Hunter Culinary Association

Hunter Culinary Association Formed by Chefs & Industry Professionals who are passionate about promoting the Hunter Region culinary excellence, outstanding produce & talent.

The Hunter Region has long been an iconic food and wine destination. Be it a simple cafe breakfast in Newcastle, contemporary seafood in Port Stephens or a degustation in one of the Hunter Valley's regarded restaurants.

More than a meal — it’s an experience worth savouring. Open-flame churrasco, shared feasts and BBQ boards,  delivers big...
03/06/2026

More than a meal — it’s an experience worth savouring.

Open-flame churrasco, shared feasts and BBQ boards, delivers big on flavour.

Large group bookings are well catered for with their signature all-you-can-eat feast available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

We are thrilled to announce the exceptional Chris Thornton as our next featured chef for the 2026 Hunter Culinary Associ...
02/06/2026

We are thrilled to announce the exceptional Chris Thornton as our next featured chef for the 2026 Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight: 20th Anniversary Edition.

A proud Newcastle local, Chris’s remarkable culinary journey began under the mentorship of Peter Bryant at the hatted Restaurant II, where his undeniable talent earned him the prestigious Brett Graham Scholarship. Following his return home and role as Head Chef at Bistro Tartine, he co-founded the beloved Restaurant Mason with his wife, Ami, in 2011. Over an exceptional eleven-year run, Restaurant Mason earned multiple Sydney Morning Herald Chef's Hats and secured Chris the coveted Electrolux Young Restaurateur of the Year award, firmly cementing his legacy as one of the region’s most respected and visionary culinary figures.

Having previously showcased his extraordinary skills in the 2016 Food Fight arena, Chris returns to this monumental 20th-anniversary celebration with a wealth of global experience, unmatched precision, and plenty still to say on the plate.

Tickets are officially sold out! Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of exceptional food, fine wine, and spirited competition as these industry legends unite.

Happy 1st Birthday to  Over the past year, Irongate Kitchen has become a valued part of our local hospitality and culina...
01/06/2026

Happy 1st Birthday to

Over the past year, Irongate Kitchen has become a valued part of our local hospitality and culinary community, bringing people together through great food, warm hospitality, and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences.

Congratulations to .hagan and the entire team on a fantastic first year in business. A big cheers to your continued success, and we look forward to seeing you grow and thrive in the years ahead.

31/05/2026

FOOD FIGHT FLASHBACK… We’re taking you back to last years Food Fight won by the talented of

Who will take out the 2026 title? 🥊🧑🏼‍🍳 This year’s event is shaping up to be an epic battle and we cannot wait!

Fresh from the market and straight to your kitchen! The Sydney Direct Fresh Produce team has been busy sourcing the best...
27/05/2026

Fresh from the market and straight to your kitchen!

The Sydney Direct Fresh Produce team has been busy sourcing the best and freshest winter bounty — crisp greens, vibrant fruits, and local favourites picked at their peak.

Whether you’re a chef planning your menu or just love cooking with quality ingredients, the trucks are loaded and ready to deliver freshness.

Last call, entries for the 2026 HCA Apprentice Scholarships close THIS Thursday 28 May at 5pm. Don’t miss your shot. The...
26/05/2026

Last call, entries for the 2026 HCA Apprentice Scholarships close THIS Thursday 28 May at 5pm. Don’t miss your shot.

There are FIVE scholarships up for grabs, each valued at over $2,000 and packed with incredible perks. For full details visit https://tinyurl.com/HCA-Apprentice-Scholarship

Plus, finalists score a complimentary ticket to the sold out HCA Food Fight 2026 at Rydges Hunter Valley Resort on Tuesday 16 June.

Want to get behind the scenes at this year’s Food Fight? HCA has a limited number of opportunities available to work alongside competing chefs at this years event.

This is your chance to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced banquet kitchen, connect with chefs and fellow apprentices, and be part of preparing meals for 350 guests.

To register your interest contact Harry Callinan at [email protected]

We are exceptionally proud to introduce the renowned Michael Robinson as another featured chef for the 2026 Hunter Culin...
25/05/2026

We are exceptionally proud to introduce the renowned Michael Robinson as another featured chef for the 2026 Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight: 20th Anniversary Edition.

Michael’s impeccable culinary foundations were laid at Sydney's prestigious Bathers Pavilion before his talent took him across the globe to esteemed kitchens, including La Trompette in London and Ortolan in Los Angeles. Upon returning to Australia, he spent five defining years as joint Head Chef at the two-hatted Becasse under Justin North, subsequently launching the group’s Quarter 21 as Head Chef.

The Hunter Valley eventually called, leading to a celebrated three-year tenure at Margan Restaurant. However, it was his bold transition in 2016 that truly surprised and inspired the industry. Today, Michael is the pioneering force behind Branxton's celebrated Hungerford Meat Co. Drawing upon fifteen years of elite kitchen expertise, he has transformed a traditional storefront into a premier whole-carcass artisanal butchery. Deeply rooted in ethical sourcing, expert dry ageing, traditional curing, and profound relationships with local producers, Michael brings a master chef’s unmatched precision and respect for ingredients to his craft.

While this milestone event is now completely sold out, we eagerly anticipate these gastronomic masters uniting for an unforgettable afternoon of exceptional food, fine wine, and spirited competition.

We are deeply honoured to highlight the esteemed Troy Rhoades-Brown as one of our competing chefs in the 2026 Hunter Cul...
21/05/2026

We are deeply honoured to highlight the esteemed Troy Rhoades-Brown as one of our competing chefs in the 2026 Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight: 20th Anniversary Edition.

As the visionary behind Pokolbin's celebrated, two-hatted Muse Restaurant, Troy has dedicated his career to seasonal, regional produce and his masterful technique, helping define the dining landscape of the Hunter Valley.

A revered veteran of the Food Fight kitchen, Troy returns to mark this milestone 20th anniversary with a spectacular showcase of gastronomy and camaraderie. Expect nothing less than the signature refinement, creativity, and flawless ex*****on he is renowned for.

We can't wait to celebrate this sold-out afternoon of exceptional food, fine wine, and spirited competition on June 16.

20/05/2026

A place to pause. Warm timber, natural light and wines that speak of place — Charteris Wines offers a tasting experience shaped by simplicity and considered detail. Consider this your invitation to slow down, settle in and savour the moment.

The arrival of autumn brings a new chapter to The Flotilla menu.A celebration of the season’s finest produce - think sal...
18/05/2026

The arrival of autumn brings a new chapter to The Flotilla menu.

A celebration of the season’s finest produce - think sallumi lasagna, smoked duck and truffle pecorino tart, the latest offering embraces depth, warmth and understated elegance. Designed around thoughtful cooking and shared experiences, the menu invites you to slow down and savour the season.

Experience autumn at Flotilla.

Address

Hunter Valley
Newcastle, NSW

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