Maestral

Urban myths are funny things and often have two characteristics. First, they are obviously not always true, while perhaps having some factual basis. Second, their origins are always a bit hazy, and you're never quite sure where you first hear a given myth.

For us, we're not quite sure where we heard it, but someone once told us that Maestral, a Croatian restaurant in the Weston shops was John Howard's favourite restaurant in Canberra. However, on a recent visit we busted this myth. After our meal we inspected a framed photo on the wall of the former Prime Minister with the waiters and chefs (that may be the factual basis of the myth). This grabbed the staff's attention. In the chit chat that followed, however, it emerged that Australia's second longest serving PM had only been in there once - in 2001.

Having only made one trip there, it appears John missed the opportunity to fully explore Maestral's extensive menu of Balkan treats. Whether your heart is in Split, Sarajevo, or Sofia and you're looking for comfort food, or whether you just like good seafood and grilled meat dishes, you'll probably enjoy a visit. The prawn and scallop skewers, and tomato soup, are exceptional. On the downside, like other popular restaurants crammed into commercial units in suburban shopping centres, on both times we've been there, it's been a little bit too noisy (and hot) to be fully comfortable. Some visual respite can be found (especially for the nostalgic ex-Balkanese), however, in the slightly faded but still stunning posters of Dubrovnik and the less known, but almost equally picturesque, Adriatic town of Trogir.