Newcastle Food Month kicks off this week and organiser Louise Maher has issued a challenge to all Novocastrians.
Get out there and enjoy it.
With diverse dining experiences, pocket-pleasing Plate Dates and unique, one-off events designed to entertain, this year's program has something for everyone.
"We're asking every Novocastrian and visitor to our city during the month of April to eat their way around Newcastle and support a local industry that's done it so tough this last couple of years," Maher said.
"We challenge every person in Newcastle to participate in at least one Newcastle Food Month event during April - please."
Newcastle Food Month kicks off with the Harrisons Hunter Valley Magnum lunch on April 2 and the festival's signature event, Le Diner en Blanc. Ticket sales to Le Diner en Blanc are now closed, with 1200 diners converging on a secret location for the pop-up picnic - up by an amazing 50 per cent on 2021.
"Le Diner en Blanc is here to stay on Newcastle's social calendar. Keep an eye out for the 2023 date soon to be announced," Maher said.
The event will proceed in all weather conditions unless deemed dangerous. Guests are encouraged to bring a poncho and/or an umbrella, however as per the Diner en Blanc mantra, they should be either clear or white.
On Sunday you can indulge in a six-course shared menu at The Edwards with paired wines from Hunter Valley young gun Angus Vinden, from the organic Vinden Wines.
A late entry to the 2022 Newcastle Food Month program is the Lucky Hotel which has recently changed hands and added a Plate Date to an already impressive list: two share plates from the Lucky's new menu plus a glass of wine for only $25. The venue has also announced Drag into Dinner on April 22 featuring Newcastle's own Timberlina.
A Taste of Sicily at The Basement on Market rounds out the first week of Newcastle Food Month on April 6, with head chef Franco Malgioglio curating an eight-course Sicilian feast with matching Sicilian wines and a Basement cocktail.
Maher advised people to go online to newcastlefoodmonth.com.au and browse the program to plan ahead for the month. A number of events have already sold out.
"Last year many people, including ourselves, missed out on their favourite events by not booking early enough. We have seen a great appetite for the Food Month events," Maher said.
"The event is a testimony to Newcastle's hospitality sector, their resilience in hard times, and the creativity of our chefs.
"Our aim is for Newcastle Food Month to be Australia's leading regional food festival, and we are so proud that in only our second year, we are on track to achieve that."
Morning all - some links below:
