OUR TOP 5 PICKS FOR NEWCASTLE FOOD MONTH 2023
FOUND Regional’s Marketing Director, Claudia Monique, headed to Newcastle to seek out the latest and greatest foodie finds! Whether visiting in April for Newcastle Food Month or just a weekend away at the beach, make your next trip to this beautiful city a fun-filled foodie weekend – trust us, it won’t disappoint!
THE LOWDOWN
Enjoy a food-lover’s paradise as Newcastle Food Month takes over the city scene in April. This is the hospitality industry’s time to shine, highlighting their finest features – chefs, service, ambience and of course, the food!
Throughout the 30 days of April, take your pick of the $25 Plate Dates, serving up a meal and beverage at more than 50 venues. Rally your mates, your date and bring the fam, booking into the feature events – intimate dinners hosted by top chefs, whisky degustations, food paired with art and music, plus unlimited pizza and cocktails. The sweetener and signature event of Newcastle Food Month is Le Dîner en blanc, famous for its all white dress code and secret location!
ARNO DELI
Take a walk on King Street to Newcastle’s Italian style Deli and Bar – Arno Deli.
Working in high-flying venues such as Establishment Bar, The Ivy, and Coogee Beach Rooftop, owner Will O’Brien has done his time. Head to Arno’s for great coffee and possibly the best pork belly panini you’ve ever tasted! Of an evening, enjoy a chilled red with a selection of premium meats and cheeses perched at your typical European style table seating, inside or kerbside.
WHAT’S ON AT ARNO’S?
Wednesday 12 April • 6pm
Arno’s will introduce you to six Italian natural wines. You won’t find these in a nearby bottleshop!
Sunday 16 April • 12:30pm
Serving up a Sunday roast with spritz and canapes on arrival, plus lunch enjoyed with a selection of beer and wine for the menu.
Psst…
Gluten free friends, here’s one for you! Will can whip you up a GF Panini! While you’re there, check out his selection of GF pasta to take home.
HARRISONS
Take a seat inside this classic European bistro where owner Tony Harrison welcomes you with hospitable arms. No scanning barcodes here, you’ll get to know your waiter’s name and be charmed with good ol’ fashion service. A hand curated wine list featuring Hunter Valley and European wines paired with a share plate lunch menu with the likes of King Prawn Bruschetta with Caviar, and Oysters Charentais with LP’s smoked sausage makes this place high on our hit list!
Every evening there’s a three course set menu set for $70.00, while you can head in for tapas on Sundays.
WHAT’S ON AT HARRISONS?
Saturday 8 April • 12pm
Fruits of the Hunter Wine lunch, five courses featuring local cuisine sourced within 60km from the restaurant paired with Hunter Valley wines.
Saturday 22 April • 12pm
A tour of Italy, pairing wine with five rustic Italian dishes.
Psst…
Tony’s super talented wife Melisah May has her artwork displayed and it’s certainly the focal point when inside dining. Check it out!
ROUNDHOUSE
As the lift doors open on the ninth floor, you’ll be welcomed by the handsome view of Romberg’s rooftop bar and immediately sense Crystalbrook Kingsley’s five-star rating. Mere moments later, a short stroll to the right and Roundhouse will steal your attention with its floor to ceiling panoramic view of the city. From the front of house team, the sommelier to the chef, it’s all hands on deck here providing impeccable, yet still relaxed, service. Be enchanted by the decor and get ready to try some seriously fab food. PS: if you can fit it in, finish off with the Coconut crème diplomat served with Kensington pride mango, caramelised coconut and passionfruit – yum!
WHAT’S ON AT ROUNDHOUSE?
Saturday 29 April • 12pm
Heroes of the Hunter Long lunch, blind tasting of three Hunter wines while Roundhouse serves up a three-course lunch – gastronomy at its best.
Psst…
Treat yourself to an overnight stay in this here Newcastle’s first five-star hotel Crystalbrook Kingsley. Previously a council building, the transformation is divine and only a short ride in the lift back to your room.
ÂPÉ
Strolling along the boardwalk on Honeysuckle Drive, at a quick glance this may look like your average evening joint – but it’s Japanese fusion Yakitori at its finest.
Kicking off mid 2022, Âpé’s head Chef Nicolas Pedemont cooks over charcoal with top quality local produce using wagyu, pork, lamb, vegetables and chicken from Little Hill Farm – first generation farmers with a passion for clean ethical produce.
At Âpé your glass will never be empty, but rather topped up with an endless list of sake, Japanese wine and signature cocktails. Opt in for the Feed Me menu featuring their famous King Mushroom skewer using Hunter Valley mushrooms cooked over charcoal with white truffle cultured butter and smoked salt.
WHAT’S ON AT ÂPÉ?
Âpé will have a $25 Plate Date running for the 30 days of April. Cooking over charcoal using the world’s finest beef Kagoshima A5 Wagyu, paired with a glass of First Creek Rose.
Psst…
Check out the cream-coloured soundproofing on the wall inside, it’s actually made using fungus!
ELEMENTA
Howdy neighbour! They might be the new kids on the block in Maryville, but Joel, Rina and the team at Elementa are well versed in the hospitality industry – some even played a part in Newcastle’s hatted restaurant Flotilla.
Found at Throsby Foreshore on a cosy (yet elegant) neighbourhood corner, Elementa’s folk pair the right amount of charm and charisma with one killer menu! Open for brunch, snacks and dinner. You won’t want to miss this!
WHAT’S ON AT ELEMENTA?
Wednesday 19 April • 6pm
An Autumn Feast by Elementa Head Chef Jess Brooks – seasonal dishes paired with wine.
Psst…
Opt in for their Chef’s Choice menu featuring a selection of eight courses.
Photography Claudia Monique.
