Like it or hate it, Halloween is fast approaching and a growing list of venues are getting in on the action. Personally, I think it's a lot of fun - and we could do with a healthy dose of that after all 2020 has thrown at us.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Newcastle Food & Flower Markets at Sandgate are hosting a Halloween Night Mexican Fiesta on Saturday, October 31, 5pm to 9pm. A Mexican degustation menu is on offer, plus a mariachi band and prizes for best-dressed couple. Tickets cost $89 per person and can be booked by emailing info@newcastleflowermarkets.com.au.
MEET restaurant on Darby Street in Newcastle is celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on October 31 with special additions to the churrrasco menu, live music and bar specials.
The Kavon at Hamilton is presenting Just Another Horror Show - The Halloween Edition, a three-hour horror comedy show. Tickets cost $55 per person and include a two-course meal and the show. There's also a best-dressed competition. Bookings are essential.
Hunter Belle Cheese Cafe at Muswellbrook is hosting an adults-only Halloween celebration on October 31. Tickets are $50 and the three-course, cheese-dominated menu looks amazing. Bookings essential online.
Chiefly East on Newcastle's King Street has renamed its October 31 Sundown Sizzle the "Halloweenie Roast". From 4pm to 6pm there will be a Spooky Sausage Sizzle, a Haunted Vego special, best-dressed prizes and music from Ash Strider.
Valhalla Restaurant and Bar at Bob's Farm is holding ValhallaWeen on October 31, a viking-inspired dinner party where you are encouraged to dress the part. Bookings for tables of 10 in the Great Hall are now being taken.
Cielo Italiano in Newcastle has introduced a spooky cocktail list and The Greenroof in Hamilton has three events planned under the banner A Nightmare on Tudor Street. On Monday, October 26, there is a Halloween themed trivia night and on October 29 a silent cinema screening of IT (2017). The following night is MEMBER'S NIGHTmare with R.I.P Raffles, a pub trick or treat, cocktail specials and more.
Jobs at Port Stephens
You might have noticed the number of "we're hiring" posts from the hospitality industry on social media. Baristas, apprentice chefs, head chefs, waitstaff, kitchenhands - the list goes on. Ongoing state border closures and international travel restrictions are driving a thriving local business economy and operators are hiring to meet increased demand.
In Port Stephens it appears that demand is exceeding supply when it comes to staff. Restaurant manager Jo Minett, of The Point at Soldiers Point Marina, counts a former first-class airline steward among the recent additions to her team.
"A glowing customer review is gold to the local businesses here," she said. "We all rely on return business so we're serious about surrounding ourselves with team members who are the very best at what they do."
Destination Port Stephens chief executive officer Eileen Gilliland said the Port Stephens region had "strong bookings through to December" which, in addition to being the peak visitation period, had "created a range of employment opportunities".
Housekeeping and guest services roles at accommodation providers are being advertised, too.
Andrew Macdonald, chair of Destination Port Stephens and co-owner of the popular Little Nel Cafe, is also looking for staff: "We value good employees and encourage anyone looking for a job to love, to consider what Port Stephens has to offer."
What are you waiting for?
Brewery launch at Morisset
Lake Mac Brewing Co is opening this Friday, October 23, at Morisset (Unit 3/2 Brodie Street). Luke Willis planned to open his brewery earlier in the year but 2020, as we know, had other ideas. He has 60 kegs ready to go for opening weekend. Read all about it in Saturday's Weekender.
Pop-up cantina at 48 Watt St
You can catch the talented Harry Callinan, aka Mulga Bill, at 48 Watt St on Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm until midnight, for the next three weeks. The pop-up Cantina & Taqueria will take over the venue's outdoor atrium and feature Mulga Bill's delicious street-style tortillas. Bookings are essential.
New restaurant at Murray's Beach
Murrays Restaurant is opening at the site of the former Lakehouse Cafe at Murray's Beach on October 23. The Lakehouse Cafe is moving to the nearby Rafferty's Resort, at Cams Wharf, and is expected to open in November.
Karen Tanko has been busy preparing Murrays Restaurant for Friday's opening. She has 30 years' experience in the hospitality industry and knows the location well, having spent three years as Lakehouse Cafe's front-of-house manager.
"We've completely refurbished the restaurant and it looks great," she told Food & Wine. "We'll be open seven days for breakfast and lunch, and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. We will also offer high tea Mondays to Saturdays and cater for weddings."
Best of French bubbly at Flotilla
Tickets to a French-themed wine luncheon featuring sustainably produced Burgundy wines and Champagnes sold out within three days, much to the delight of Newcastle-based specialist French wine importers Decante This.
The Burgundy Champagne Long Lunch, being held at Flotilla this Saturday, October 24, will showcase the release of the latest 2018 vintages from Burgundy's Domaine Albert Bichot, as well as a new offering from Champagne Vadin-Plateau. The three-course, wine-matched lunch will be hosted by founder and CEO of Decante This, Leigh Dryden, and Australian wine personality Jane Thomson is guest speaker. She is the founder of The Fabulous Ladies' Wine Society and the Australian Women in Wine Awards and was supposed to be in France this month leading a tour of Champagne.
"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to host wine lovers in Newcastle for this authentically French experience," she told Food & Wine. "It will be the next best thing all of us can have right now to actually being there."
Dryden can't wait to hold an event in Newcastle again, after COVID forced the cancellation of Vadin-Plateau Champagne head winemaker Yann Vadin's tour.
"Most of the wines we'll be sipping on have only just landed in Australia, so this is going to be a very special tasting experience," he said.
Raw Energy Recharge
What started as a small token of appreciation for frontline workers turned into a six-month-long pay it forward campaign for Honeysuckle's Raw Energy Newcastle cafe. Owner and operator Greg Fenwick said after almost 600 free coffees paid forward by 250 customers and suppliers, the Wednesday recharge of free coffees for frontline workers would wrap up today.
"When we started the campaign at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, it was our way of feeling like we were making a contribution. As it turns out, many of our customers felt the same way," he said.
Freebie of the week
Bliss Bites is a celebration of the taste and flavour sensations that are possible with dairy and refined sugar-free snacks.
Kate Bradley, author of bestselling book and successful blog Kenko Kitchen, returns with a collection of more than 50 gluten-free, vegan and plant-based recipes - some savoury, most sweet, all inventive and delicious. Chapters include Everyday Staples, Savoury Bites, Sweet Tooth, Other Treats, and Basics.
Bliss Bites: Vegan, Gluten- and Dairy-Free Treats from the Kenko Kitchen is out now through Hardie Grant Publishing, RRP $19.99.
To enter, send the words "Bliss Bites" with your name, address and number to freelunch@newcastleherald.com.au.
Entries close on Monday at 9am.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here