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.

What a great day of competition yesterday, with 22 Hunter Apprentices taking part in our Cookery Competition. The dishes...
26/08/2026

What a great day of competition yesterday, with 22 Hunter Apprentices taking part in our Cookery Competition. The dishes presented showed skill and creativity from our next generation of chefs. Well done to everyone who participated. The winner of Stage 1 was Isabella Waters from Carne & Cucina, with the runner-up Jonathan Prentice from Cams Wharf Tavern.

Stage 2/3 winner, receiving the stage at Bathers Pavilion and $750 towards travel, was Aaron Karanikolas from The Cowrie Terrigal, and the runner-up was Isabella Lojewski from Equium Social.

Thank you to our HCA Committee Chefs Harry Callinan, Kyle Whitbourne, Steven Scott & Josh Hannan for their time in organising, judging and mentoring these great apprentices.

A reminder to all 2nd and 3rd-year apprentices that entries for the Brett Graham Scholarship close this Friday, 28th August. Enter now at hunterculinary.com.au/scholarships

Ready to Rise? Your Pastry Journey Starts Here!Eustralis is a leading European food wholesaler in Australia with a broad...
25/08/2026

Ready to Rise? Your Pastry Journey Starts Here!

Eustralis is a leading European food wholesaler in Australia with a broad range of quality and innovative products, supplying ready-to-bake bakery products and essential ingredients for pastry chefs, cooks and catering companies.

Created specifically for experienced pastry chefs, bakers and chefs whose skills, roles or aspirations embrace the world of pastry, this scholarship is valued at up to $2,000. This is an incredible opportunity to step outside the everyday and immerse yourself in two days of hands-on learning with a guest master pastry chef at L’Atelier by Eustralis.

And because great learning deserves time to sink in, the experience also includes two nights’ accommodation in Sydney, close to the Eustralis Kitchen in Frenchs Forest.

Full scholarship details at link in bio.

Ready to Rise? Your Pastry Journey Starts Here!Eustralis is a leading European food wholesaler in Australia with a broad...
25/08/2026

Ready to Rise? Your Pastry Journey Starts Here!

Eustralis is a leading European food wholesaler in Australia with a broad range of quality and innovative products, supplying ready-to-bake bakery products and essential ingredients for pastry chefs, cooks and catering companies.

Created specifically for experienced pastry chefs, bakers and chefs whose skills, roles or aspirations embrace the world of pastry, this scholarship is valued at up to $2,000. This is an incredible opportunity to step outside the everyday and immerse yourself in two days of hands-on learning with a guest master pastry chef at L’Atelier by Eustralis.

And because great learning deserves time to sink in, the experience also includes two nights’ accommodation in Sydney, close to the Eustralis Kitchen in Frenchs Forest.

Full scholarship details here - tinyurl.com/pastrychefscholarship

A Father's Day BBQ Feast awaits...The much-loved Brazilian BBQ restaurant Meet will be serving up their classic feast at...
24/08/2026

A Father's Day BBQ Feast awaits...

The much-loved Brazilian BBQ restaurant Meet will be serving up their classic feast at their final Father's Day. Enjoy their signature Churrasco for either lunch or dinner. Bookings essential.

The countdown is on for the Chefs in the Vines event, taking place on 5 September. Guests will go on a journey of five c...
23/08/2026

The countdown is on for the Chefs in the Vines event, taking place on 5 September. Guests will go on a journey of five courses set around the grounds of Spicers Guesthouse enjoying signature dishes from world-class chefs and local award-winning wines, offering a truly immersive experience.

Food experience | $149pp

Food experience plus one paired wine at each station | $249pp

For tickets and more information about the event visit - tinyurl.com/4f7bryww or link in bio

A winter buffet worth coming hungry for. Settle in at voco Kirkton Park for a relaxed buffet dinner loaded with somethin...
19/08/2026

A winter buffet worth coming hungry for.

Settle in at voco Kirkton Park for a relaxed buffet dinner loaded with something for everyone — from generous favourites to tempting sides, fresh salads and sweet treats to finish.

Come hungry, bring the family, and help yourself to a little bit of everything. Because the best kind of dinner is the one where there’s always another plate waiting.

Available until the end of the month.

Dad’s Day, the relaxed way. This Father’s Day, gather the family, settle in and let us take care of the rest.Join us at ...
18/08/2026

Dad’s Day, the relaxed way.

This Father’s Day, gather the family, settle in and let us take care of the rest.

Join us at Estancia Adina for a relaxed Sunday lunch filled with good food, great wine and plenty of time around the table with Dad.

No fuss, no rushing — just a long, leisurely lunch in beautiful surroundings, delicious plates to share and a few well-deserved moments to celebrate the dads, grandads and father figures who mean the most.

Big ambitions deserve big opportunities. Hospitality is more than a job. It’s a craft, a career, a community — and if yo...
17/08/2026

Big ambitions deserve big opportunities.

Hospitality is more than a job. It’s a craft, a career, a community — and if you’re ready to take your next step, this opportunity is for you.

In partnership with Scarborough Wine Co., the Hunter Culinary Association is proud to launch the Front of House Scholarship Program, created to champion the people who are shaping the future of hospitality.

Whether you’re working the floor, behind the bar or already stepping into leadership, these scholarships are designed to give you the knowledge, experiences and connections to go further.

There are 2 Scholarships up for grabs:

🍷 Scarborough Wine Co. Front of House Scholarship

For an emerging hospitality professional ready to level up:

• $5,000 professional development fund, including $2,000 in dining experiences across HCA member restaurants
• WSET Level 2 or 3 Award in Wines, proudly sponsored by Peter Orr of Corkscrew Solutions
• A one-week vintage experience with Scarborough Wine Co., working alongside leading Winemaker Jerome Scarborough and highly awarded Viticulturist Liz Riley*

⭐ HCA Rising Star Award

For someone at the beginning of their hospitality journey who has the passion, drive and ambition to make it a career:

• WSET Level 1 or 2 Award in Wines, proudly sponsored by Peter Orr of Corkscrew Solutions
• $1,000 in dining experiences across HCA member restaurants

And the best part? There’s no age limit. If you’re passionate about hospitality, committed to learning and ready to invest in your future, we want to hear from you.

This could be the opportunity that takes you from where you are to where you want to be.

Applications close 14 September 2026.

APPLY HERE - tinyurl.com/frontofhousescholarships

12/08/2026

Sunday roast is calling! Gather your loved ones for a Mediterranean style Sunday Feast at Blanca Honeysuckle

There is something about sharing delicious comfort food, wine and laughs around the table that can make a standard Sunday that bit more special.

Available now until the end of winter. Bookings essential.

When was the last time you thought to visit a one of the Hunter's most beloved cellar doors for an award-winning tasting...
11/08/2026

When was the last time you thought to visit a one of the Hunter's most beloved cellar doors for an award-winning tasting experience?

We say less scrolling...more sipping to find your new favourite from the First Creek Wines range.

Address

Hunter Valley
Newcastle, NSW

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