Louise and Gus Maher describe Newcastle Food Month as their “passion project”.
And, thanks to City of Newcastle’s (CN) Special Business Rates (SBR) initiative, their vision quickly turned into a reality three years ago.
Now, the couple is preparing to delight foodies yet again, with the 2023 program – which kicks off 1 April – unveiled atop the luxury Cyrstalbrook Kingsley Hotel on Wednesday evening.
“We’ve secured the greatest number of events and eateries for this year’s festival,” Ms Maher said.
“It involves more than 100 local businesses from restaurants, bars, cafes, producers, winemakers and sponsors.
“This result’s a great feat for what only started on a small scale.
“The challenge for locals and visitors alike is to see how many events they can consume in the month-long calendar of festivities, with something being served up in Newcastle every single day in April.”
Radio personality, and Newcastle Food Month ambassador, Jess Farchione likened the rise of the Newy “foodie scene” to a mini-version of her hometown Melbourne as far as the diversity of dining.
“Growing up with parents of a European background, nothing brought the family together like food,” she said.
“Food was a love language – I soon adopted it as my own.
“Sharing a meal, discovering new favourites, recommending old favourites to friends; there is no better topic.
“Nothing sets my soul alight quite like a terrific meal.
“So, I was incredibly chuffed when I was asked to be the 2023 Newcastle Food Month ambassador because I’m incredibly proud of what Newy has to offer.”
The 2023 program features everything from delectable degustations to opera and jazz in the Foghorn Brewery, a number of events at Earp Distillery including a Good Friday seafood feast, Hunter Valley winemaker lunch parties, a battle of local brewers and a Polish dinner.
There’s even a function where famed Sydney chef Matt Kemp comes to town to take on three of his apprentices from a bygone era, who now head up kitchens of their own in the region.
“It’s a great opportunity to support the local hospitality industry after a couple of really tricky years,” Ms Maher said.
“It is also a chance to celebrate all the incredible food offerings we have in this terrific city.
“We urge locals and visitors to Newcastle to try somewhere new in 2023.”
The program’s signature event, Le Diner En Blanc, the posh pop-up picnic originating in Paris in 1988, will ensure the festivities start in style on Saturday 1 April.
Invitations are now out for this prestigious extravaganza.
Anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to join the wait list for when that phase of tickets are released on 24 February.
It’s anticipated more than 1,500 guests will don their all-white attire for an evening in a secret location with music, world-class catering, local wines and, of course, le champagne.
Almost 50 restaurants will also plate up a super special dish for the month with a matching beverage.
The suitably-titled Plate Date features a wide range of Newcastle’s eclectic cafes, eateries and pubs, all preparing a brunch, lunch or dinner, including a drink, for just $25.
All the events in the program are now on sale via the festival website at newcastlefoodmonth.com.au or by booking directly with the participating venues.
For more food and wine stories:
- Butchers keeping up a Darby Street tradition
- New Lake Mac foodie event to Sip and Savour
- Darby Street trial creates record trade boom
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
