Last night, at the luxurious Cyrstalbrook Kingsley Hotel, Newcastle Food Month unveiled its plans for 2023. And wow, it’s going to be a big one.
With over 100 local businesses participating, including restaurants, bars, cafes, producers, winemakers and sponsors, this year’s Food Month is set to blow all expectations out of the water.
Event organisers, Louise & Gus Maher, said they couldn’t be happier with how the event has evolved over three years.
“Last night was the first time in the 3 years of this event that we’ve had an official Program Launch, and we couldn’t be happier with the support that we’ve received from far and wide,” Louise said.
“It was great to be able to acknowledge publicly our sponsors who without their support, the events of this scale could not happen. A special thanks to The City of Newcastle have again provided significant funding through their Special Business Rates program.”
Newcastle Food Month Ambassador, Jess Farchione, revealed her deep love for food at last night’s launch event.
The popular radio personality shared that accepting the ambassador role was a no-brainer for her, given her upbringing with European parents. Food, according to Jess, was a binding force in her family that helped create cherished memories. From discovering new dishes to recommending beloved ones to friends, food remains a passion for her, and she considers it a universal topic that brings people together.
And bring people together it will. From a seafood feast on Good Friday at Earp Distillery, winemaker lunch parties in Hunter Valley, and even a battle of local brewers, the month-long foodie celebration will have something for everyone.
Music lovers will be able to feast their way through degustation menus and Opera and Jazz performances at Foghorn Brewery and a showdown between Sydney chef Matt Kemp and his three former apprentices.
Le Diner En Blanc, the posh pop-up picnic event that originated in Paris, will celebrate its third incarnation in Newcastle as the program’s signature event.
The prestigious event will kick off the program on 1 April, and invitations have already been sent out. Those who want to attend are encouraged to join the waitlist for when tickets are released on February 24th at 8 am. With live music, world-class catering, local wines, and, of course, le champagne, it’s expected that over 1500 guests will attend this all-white affair at a secret location.
Plate Date is also back and will see almost 50 participating eateries serving up a smorgasbord of gastronomic delights. Each restaurant will be dishing out a special plate with a perfectly paired beverage for just $25.
Newcastle Food Month is happening this April. To find out more about all the events newcastlefoodmonth.com.au.
