Taco Bell at Jesmond Central shopping centre is officially opening its doors to the public on Tuesday, November 26. In a nutshell, Taco Bell is throwing a party and you're invited. There will be merchandise up for grabs plus activities and the chance to win a year's supply of tacos.
The world's largest Mexican-inspired chain opened a restaurant in Sydney in the '90s but it didn't take off. Taco Bell tried again in 2017, rebranding and opening in Brisbane. This time they were more successful - so much so that in 2018 Australian franchisee Collins Foods announced it would open 50 more restaurants across the country over three years.
What's on the Taco Bell menu? One of the signature items is the Crunchwrap Supreme: your choice of meat and sauce, nacho cheese sauce, crunchy tostada, sour cream, lettuce and tomato inside a toasted tortilla in a six-sided wrap. The Cheesy Gordita Crunch is also popular: grilled flatbread covered in a melted two-cheese blend and wrapped around a crunchy taco with your choice of meat.
Go Pink pays off
The Wests Group raised $9320 for Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation last month by selling 1864 pink burgers across six clubs.
The Go Pink for Breast Cancer Pink Buns campaign, which donated $5 from every pink burger to the foundation, also involved Wests' suppliers Red Funnel, Top Cut, Rarity, Newcastle Seafood Company, M&J Chickens and Reward Hospitality.
Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation provides those being treated for breast cancer and their families with support services to help lessen the burden during what is a challenging time.
"We thank our members and guests for supporting this worthy cause by ordering our special 'Go Pink' burgers during October. These charitable organisations rely heavily on local support, and we're proud to have supported such a cause," chief executive of The Wests Group Australia, Philip Gardner, said.
Festive fun
Speaking of Wests, the New Lambton venue is hosting a community Christmas event on Wednesday, November 27. One of the city's largest Christmas light displays will be switched on and there will be free, family-friendly activities to enjoy. Wests New Lambton will be wrapped with a "bow" spanning more than 25 square metres, made up from more than 42,000 bright white LED lights. Daily events at Wests New Lambton include:
- 4pm to 8.30pm: Christmas cakes and assorted Christmas treats on sale in the patisserie
- 4pm to 10pm: Gingerbread gelato with candy canes at the Chocolate Cafe
- 4.30pm to 6pm: Christmas raffles in the Bar 88 Lounge
- 5pm to 8.30pm: $8 Christmas Bistro Special - roast ham or turkey roast with cranberry sauce and vegetables, add a Christmas pudding for $2
- 5pm to 8.30pm: Free Christmas colouring-in packs available in the Bistro and Grill
- 5.30pm to 7.30pm: Free Christmas balloons and face painting
Hot dog heaven
The Naughty Dog has opened at Charlestown Square in the food court next to Donut King and is serving American-style hot dogs and wings.
Good vibes
Convoy Commune has opened at 88 Mitchell Street, Merewether. Owner Dave Rugendyke told Food & Wine it's a "Bali/Byron Bay inspired cafe and retail space serving our own specialty blend of coffee and an all-day menu filled with simple, fresh and healthy dishes". It's open Monday to Saturday, 6am to 2.30pm, and Sunday, 7am to 1.30pm.
Supercars bar
Lynch's Hub is heading to the United Services Club at 57 Watt Street this Supercars weekend, setting up a "can bar" with alcoholic and non-alcoholic slushies, Vietnamese pork rolls, grilled corn on the cob and more.
Rosé delivered
Wine retailer Cellarmasters has launched a Rosé wine subscription that delivers curated, quality Rosé winesto your doorstep. They say Rosé sales have increased by 16 per cent in the past 12 months.
"Contrary to popular belief there are actually many different styles of Rosé wine. We have the savoury, bone-dry Rosé the French are famous for; the dry, fruit-forward styles many Australian winemakers are doing well; as well as the slightly sweeter styles." Cellarmasters cellar director Christine Ricketts.
The My Favourites Rosé Reservation subscription includes a case of three types of Rosé wines delivered three times a year, for $12.99 per bottle (by the case). The first case included wines from the Hunter Valley, France and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Family business
Hunter Belle Cheese has opened a store at Ben Ean, upstairs in the former Lindemans building which also houses Hunter Olive Company as well as Dvine Chocolates. Baume restaurant is also located at Ben Ean (119 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin).
Denise Hodge is the store manager and says word of mouth has been attracting visitors to buy "the only locally produced cheese in the Valley". She previously worked at Petersons House for 10 years.
"The Chesworth family have been in the diary industry for over 100 years," she told Food & Wine.
"Jason Chesworth makes the cheese in a factory at Scone and his mother and father, Tania and Geoff, manage the shop at Muswellbrook which has a cafe as well.
"Eighteen months ago Brian McGuigan and Colin Peterson opened up the old Lindemans site which has become a one-stop shop for gourmet goodies, I suppose. Our cheese tasting room is going very well. All our cheeses are from Swiss Brown cows."
- Email your food news and events to lrockman@newcastleherald.com.au
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