Crave's Food Diary

Whether you’re a punter, a day drinker or just love a long lunch, Melbourne Cup is the

perfect opportunity to indulge. Pop the champagne, splurge on some new threads and book

a table for the race that stops the nation. Novocastrians are spoilt for choice with events

around town for any crowd.

One of our favourite cafes, The Village Newcastle, has a new sister cafe! The Verandah Newcastle, located inside the beautiful space at Poppy’s Home and Garden, was taken over by Sam last month.

Have you checked out the new kids on the block at the Broadmeadow Farmer’s Markets over the last 2 months? Newcastle Vegan Eatery is a new, plant-based foodie experience offering the goods every Sunday from 7am to 1pm.

You all know how much we LOVE a good spread, you’ll always find the Crave team by the snacks table at every party! Recently we were lucky enough to have a picnic with The Greedy Grazer and boy, were we impressed!

Offering an abundance of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on their menu along with Byron Bay roasted Marvelle Street coffee, you’ll always find something on their menu to suit your taste buds!

Last night the Crave team landed at The Flying Tiger and boy, did we have a fantastic night!

Sure, you could buy another Dad’s bag and a carton of beer but does that really show your Dad that he’s your number one? Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to spoil your Dad and express how grateful you are for his terrible jokes and wise words of advice. Don’t leave your brunch plans to the last minute, make sure you book in for Father’s Day this Sunday.

For those who were brave enough to endure July without alcohol, the end is near. Kiss goodbye to virgin Mojitos and sipping lemonade while the squad takes shots. Take the achievement as an opportunity for drinks on the town. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of grade A bars where you can quench your thirst.

Whether you’re opting for a healthy lifestyle change, striving to save the planet or protecting our four-legged or feathered friends, Newcastle’s vegan scene is thriving. While the vegan diet is often stereotyped as lacklustre pasta and bowls of steamed veg, the reality is anything but. Newcastle’s vegans are blessed with a plethora of creative, vegan-friendly restaurants who pack a flavoursome punch with your two and five.

When it comes to dining out, cheap wine, good company and great food can make or break an evening. Let’s face it, there's something truly special about being able to down a $2 bottle of Aldi wine whilst dining in your favourite restaurant. Not only is it more affordable, but it also takes the guesswork out of drink selection.

Pop on the kettle, bust out your finest china and raid your Twining’s supply because it’s Liz’s birthday. Like all of us, her royal highness likes to stretch her birthday celebrations out. Let’s face it, one day of attention just simply isn’t enough. You can embrace the weekend with delicious food and a few cheeky drinks without regretting it at your desk on Monday morning. This long weekend, nurse your head and mend those hangover blues the best remedies Newcastle has to offer.

Breakfast can be found any time using the Crave app. See where our bloggers have been this week!

Sometimes, it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle of inner city Newcastle and find yourself at a quaint, relaxing cafe with exceptional food.

Bowls, breakfast tacos, bowls, and more bowls! JD's on King Street are taking fast, healthy and delicious to a whole new level!

Their new concept store at Stockland Green Hills has an awesome New York style fit out and taaasty cocktails and food to match!

When thinking of foodie destinations in Newy, Adamstown may not be the first suburb to pop into your mind. Think again! The Barn has only been open for a matter of weeks but it is already making waves and, we’re calling it, has officially put Adamstown on our foodie map!

Crisp breezes and icy nights have left us reaching for steaming bowls of soup, hearty stews and fresh, aromatic bread. Like a bear entering hibernation, it’s time to ditch the summer body goals and start bulking for the winter. After a dreary day in the office, who can be bothered spending 4 hours braising lamb shanks and whipping up lashings of creamy mash? Good thing Newcastle’s restaurant scene can satisfy any craving you’ve got on your mind.

She’s your go-to woman when you need a helping hand, advice, and support. In her eyes, you’re perfect, even when you dump her with an overloaded laundry basket or talk her ear off with your latest soap opera drama. Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to give back and let her know how treasured she is. What better way to touch your Mum’s heart than through her taste buds?

Nothing beats the glorious sight of tantalising platters spread across the table amongst friends. There’s simply no better way to catch up on the latest goss than over gourmet food and wine. Whether your craving Mediterranean antipasto, Spanish tapas or a cheese platter the French would envy, Newcastle’s got your back for a killer banquet.

The explosion of fresh cafés and restaurants onto Newcastle’s foodie scene has sparked new creativity in the region’s chefs. No longer will the classic chicken parma and cheeseburger suffice, kitchens are taking risks, experimenting with global cultures and fusions. Novocastrians can’t complain about this encyclopaedic range of flavours and cuisines to try.

Have you heard about the newest addition to the Speers Point cafe scene? We recently visited the cute Lakeview Cafe - and believe us, it was well-worth the trip to Lake Mac! The space has a homely and beachy feel, and is perched beside the picturesque, sparkling blue water of the lake to boot.

Introducing King Street's newest fun and vibrant cafe, Culture Club. Power couple and dream-team, Pietro and Lauren collectively renovated the 80’s retro flashback atmosphere, effectively “creating a space that we wanted to hang out in”.

Cheat day. We all know it’s a thing. We’re here to give you the low down on the best carb-loading eateries in Newy. Don your best baggy pants and get hoovering into our list below.

Love yourself a ripper deal? Us, too. We’ve done some delicious detective work to find the best cheap eats in Newcastle! We’re talking burgers, tacos, nachos, pizza, pasta, 2 FOR 1’s and of course - the ever popular schnitty. Check out the juicy deals!

2 for 1 Acai, 2 for 1 BLAT, 2 for 1 Smashed Avo… and this is just at Blue Door Newcastle. 25% off Bolton St Pantry, free coffee at Core Espresso with any main meal and 15% off at Table 1 Espresso. I’m sure you’re wondering, HOW????

You’re hangry.

It’s 2pm and the only thing you’ve ingested today is a luke-warm coffee and your huge task list at work. A small panic sets in; where the hell are you going to get good food at a time like this? You’d nearly bang down every door in Newcastle for a quick, tasty feed without having to sell your left arm to pay for it.

What do you get when you combine a passion for cooking, the great out doors and photography? You get Cooper Thomas, creator of The Wilderness Chef.

March is on our doorstep and as the weather turns, we wave goodbye to leisurely days sunbaking and balmy evenings sipping cocktails. It’s the tragedy we face every year, but instead of shedding tears over lost summer days, let us seize the moment and give it one last tasty, summery hurrah.

Trending food is an evolutionary process, and at this point in time - we’re fascinated with all things bowls. We’re here to give you the low-down on the Newy bowl scene. Make this blog your Newcastle food guide to heavenly bowls. Check out the ballin’ bowls list below!

As a foodie lover, trying out new restaurants is exhilarating. A new adventure and tingling taste buds. In the last few years, food presentation has become almost as important as what the food tastes like. Let me take you on a culinary journey to Lulu’s Cafe.