Surfest presents: Wine and Waves

With a long history and reputation within the Hunter, the Verandah Restaurant was re-opened in 2007 under the direction of Chef/ Owner, Matt Dillow.

Starting his career in cooking at the young age of 15, Matt spent most of his apprentice years working for Rydges Hotels and Resorts and finishing his apprenticeship at The Thredbo Alpine Resort. After years in some of Sydney’s greatest dining spots, Matt became Head Chef of Rydges Hotel, North Sydney.

Matt has travelled extensively throughout Europe, experience different food cultures such as Spain, Prague, England, Germany, Greece, Demark, France and a short stint in his mothers home of origin Malta.

The Verandah Restaurant is Matts first restaurant in the Hunter Valley and is situated on the well known boutique winery “Calais Estate”. With a distinctly modern Australian Tapas style of cuisine, the Verandah restaurant is a very popular local haunt.

Chef Mark Hosie combines fresh local produce with exquisite flavours of France to create a unique dining experience in bustling Hamilton. Everything that you find on Bistro Tartine's menu, including their French fixed price menu, is made in house from local produce. The next new hot spot, Bistro Tartine is a must try. For those with a sweet tooth... their desserts are out of this world! BYO, except Saturday nights. Available outside of trading times for large group bookings.

2007 Winner of the best informal dining restaurant in The Hunter! Lime boasts a new head chef, Anthony Kocon, who formally opened the Brewery Restaurant, Newcastle. Lime prides itself on its food - amazing and affordable! "We experiment with seasonal flavours, using only top quality, fresh ingredients". Café by day, restaurant by night - Open 7 days. BYO Mon to Thur.

For eight years now, locals at the Junction as well as visitors from afar, have enjoyed the Sesames dining experience. Our patrons praise us on the consistency of our meals, the freshness and quality of our produce and the variety of flavours in our dishes. We've carefully selected the best dishes from various regions of South-East Asia and concentrated on enhancing those flavours with our own signature style. This award winning fusion is truly unique and furthermore enhanced by our intuitive, friendly service. Vegan and vegetarian menu!

Silo Lounge is an award winning contemporary bar and restaurant, set on the waterfront in Newcastle. We offer superb harbor views, Australian cuisine, local and international wines, beers and mixed drinks in a cocktail ambience. Silo Lounge bar and restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, drinks, nibblies and coffee.

Just in from a long session out the back? Fill up with a tasty pizza, big bowl of pasta or a massive reef burger. Trying to squeeze into your old wetsuit? Head straight to the green room and enjoy the fresh Jagged Reef salads. We’ve even got a bunch of snacks for an after work break with your friends.

Mini Dutch Pancakes or Dutch Poffertjes as they are called originated in Holland in the 15th Century and were mainly eaten as a treat in family homes. For the last 200 years in Holland and 30 years in Australia they have been growing in popularity and have become a favourite snack for the many people who visit these local markets or events where poffertjes are sold.

The Dutch Poffertjes Company is a family owned and operated company that specialises in mini Dutch Pancakes and the largest manufacturer and supplier of Retail Products for home use, Poffertjes mixture and commercial equipment, in the Southern Hemisphere.

And if all of this isn’t enough there is still more to entice; with frozen delights from Tropical Sno, a selection of ice cream and milkshakes from the Ice Creamery on Wheels or gourmet pies from Mrs Macs.