It has been one heck of a year for restaurateurs, chefs and hospitality workers but that's all about to change.
Events are being planned and one of the first cabs off the rank is Newcastle Food Month, which is returning in 2022 after a successful debut earlier this year.
The month-long festival will take place in April, celebrating the city's dining scene and its ever-growing number of cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs.
Event organiser Louise Maher has a five-year plan: to make Newcastle's culinary scene one of the city's most recognised assets, and for Newcastle Food Month to become "one of Australia's leading regional food festivals, drawing diners from around Australia".
The inaugural festival was a success despite the uncertainties presented by COVID-19. Hundreds of guests dressed in white converged on The Station on April 10 for Newcastle Food Month's signature event, Le Diner en Blanc, to wine, dine and dance the night away. The date for next year's Le Diner en Blanc will be announced in December, with the actual location revealed only an hour prior to the "pop up" dinner event.
Maher said a number of feature events had already been registered for Newcastle Food Month 2022, including "something pretty special being created at The Kingsley's Roundhouse Restaurant".
Remember Plate Date, where restaurants, cafes and hotels each crafted a unique $25 meal and beverage special valid throughout Food Month? That's making a comeback too. Neighbours and Basement on Market Street, The Kiosk on Newcastle Beach, Noahs on the Beach, Goldbergs, The Nags Head in Adamstown and the Lambton Park Hotel have already signed up.
"We believe that it is a reflection of the success of our inaugural year that we have names such as First Creek Wines, Foghorn Brewery, Pork Ewe Deli, The Australian Hotels Association and The Kingsley on board already," Maher said.
"Of course the event would not be possible without the generous support of City of Newcastle and their 'special business rate' funding."
She said the presenting partner for next year's Newcastle Food Month would be announced in the next week or two. Interested restaurateurs and event organisers, visit the website (newcastlefoodmonth.com.au) and register your Plate Date or other feature event.
