Lovers of low-and-slow American barbecue, sports and dude food, this one's for you.
Surly's is opening its doors on Newcastle's Hunter Street next Monday, July 20, at noon. What can punters expect?
Also, Surly's has set its sights on being Newcastle's home of Fireball Whisky, with dedicated activations and themed events planned throughout the year, and has plans to tap into Newcastle's growing country music scene by opening up opportunities for live shows and playlists featuring both international and local artists.
The original Surly's in Surry Hills opened in 2015, and in May announced it had secured a long-term lease at 231 Hunter Street which has most recently housed Piazza Mercato, The Flying Tiger 231, and CIMS on Hunter.
The Nashville-inspired sports and dive bar will be packed with neon signs, screens, and plenty of unique memorabilia and artwork.
"We're incredibly excited to finally welcome Newcastle through the doors of Surly's from next week," Newcastle venue manager Joel Ervin said.
"Our opening week is all about giving locals the chance to experience the venue, enjoy our American barbecue and bar offering, and meet the team behind Surly's as we become part of the Newcastle community.
"We're already planning an official launch celebration a little later on, so keep an eye out for more details. In the meantime, we can't wait to welcome everyone through the doors and share what we've been working so hard to create."
Bookings are opening soon for UFC pay-per-views, NRL and AFL grand finals, and other major sporting events.
Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook and Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson are the special guests at a charity lunch being held at Peregrin (upstairs at Merewether's Beach Hotel) on Friday, July 24.
Funds raised at the Game Day Charity Lunch will go to a worthy cause that is close to Novocastrian hearts.
"Money raised from the event will be donated to The Mark Hughes Foundation to help fund critical research, support patients and families impacted by brain cancer, and continue driving awareness for this important cause," said The Beach Hotel general manager Gareth Rattley.
The Knights are hosting the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium later that evening.
Guests at the lunch will gain unique access to game-day insights and behind-the scenes commentary as both coaches share their thoughts, tactics and expectations for the match in an intimate setting rarely experienced by fans. And for those attending the game afterwards, the experience continues with a courtesy bus transfer to the stadium to watch the action unfold live.
Tickets are on sale now at peregrinmerewether.com.au
Former Muse head chef Mitchell Beswick has been appointed culinary director at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific restaurant, Meribella.
"When I first walked into Meribella and looked out at that coastline, it felt like the right moment and the right room for this next chapter of my career. There's a strong team and loyal guests who care deeply about the restaurant. I'm genuinely excited for people to come and experience what we're creating together," Beswick said.
Meribella represents an opportunity for Beswick to realise a long-held vision: building a menu around the relationships he has forged with producers including Dylan Abdoo from Newcastle Greens, Newcastle's Baked Uprising Bakery, and Nelson Bay fisherman Nathan Crocker. Signature dishes on Meribella's menu include the Terrigal bonito with pickled onion, smoked bonito cream, wild rice and native sunrose; Hawkesbury Loligo calamari with fennel, koshihikari rice and dashi risotto; and charred Paroo kangaroo tartare with purple daikon, hung yoghurt and Jerusalem artichoke chips.
Working alongside Beswick is head chef Mitchell Wheeler and sommelier Lisa Sanders, whose 20-year career has taken her to venues such as Tetsuya's, Quay, Marque, Woodcut, Margan Wines and Restaurant, and Hart & Hunter. Her wine program balances Australian and international selections, with a strong focus on NSW and Hunter Valley producers.
There are many reasons to visit the hatted Humbug on Newcastle's Hunter Street during the winter months.
The warm, welcoming, elevated comfort food cooked by chef Michael Portley and his team is one.
The return of the "Favourites" menu, as voted by diners, is another. Loved dishes including the rib sando, anchovy danish, mushroom dumplings, and the campanelle with king prawn are back for a limited time only.
Then there's the return of the Friday afternoon aperitivo where you can enjoy discounted cocktails and local wines from 4pm to 5.30pm, and meet local winemakers. First up is Angus Vinden (Vinden Wines) on July 17, followed by Alisdair Tulloch (Aeon Wines) on July 24, and Ollie Margan (Margan Wines) on July 31.
And, during August, Humbug launches its weekly Regional Wine Dinner Series. Details to come.
Humbug co-owners Michael Portley and Steph Wells have been busy juggling Humbug and their other venture, Papalote, in recent months.
"It's been quite the challenge with a young family, too," Wells said.
"We wear many hats and our venues are dynamic, so each week looks different. We pivot and communicate as needed - we're often ships in the night. But as our team has become more confident at Papalote, we've been able to step back into Humbug more.
"We launch our Favourites menu today. We asked our guests to vote on which dishes they wanted to see return. I'm so touched by how many of them have such distinct memories of certain dishes - it makes me really proud of what we've been able to create over the last four-and-a-half years."
Kerbside Eatery has opened at Glendale City Centre, next to the playground.
East Pavilion is opening soon at Shoal Bay Country Club, described as "coastal Asian dining inspired by the great port cities and coastal cultures of Asia".
Chef David Griffin is competing in this year's Stars of Newcastle to raise money for cancer awareness. He is head of product development at House of Roast and culinary director at Miine Newcastle.
