Le Diner en Blanc made its Hunter debut on Saturday night, headlining a delectable suite of food events for April.
Newcastle Food Month's signature event brought 850 people to The Station at short notice, surprising diners with the venue after they brought their own tables and chairs.
The Parisian-styled pop up, which runs in more than 80 countries, began with a traditional waving of napkins led by hosts Louise and Gus Maher and concluded with sparklers held aloft by diners.
Ms Maher said on Sunday that it was hard to describe exactly how the event had transcended a mere dining experience.
"There was just something very special about this worldwide event making its way to our wonderful city of Newcastle," she said.
"It's a cliché but there was a real magic in the air."
More than 60 restaurants, 30 feature events and three festivals are taking place in the Hunter this month to offer a taste of the best the hospitality sector has to offer.
Ms Maher said the month had left mouths watering for the 2022 incarnation.
"The most gratifying thing for us as hosts was the number of people who acknowledged that it was almost a Newcastle coming of age; a night when we dressed up, we showed that as a city we have our own style and sense of elegance," she said.
"We'll take a month off after we've eaten our way around the city for the remainder of Newcastle Food Month, and then start planning."
As for Le Diner en Blanc, a sequel is all but guaranteed given the 2022 venue is already chosen.
"Where? I can't tell you - it's a secret," Ms Maher said.
