a profitable hospitality business has become increasingly unviable. Since COVID, the costs of operating have skyrocketed—rent, wages, utilities, insurance and supplies have all increased dramatically, while foot traffic and spending habits have shifted. Add to this the parking difficulties on Lonsdale Street, which have made it harder for our customers to drop in like they used to.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into Chez Fred’s for over a decade. But in the past few years, I’ve watched my passion erode under the weight of the constant struggles to simply make a decent profit.

This decision has been heartbreaking, but the struggle to keep going has taken its toll, both mentally and physically.

While this is the end of Chez Fred’s on Lonsdale St, it’s not goodbye forever. I’m excited to explore new ways to connect and serve you all again—this time with a model that reflects the realities of running a small business in today’s world.

To my incredible staff, loyal customers, and dedicated suppliers—thank you. Your support has meant the world.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for 11 unforgettable years.

Sara

17/08/2024

22/07/2024

Thank you Eat Canberra 🫶🏽 Supporting your local has never been more important!

Please read 🍴 What's your favourite local restaurant, cafe, bar, pub, food or hospitality business in Canberra? This is your opportunity to give them a shout out and let other foodies know how great they are and why. 🌟

TAG the page or mention the business in the comments, and tell us why you love them.

SAVE this post for later and check out the comments when you want some inspo to support local and find somewhere to eat or drink! Maybe it's time to try somewhere you haven't been or to return to one of your favourites.

Wondering what this post about? A few months ago we reached out to one of our favourite Canberra chefs, Chef Damian Brabender, owner and executive chef at OTIS Dining Hall in Kingston, after we saw a post he shared about the importance of supporting local businesses.

He emphasised how much local businesses NEED YOU now, more than ever, the real local businesses. The ones who have been there for you for years, the ones who sponsor small sporting clubs, donate to charity, the ones employing your friends, family, or even yourself.

So we asked him what some of his favourite locals spots are in Canberra. He has soooo many and he shared some of his top (real) locals in no particular order with a little info he shared about each 👇

🍻The Durham– they turned 33 this year!

🍴eightysixnorth and south. Gus and the team are long-term hospo and never fail to produce the goods.

🥢Ureshii Japanese at SouthPoint in Tuggeranong. Hands down one of Canberra’s best Japanese. Owned and operated by a lovely young couple with amazing service.

☕ Cafe Beetroot, 281/311 Anketell St, Greenway. Another owner operator gem. Best breakfast, amazing coffee. I think I go there 4 times a week.🤣

🧇🍗 Caribou Kingston the naming sponsor of the Canberra Brave always supporting local.

🍝 Chez Fredericthe original Braddon Italian cool. These guys love their guests as as much as I love their duck rav in pink sauce.

💚 Cafe gather– these guys are lifetime hospo. Worked with some of them 10 years ago, they are always settingthe pace, and hard to keep up with.

🍕 Locale Pizzeria Deakin– I mean, it’s in the name! Southside best pizza, real fire, real food, real people. Shout out to chef who is a machine in the kitchen.

🍽 Beltana Farm – Canberra’s best new lunch spot! Check out their truffle events from these legends in Pialligo. Chef John is an incredible chef and has been an owner operator on and off for years in Canberra.

He added “Support local with action, not just words. Buy that extra glass of wine, splash out and have the oysters, get another beer over lunch at the pub. The more we participate now, the more we get to participate in the future. That’s community. That’s hospitality.”

This interaction inspired us to create and share this with you so you can learn about more local Canberra locals hot spots, and to give you the chance to shine a light on your favourites.

So Canberra foodies, now it’s your turn. Leave a comment and tell us about your favourites! 👇🍴🍷🍻🍴

📸 the amazing creme caramel with vanilla bean and Japanese whiskey from OTIS Dining Hall 🍮

29/12/2023

Confit duck | Pappardelle, marsala reduction, toasted hazelnuts. One of the delicious dishes on special right now 🍝

20/10/2023

Fried burrata, romesco sauce, toasted baguette. On speshie this week!

12/10/2023

This perfectly sweet & salty entree is one of the speshies, on now!

03/02/2023

Nothing better to beat this chilly weather with our green chilli mussel special 🔥 Spaghetti, green chilli mussels, white wine & roast garlic purée. On rn

29/11/2022

Prawn & pork meatballs, torchietti pasta, red pepper & chilli romesco sauce. On speshie rn 👌🏽 It’s a banger!