Chef Joel Humphreys couldn't wipe the smile from his face on Friday night at the launch of his new restaurant, Bistro Penny.
This is a labour of love for him, and one that has been years in the making.
Humphreys has always wanted to open his own restaurant in Newcastle, and Bistro Penny has given him the opportunity to return to his classically French-trained culinary roots.
He was thrilled, too, to work on the project with his long-time friend and collaborator Nic Wong.
The cooking at Bistro Penny is done over a three-metre by one-metre grill, and share-style dining is encouraged (think slow-cooked pork belly, wood-grilled prawns and flounder, wagyu striploin, duck neck sausage and charcoal-roasted leek).
Snacks served at the launch were a tasty indication of things to come. The crusty baguette with cultured butter and the grilled scallops with chicken fat bearnaise, in particular, stuck in my memory. The menu has since been released and includes dishes such as smoked lobster boudin blanc, steak tartare, raw coral trout with capers, horseradish and chamomile, and black mussels with vinaigrette, celery and espelette pepper.
The venue itself is intimate, warm and simply stunning. Original beams, heritage brick and sandstone were uncovered during the fit-out, and these are complemented by the subdued yellow/mustard lamp lighting.
Bistro Penny is located at 8-10 Bolton Street in Newcastle. It's open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm until late, and lunch Friday and Saturday, noon to 3pm. Do yourself a favour and make a booking.
Spiral Spuds giveaway
The team at Newcastle Spiral Spuds are celebrating the food truck's sixth birthday at the Homegrown Markets on November 24 at The Junction, and from 10am will be giving away 200 gluten-free and vegan cookies, plus Spiral Spuds gift cards.
"We are so proud of our business," said co-owner Sarah Martin.
"I was born in Newcastle and grew up in the area before my Dad joined the navy. After travelling around Australia, I made it back to my home town and started Spiral Spuds with my husband, Ash, in 2018.
"It hasn't been an easy journey, with fires, floods, COVID and many more things between. But it's all worth it to hear amazing feedback from our great customers and the awesome community we have involved ourselves with."
Shoal Bay festival
The inaugural Shoal Bay Food & Wine Festival is taking place on Saturday, November 30. Shoal Bay Road and the foreshore will be transformed into an alfresco dining precinct, with live music as well as top chefs, winemakers and distillers from Port Stephens and the Hunter Region.
Shoal Bay businesses will be open, and others will 'pop-up' in the precinct on the day, including Bannisters Port Stephens, Little Beach Boathouse, Restaurant 2317, Iron Door Craft Street Food, Greek at the Beach, Two Bobs Bakery, Tynan Wines, Iron Gate Estate, Bonvilla Estate and Lemon Tree Passage Distillery.
"Our goal is to establish the Shoal Bay Food & Wine Festival as a signature event, attracting visitors from far and wide and solidifying Shoal Bay's reputation as a premier destination for food, wine, and entertainment," Mayor Leah Anderson said.
"We want to create an event that our community can truly be proud of, showcasing the unique charm and character of Shoal Bay to the world."
For more information visit pscouncil.info/shoal-bay-food-wine-festival.
Award winners
The winners of the 2024 National Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence have been announced and some familiar names finished third: Best Restaurant in a Winery, The Wood at Brokenwood Wines; Best Steak Restaurant (Formal), The Gates Restaurant at Pokolbin; Events Caterer, Sprout Catering at Tocal Homestead, Paterson; and Wedding Caterer, Peterson House at Pokolbin.
Cajun flavours at Method Brewing
Chef Alex Hunter and his culinary muse, partner Lauren Chriceol, have returned to Newcastle after spending a few weeks in her home state of Louisiana, sampling Cajun cuisine. Or, in their words, eating their way "through every Louisiana restaurant and home kitchen imaginable". Inspired, they have updated the menu at their pop-up kitchen, Louisiana Dreamin, which returns to Method Brewing in Islington on November 23 at noon.
Short and sweet
The Shortland Hotel has put a call-out for local Swifties - and I know there are a lot of you out there. The Taylor Swift Trivia Night is on December 11 at 7pm with music, themed cocktails and prizes to be won.
A Sri Lankan restaurant is opening at Wallsend. It's called Hasthi, and it's celebrating its launch with a traditional buffet from November 22 to 24.
The Oak Tighes Hill has a new menu and is hosting the third annual Gravy Day Spectacular on December 21. It's a celebration of Paul Kelly's music, Christmas, friends - and a roast dinner with gravy. Bookings are advised.
Ben Ean at Pokolbin is hosting a Penfolds Masterclass on Wednesday, November 20, from 6.30pm. Tickets $250 per person.
There's a Wine Battle Dinner happening at Bella Italia on November 21.
Murrays Restaurant at Murrays Beach is under new ownership.
The Nags Head Hotel at Adamstown is hosting the Margs & Margs Bottomless Brunch on November 20 from 12.30pm.
Lucky Duck started out as a pop-up at Lovedale but is here to stay.
