Good morning, Newcastle. Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

I have prepared another jam-packed edition, lets get straight into it.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

Newcastle’s Best Burger

Our quest for Newcastle’s Best Burger continues. This week, we stopped by The Falcons to try their Double Deluxe Cheeseburger, a classic no-frills combo done right.

This burger is simple but delivers on flavour. It includes two all-beef patties, American cheese, white onion, pickles, and a fancy sauce.

💭 My thoughts:
I usually prefer thinner patties when going for a double, but these still worked well. The beef was juicy, and the cheese melted perfectly between the layers. The fancy sauce was a solid addition—it had that tangy, creamy balance that brings everything together. With simple ingredients done well, this burger definitely holds its own in the lineup.

A strong contender, coming in just behind The Rascal! The competition is heating up, and we’re just getting started.

1. The Rascal - Rascals 84

2. Double Deluxe Cheeseburger - The Falcon 83

Openings

Sonny & Betty: 122 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Reece Hignell’s newest venture Sonny & Betty has just opened up in the cafe spot at Mayfield’s Coliseum Antiques.

Lolas: 171 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Lolas is the newest foodie offering to hit Darby Street. The new venue comes complete with coffee, cocktails, and eats seven days a week.

Newcastle trivia

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*Thanks to a recommendation from a reader last week to make things easier for live music, when known, I will display new emojis to signify the music genre

Thursday 6 February

Friday 7 February

Saturday 8 February

Sunday 9 February

Families

Girls Day Out - Foreshore Park & Nobby's Beach Newcastle | 8 February, 8:00am - 3:00pm

Come and join for this one-day-only event, joining elite female athletes from Surfing, Surf Life Saving, Hockey, Soccer, Netball, League, Union, Golf, Vollyball, Basketball, Baseball & AFL in Newy. Join one or several mini clinics to get a taste of the board or the ball. Open to girls aged 5 -16 years. More info and tickets.

Friday Chill – Pacific Park, Newcastle | 7 February, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Friday Chill is a free, family-friendly, live music event with local bands, food vendors and street performers. Bring your own blanket or chairs and enjoy your own picnic or from the local food vendors. More info.

Homegrown Markets - The Station | 8 February, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Homegrown Markets returns to The Station, Newcastle. We’ll be bringing a lineup of fab handmade & design stalls, yummy street food, live tunes & entertainment

Hunter Valley Airshow - Cessnock Airport | 8 & 9 February

There’ll be breath-taking aerobatics and live stunts, some of the rarest and most iconic warbirds in the world, amusement rides, markets, award-winning local craft beer and Hunter Valley wine, stacks of delicious street food and so much more. More info.

Official launch - Kakilliko at MAC yapang – Museum of Art and Culture, yapang | 9 February, 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Join us to officially launch and celebrate Uncle Douglas Archibald's Kakilliko at MAC yapang Sculpture Park. Cost: FREE.

ART PLAY for the whole family at MAP mima – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point | 9 February

If you're a young family come and enjoy a free and awesome art program. ART PLAY runs the second Sunday of each month. Tickets are free, bookings recommended. More info.

MISS PORTER'S EVERYDAY OBJECTS: the homemade and the curious - Miss Porter's House Museum | 9th February, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Discover why an iron was SAD and how trees fitted into shoes. See household objects from the everyday to curious purchases and handmade treasures.

Visitors can turn the pages of newly acquired replicas of the museum’s notebooks. They’ll discover how Ella and Hazel recorded their weekly grocery expenses at BiLo and meticulously noted the cost of Cooee the dog, the surprisingly low cost of meat and how Cooee’s tastes changed from Pal to My Dog.

Everyone can enjoy the home created by the Australian-born children of nineteenth-century migrants. Newcastle boy Herbert Porter and his wife Florence raised a family in Newcastle West. Their freestanding Edwardian home is now a National Trust museum containing a century of household memorabilia including Florence’s competition prize of an early electric frypan, their 1920s portable windup gramophone and the curious 1930s upright vacuum cleaner.

Children can test their knowledge of the appliances used before ubiquitous electrical household goods by spotting the butter cooler, mincer, flatiron and potato masher. They can imagine what life was like when washboards, soap savers and dolly pegs were common laundry items.

Adults $12, Concessions $10, Family $34, NT members and children under 5 free

Adults

Amy Shark – The Solo Acoustic 'Songs & Stories' Tour – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 5 February

For the first time ever, Amy Shark will perform the entire set acoustically, while diving into stories and emotions of how each song came to life.

Under Construction Mental Health Choir - Islington Baptist Church | 6 February

Come and have fun and friendship while singing in our no audition choir. Just $5 per week to cover the cost of the hall. No experience necessary. New members very welcome

Wilderness Chef Pop Up – Talulah, The Junction | 8 February, 6:30pm

Join the Wilderness Chef for their first pop up for 2025! Indulge in a premium 4-course dinner meticulously crafted by their talented chefs. Cost: $95 per person. Drinks are BYO.

Margs & Margs – Nags Head Hotel, Adamstown | 8 February, 12:30pm - 2:30pm

It's back and better than ever! Get to the Nags for a fabulous 2-hour bottomless brunch filled with margaritas and good vibes. $89 per person.

Newy Choppin 2025 - The Lass O’Gowrie | 8 February, 12:00pm

NEWY CHOPPIN 2024 a showing of vintage choppers and custom motorcycles from up and down the east coast! Bands on the day and a family friendly event! Tickets and more info.

Aaron Chen - Funny Garden - Civic Theatre | 8 February

See Aaron Chen, star of Netflix hit series FISK and loyal assistant to Guy Montgomery on the ABC smash Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee in 2025. Get tickets.

Akmal - Red Flags - Civic Theatre | 8 February

Akmal returns with a brand-new show title, 'Red Flags'. It is one of the best titles he's come up with in years. It is the result of hundreds of hours of hard work and dedication. Get tickets.

SambaFrog at the Lass – Lass O'Gowrie, Wickham | 9 February
Live Brazilian music with group SambaFrog. Great rhythms and songs to enjoy and dance to. More info.

Want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?

Last weekend in Newcastle

I had this segment at the end of last year; people seemed to want me to continue. Are you interested in keeping up with what I did in Newcastle last weekend and see behind the scence of events and activities I am promoting?

Superbowl in Newcastle

To the niche amount of people that both care and have the day off, there are a few venues in the area that have events on to watch Superbowl LIX

The Grain Store, 64-66 Scott St, Newcastle East

Settle in for all the Super Bowl action and entertainment at The Grain Store. Doors open at 9am, walk-ins only.:

The Exchange Hotel, 125 Denison Street Hamilton

Catch all the action of Super Bowl LIX live and loud on Monday 10th February, from 10:30 am! Immerse yourself in the ultimate Super Bowl experience with buckets of Budweiser and delicious American food specials!

The Beach Hotel, 99 Frederick St, Merewether

Wear ya NFL jersey for a free schooey on arrival! The Beaches have got tasty American-style food menu & $7 house schooners. Plus, enjoy $1 wings until first points are scored.

The Nags Head, 272 Brunker Rd, Adamstown

The Nags are cranking up the atmosphere with ice-cold beers, hot dogs, sliders, wings, and fries. Enjoy 3 hour bottomless traditional beers on tap – plus all your faves: Bud, Coors, and Miller Genuine Draft. $75pp. Book Now!

The Del, 134 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Touchdown Party at The Del! Join us on Monday, February 10th, for the ultimate Super Bowl experience! Watch the game on Newcastle’s largest screenSpecial Offer: Book a table for 8 or more and score a free kilogram of wings plus exclusive Super Bowl merch.

Valentines Day Preperation

Need an idea for Valentine Day? Here are a few events that I have found around the area.

Dining Experiences

Âpé Yakitori Bar | 14 Feb

Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at Âpé Yakitori Bar for $140pp, featuring a menu crafted to impress.📍 3n/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

A Tavola X Lot 19 Wickham | 14 Feb

Enjoy a curated four-course Italian meal and a champagne tower on arrival for a special Galentine’s treat at $120pp.📍 22 Greenway St, Wickham

Donda Pop Up Restaurant | 13-15 Feb

A Japanese-inspired set menu for two with share plates, funky wines, and cocktails, running all weekend.📍 45 Bolton St, Newcastle

Earp Distilling Co. | 14 Feb

A four-course dinner featuring seasonal dishes at $79pp.📍 41 Darling St, Carrington

The Greenroof | 14 Feb

For couples: $120 per couple, including an entree, main, shared dessert, and a bottle of wine.

For the dateless & desperate: Gather your friends and enjoy an entree, main, and cocktail for $55pp.📍 71 Tudor St, Hamilton

In Forno | 14 Feb

Romantic candlelit tables, live saxophone music, and special Valentine’s cocktails.📍 Charlestown & Hamilton locations

Jana | 14 Feb

A five-course Italian degustation at QT Newcastle for $149pp.📍 185 Hunter St, Newcastle

Market St Basement | 14 Feb

A delicious Valentine’s Day Italian feast for $99pp.📍 2/2 Market St, Newcastle

Nagisa | 14 Feb

Exclusive Valentine’s Day Seafood Degustation for $120pp.📍 2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

The Nags Head | 15 Feb

4th Annual Galentine’s Day celebration with bottomless arancini and French martinis for $89pp.📍 272 Brunker Rd, Adamstown

Oh My Papa | 14 Feb

A special Valentine’s Day banquet for $89pp.📍 169 Hunter St, Newcastle

Peregrin | 14 Feb

A glass of Louis Roederer Collection 245 followed by a four-course degustation at $120pp.📍 1/99 Frederick St, Merewether

Romberg’s at Crystalbrook Kingsley | 14 Feb

A relaxed seafood platter experience for two at $79pp.📍 282 King St, Newcastle

Roundhouse at Crystalbrook Kingsley | 14 Feb

Three-course menu with sparkling wine on arrival. Lunch from $129pp, dinner from $149pp.📍 282 King St, Newcastle

Royal Crown Hotel | 14 Feb

A four-course Japanese set menu paired with whisky and sake for $158 per couple.📍 94 Ocean St, Dudley

Thermidor | 13-16 Feb

Chef’s special Valentine’s inspired menu.📍 1/7 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

TINTA | 13-14 Feb

13 Feb: Galentine's celebration

14 Feb: Romantic three-course shared coastal menu with GH Mumm on arrival for $99pp.📍 690 Pacific Hwy, Belmont

Urban Deli & Bar | 14 Feb

A share menu with a starter, pasta, main, and dessert, plus bubbles on arrival. Two seatings: 5:30pm & 8pm. $160 per couple.📍 143 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Wilderness Chef at Talulah | 14 Feb

A four-course dinner experience for $95pp.📍 53 Glebe Rd, The Junction

Unique Experiences

Valentine's Day at Dullboy’s | 14 Feb

Celebrate with a meal, live music (6pm-8:30pm), and a free game of mini golf with any main meal purchase. Special cocktails available!📍 Rutherford & Warners Bay

Romeo & Juliet at Rathmines Theatre | 14 Feb

A mesmerizing performance of Shakespeare’s timeless classic by the acclaimed Come You Spirits theatre company.📍 25 Stilling St, Rathmines

2 Montys Charity Wedding Auction | 14 Feb

Win an all-inclusive wedding package, with proceeds going to Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.📍 Ravella Newcastle, 48 Watt St

Salsa Romántica at Harrigan’s Hunter Valley | 14 Feb

Free Salsa lessons from 7:30pm, live music from Club Havana Band at 8pm, and special Valentine’s food & cocktails all day.📍 Harrigan's Hunter Valley

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