New faces behind Newcastle's Restaurant II

Taylor and partner Pauline Sazdanoff bought the ‘‘hatted’’ Bolton Street restaurant in April from Peter Bryant and are expected to operate it under the same name.

Taylor won her first chef’s hat while working at Wickham’s Cafe Albion and said she had spent months working on Restaurant II’s new and exciting modern French menu.

‘‘The menu ticks all the boxes; it’s French, modern, hearty, yet light,’’ Taylor said.

‘‘Yes, it’s French flavours and French ingredients but we’re going for something just a little different as well.’’

Some entree choices being considered for the menu are: crumbed pig trotters with glazed scallops, roast beetroot, caramelised onion and walnut oil; and duck eggs wrapped in potato string and globe artichoke, pancetta and hollandaise sauce.

Mains will include braised Wagyu short ribs; twice-cooked duck; and suckling pig done three ways.

Taylor and Sazdanoff have carefully put together a strong local and international wine list to complement the dishes.

Restaurant II will also include an upstairs private function room.

While she had spent several years teaching at Hunter TAFE, Taylor said she was excited to get the apron back on and get back in front of the stove.

‘‘I love it; I’m actually really excited and looking forward to getting back to it all,’’ she said.

‘‘And now it seems that I’ve gone full circle and I’m back in an environment that I love.’’

Restaurant II will open next Wednesday, June 2.