The first lunch sold out quickly so Andrew Thomas, of Thomas Wines, has announced a second Semsational Semillon Lunch at Nagisa Japanese Restaurant on Thursday, September 26.
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It coincides with the spring release of seven of his 2019 vintage semillons, the 50th anniversary of the Braemore Vineyard's planting, and Thomas Wines' 20th consecutive semillon vintage. Each wine will be paired with a signature Nagisa dish.
Thomas purchased the Braemore Vineyard late last year. Planted in 1969 on sandy alluvial flats just off Hermitage Road in Pokolbin, it consistently produces fresh and vibrant semillon with remarkable longevity. Producing more than 18 uniquely individual wines from just two varietals, his single vineyard shiraz and semillon wines have earned an almost a cult-like following.
"I'm super happy to be the custodian of this prime vineyard; it's definitely among the best vineyard sites in the Hunter and one I've long dreamed of owning," Thomas said. "You simply can't beat the fruit quality that comes off this 50-year-old site."
Tickets to the Semsational Semillon Lunch at Nagisa on September 26 are $120 and bookings are essential. Phone 4998 7134 or email cellardoor@thomaswines.com.au
HCA extends helping hand
Life as a chef or front-of-house professional can be hectic. But what about the people behind the scenes - the hospitality industry's small business owners and managers?
Despite their best efforts, many are doing their best to keep their heads - and those of their staff - above water. There's no shame in this and the good news is, help is out there.
Hunter Culinary Association is hosting a Strategies For Success seminar next month aimed at time-poor business owners and managers who may be struggling to keep abreast of the latest innovations and requirements to successfully operate a small hospitality business.
On September 3, from 9am until noon, a series of 30-minute information sessions will be hosted by experts in the following fields: Banking (CBA transaction banking specialist Alexis Zaunders); Industrial Relations (Seed People Consulting's Stacey Kelly); Accounting (The Garis Group's John Garis); Social Media (Crave New Media director Jessica Koncz); and An Old Hand (Newcastle restaurateur Neil Slater from Scratchleys on the Wharf).
The venue is yet to be advised. The cost is $50 per person (free for Hunter Culinary Association members). Email mail@hunterculinary.com.au or phone HCA chairman Gus Maher 0417 464 556 for further information
Lunch by a brook
The Great Wollombi Bush Lunch returns to The Old Byora Vineyard on the banks of Wollombi Brook on Saturday, September 14, noon to 3pm.
Hosted by Noyce Brothers Wines and with a three-course feast under the trees provided by Panino Outdoor Catering, this year's theme is the food and flavours of Sardinia and Italy. In addition to the feast and a special cheese course, there will be wine, an Indigenous smoking ceremony and a seven-piece band.
If the weather isn't kind, the lunch will be held at Panino Restaurant in Wollombi. Tickets are $120. To book phone Julie MacDonald on 4998 3483 or email sales@noycebros.com.au.
Cob loaf night
Due to popular demand, Laneway on Darby is now offering a "Cobb & Cocktail" night every Thursday until the end of winter. Who can resist a good cob loaf? Bookings required.
MKR dinner at Souths
Newcastle mates and My Kitchen Rules 2019 winners Matt Gawthrop and Luke Stewart are recreating their winning grand final dinner at venues across the region. First up is Maitland's Seraphine Cafe this weekend, followed by two dinners at Table 1 Espresso Warners Bay and concluding with a five-course dinner at Souths Merewether on Friday, September 27. Tickets are $120 which includes a drink on arrival; a cold entree (confit salmon with peas); a hot entree (duck ravioli with wild mushroom sauce); a main (beef cheek with parsnip mash and sprouts); and dessert (peach bellini). Bookings are essential: phone 4902 7600 or visit southleagues.com.au/mattandluke
Winning produce rewarded
The winners of the 2019 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards were announced this week. Seventeen awards, 16 trophies, and 30 gold medals were presented. You might be familiar with two of the gold medallists: Bungwahl's Burraduc Farm, whose Dolce Nina Fresh Buffalo Curd won gold in the From The Dairy category; and From The Earth gold medallists Newcastle Greens, whose Calvin Lamborn Snap Green Varietals impressed the judges for the third year running.
"We are just so happy to have the support of local chefs," Dylan Abdoo of Newcastle Greens told Food & Wine.
"Our amazing young team are also the reason we can do what we do."
delicious. editor-in-chief Kerrie McCallum said it had "never been more important to get behind our farmers and small producers. They need our help".
New cafe opens
Edmonds & Co Newcastle has opened in the East End (14 Pacific Street). It's open daily for breakfast and lunch, 7am to 2.30pm.
Record amount raised
More than $130,000 was raised for Variety - The Children's Charity at the recent Variety of Chefs Gala Dinner held in Newcastle. A spokesperson for the charity told Food & Wine "it was the highest fundraising amount for the Variety of Chefs event -ever".
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