The second annual Australian Cocktail Month kicks off on May 1 and, for the first time, Newcastle is taking part.
By purchasing a $20 (plus booking fee) ticket online, you have access to a special menu of $14 cocktails created exclusively for the month at any participating venue. Non-alcoholic options are $10.
"I am so excited for another year of Australian Cocktail Month. Year two and we have more cities and double the bars involved," founder Penny Sippe said.
"Encouraging consumers to head out and explore the bars that make our cities so vibrant while enjoying amazing cocktails created by some of the country's best bartenders is our goal."
Six Newcastle venues are taking part this year.
"We're super excited to be involved in Australia Cocktail Month in their second year but first time in Newcastle," Blue Kahunas and Bar Mellow co-owner Prudence Farquhar said.
"It's a great way to be connected in our industry, and it's a great opportunity to showcase local and international spirits and have a great offering for guest with $14 cocktails. It's a win win really.
"Our cocktails are inspired by the brands we are partnered with. We draw flavours from their unique flavours. For one of our cocktails at Bar Mellow we're using Glenfiddich 12 with a blend of sherries and banana oil - this pulls out the nuttiness and banana notes of the whisky."
The other participating Newcastle venues are Babylon (145 King Street), Bar Mellow (744 Hunter Street), Coal & Cedar (380/382 Hunter Street), The Rum Diary Bar (529 Hunter Street), and The Koutetsu (555 Hunter Street).
Go online to australiancocktailmonth.com.au for further details and tickets.
Peruvian kitchen
Traditional Peruvian street-eat kings La Tia Veneno are setting up a permanent mobile kitchen in Islington. Jason Osorio, who runs La Tia Veneno with Hannah Furmage and his mother Mirza, built it himself during lockdown.
"We will be launching our mobile kitchen in its new permanent location at 78 Maitland Rd, Islington, with an opening party on Thursday, May 12, 4.30pm to 6.30pm," Furmage said.
"After the launch we will be open every Wednesday and Thursday for lunch between 10am and 3pm with a view to expanding the days. We are beyond excited to share our food and culture."
And the menu? Pan con chicharron (pork and sweet potato sandwich); lomo saltado sandwich (Peruvian beef stir fry and fries sandwich); papa rellena (vegan Peruvian stuffed potatoes); and tamales (pork or chicken). A seasonal "special dish" will also feature weekly.
Italy in Broke this weekend
A Little Bit of Italy in Broke returns to the Hunter Valley this weekend after a two-year hiatus. And what better place to enjoy an autumn day than in the Valley's best-kept secret - the Broke Fordwich Region - with its wide-open spaces and fresh country air? This year's festival (April 29 to May 1) is a little bit different. There's a choose-your-own-adventure style wine tasting option where you grab a Festival Starter Kit online and choose the cellar doors you want to visit. Or, go online to brokefordwich.com.au/a-little-bit-of-italy and work your way around the Special Events program.
To kick off your all-Italian weekend you could enjoy a casual Benvenuto to Broke dinner at Smokin Hot n Saucy at Somerville Wines on Friday, or a more elegant courtyard dining experience at Margan Wines' Benvenuta dinner.
On Saturday there's Whispering Brook's Art and Sip session at 10am or 2pm, or you can join renowned artist Felicia Aroney as she guides you through a still-life masterclass at Winmark Wines. If you're more inclined to learn the art of cocktail making or keen to brush up on your Italian wine skills, let Margan take you into their private theatre for two curated masterclasses: cocktails with leading mixologist Ollie Margan, or a one-hour Italian wine tasting with Lisa and Andrew Margan (using some top shelf wines from their personal cellar).
There are a few seats left at pasta making - or wine and chocolate matching - classes at Greenway Wines.
And, of course, there is plenty to eat and drink all weekend as you work your way along either Milbrodale Road or Broke Road or both. Mount Broke will be open for lunch and dinner all weekend. Nightingale Wines are open for an Italian breakfast and all day Italian-inspired fare. Krinklewood Wines are offering antipasto and organic wine tastings all weekend.
Lovedale launch of Jimmy Joans
The countdown has begun to the official opening of Jimmy Joans at Lovedale. The bar and restaurant is the brainchild of Kim and Michael Starkey, and is expected to open on May 5.
"It's based on an idea we had around nine years ago, to create a venue that honoured the time-old tradition of family. It's named after my grandparents Jim and Joan Moyle," Kim explained.
"It's a small boutique bar and restaurant offering the opportunity to share delicious, wholesome food with a cold beer or cocktail.
"We approached Thom and Eliza [Boyd, formerly of Margan Restaurant] to partner with us, knowing that they both have similar family values to us and excel at their chosen fields."
Late night bar
Una Volta on Newcastle's Watt Street hosts Una Volta Enoteca this Friday and Saturday night. From 8.30pm the restaurant will become a late night "Wine & Cicchetti Bar" serving a set menu of Italian snacks ($38 per person) plus cocktail and wine specials. Also, there will be live music both nights.
To make a reservation at 8.30pm or 9.30pm, text 0434 700 257. Walk-ins from 9pm if available.
Freebie of the week
Eleanor Ford's new book The Nutmeg Trail is a unique and enlightening guide to cooking with spice. She looks at their flavour profiles and how they can be used, combined and layered - how some bring sweetness, others fragrance, heat, pungency, sourness or earthiness.
There are 80 spice-infused recipes in this collection following the trails of ancient maritime trade through Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Iran and the Emirates.
The Nutmeg Trail: A culinary journey along the ancient spice routes is out now through Murdoch Books, RRP $49.99. Food & Wine has a copy to give away. To enter, send the words ''The Nutmeg Trail'' with your name, address and number to freelunch@newcastleherald.com.au. Entries close on Monday at 9am.
