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Food Bites: Lake Macquarie local in MasterChef: Back to Win top 8

If you're not watching MasterChef Australia: Back to Win right now, you're missing out on some world-class cooking from the top eight contestants. One of them is Lake Macquarie pharmacist, cook and mother-of-two Depinder Chhibber, who bowled over the judges with her decadent Raj Kachori in a recent episode. She's a popular contestant, and for good reason. Talking to her on Monday, I was struck by her intellect, her sense of humour, and her generosity of spirit ... not to mention her cooking talent. I'll be sharing the finer details of our chat in a Saturday Weekender soon. Depinder moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 and grew up in the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, attending St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul and Merewether High School. She still resides in the area with her family and works part-time as a pharmacist. Also, Depinder's intimate supper club, Ghar, is up and running again and already booked out until October ... details are on her socials. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win airs Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10. I stopped by QT Newcastle last week to meet Jana Restaurant & Bar's new executive chef, Carmine Mari, and sample his southern Italian-influenced menu. There's a lot of love in his cooking. Each dish is a nod to family, culture and tradition. It makes him proud to share the food he grew up with, you can tell. The thin-sliced roasted veal girello and tuna sauce with capers, pickled onion and croutons, as a starter, was a stand-out. I also loved the tuna crudo with blood orange, capers, Spanish onion and crispy shallot, and the burrata with ciambotta. The QT Lasagna with mortadella, zucchini, pistachio, smoked provolone and chilli potato gnocchi, and the potato gnocchi with Manjimup Black Truffle, sauteed field mushroom and parmesan? Wow. Then there was the delightful half-roast chicken with chicory, fregola, panchetta and jus gras pork cotoletta, and the dry-aged duck breast with roast beetroot, celeriac puree and Hunter Valley red wine reduction. Do yourself a favour and book a table for dinner. Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar at the Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown is turning 40. It's hosted countless special occasions over four decades, and is a bit of a hidden gem, really. Favourable word of mouth leads many a curious diner there. "Babbingtons has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where memories are made," said Apollo's sales and marketing co-ordinator Maree Bendeich. "We've had the privilege of being part of our guests' special moments for decades, and we're looking forward to being part of many more to come." To mark this 40-year milestone, Babbingtons is hosting a cocktail celebration from 6pm on Friday, August 16, and you're invited. Phonic Duo will be performing, and there will be wine tastings by Oatley Wines. Tickets are $40 and include a limited-edition glass to take home as a keepsake. Book now through Sticky Tickets or email sales@ Comedian Merrick Watts is bringing An Idiot's Guide to Wine: Volume 2 to Newcastle's Spiegeltent on September 13 and 14. He's a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country, and on the night will be introducing people to six stand-out Australian wines, sharing tasting notes and snack pairings as well as plenty of highly questionable words of wisdom. Tickets are on sale now. Real McCoy, via VOK Beverages, recently sent me an interesting pitch: "Not all whiskeys are made for quiet reflection. Some are built to show up bold, smooth, and ready to turn any night into a good one." Intrigued, I sampled two of their new flavoured whiskey liqueurs, the Real McCoy Salted Caramel and the Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn. The Salted Caramel is silky and rich, with notes of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel, and a touch of sea salt, layered with hints of oak and butterscotch. A fine addition to an espresso martini. The Buttered Popcorn blends vanilla, caramel and butter with toasted oak, and works well with a whiskey sour. "With Real McCoy, we set out to redefine what a whiskey liqueur could be," brand manager Joh Einarson said. "We've focused on bold but balanced flavours crafted to be layered, versatile and genuinely enjoyable." It gets people talking at a social gathering, that's for sure. Details at Paired at Peregrin returns to The Beach Hotel at Merewether next Friday, July 25. This time around, the popular long-table dinner is a five-course truffle degustation featuring Gilbert Family Wines and Oakshade Truffles. Winemaker Will Gilbert and Oakshade Truffles owner Matt will share the passion and craft behind their produce, and you'll receive a drink on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person at And here's a sneak peek at the menu, which includes beef cheek and truffle vol-au-vent with shaved fresh truffle and pecorino; traditionelle half-shell scallop with pork belly and truffle polenta; prawn and truffle raviolo with truffle-cured egg yolk and burnt butter sauce; and lamb wellington with chard leaves, prosciutto, truffle and shiraz jus. Yum. Pilgrim's Pizzas has opened at 21 Main Road, Boolaroo. And, speaking of, Parks Bistro at Boolaroo Sports Club has a new, budget-friendly lunch specials menu. Goodtime Burgers are back at The Exchange for one weekend only, July 25 to 27. The Flotilla's new Late Winter Menu has launched. Fermento Pizza Joint has opened at 436 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Esca Bimbadgen is hosting a 1920s-inspired Speakeasy night on Friday, July 25. If you're not watching MasterChef Australia: Back to Win right now, you're missing out on some world-class cooking from the top eight contestants. One of them is Lake Macquarie pharmacist, cook and mother-of-two Depinder Chhibber, who bowled over the judges with her decadent Raj Kachori in a recent episode. She's a popular contestant, and for good reason. Talking to her on Monday, I was struck by her intellect, her sense of humour, and her generosity of spirit ... not to mention her cooking talent. I'll be sharing the finer details of our chat in a Saturday Weekender soon. Depinder moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 and grew up in the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, attending St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul and Merewether High School. She still resides in the area with her family and works part-time as a pharmacist. Also, Depinder's intimate supper club, Ghar, is up and running again and already booked out until October ... details are on her socials. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win airs Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10. I stopped by QT Newcastle last week to meet Jana Restaurant & Bar's new executive chef, Carmine Mari, and sample his southern Italian-influenced menu. There's a lot of love in his cooking. Each dish is a nod to family, culture and tradition. It makes him proud to share the food he grew up with, you can tell. The thin-sliced roasted veal girello and tuna sauce with capers, pickled onion and croutons, as a starter, was a stand-out. I also loved the tuna crudo with blood orange, capers, Spanish onion and crispy shallot, and the burrata with ciambotta. The QT Lasagna with mortadella, zucchini, pistachio, smoked provolone and chilli potato gnocchi, and the potato gnocchi with Manjimup Black Truffle, sauteed field mushroom and parmesan? Wow. Then there was the delightful half-roast chicken with chicory, fregola, panchetta and jus gras pork cotoletta, and the dry-aged duck breast with roast beetroot, celeriac puree and Hunter Valley red wine reduction. Do yourself a favour and book a table for dinner. Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar at the Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown is turning 40. It's hosted countless special occasions over four decades, and is a bit of a hidden gem, really. Favourable word of mouth leads many a curious diner there. "Babbingtons has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where memories are made," said Apollo's sales and marketing co-ordinator Maree Bendeich. "We've had the privilege of being part of our guests' special moments for decades, and we're looking forward to being part of many more to come." To mark this 40-year milestone, Babbingtons is hosting a cocktail celebration from 6pm on Friday, August 16, and you're invited. Phonic Duo will be performing, and there will be wine tastings by Oatley Wines. Tickets are $40 and include a limited-edition glass to take home as a keepsake. Book now through Sticky Tickets or email sales@ Comedian Merrick Watts is bringing An Idiot's Guide to Wine: Volume 2 to Newcastle's Spiegeltent on September 13 and 14. He's a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country, and on the night will be introducing people to six stand-out Australian wines, sharing tasting notes and snack pairings as well as plenty of highly questionable words of wisdom. Tickets are on sale now. Real McCoy, via VOK Beverages, recently sent me an interesting pitch: "Not all whiskeys are made for quiet reflection. Some are built to show up bold, smooth, and ready to turn any night into a good one." Intrigued, I sampled two of their new flavoured whiskey liqueurs, the Real McCoy Salted Caramel and the Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn. The Salted Caramel is silky and rich, with notes of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel, and a touch of sea salt, layered with hints of oak and butterscotch. A fine addition to an espresso martini. The Buttered Popcorn blends vanilla, caramel and butter with toasted oak, and works well with a whiskey sour. "With Real McCoy, we set out to redefine what a whiskey liqueur could be," brand manager Joh Einarson said. "We've focused on bold but balanced flavours crafted to be layered, versatile and genuinely enjoyable." It gets people talking at a social gathering, that's for sure. Details at Paired at Peregrin returns to The Beach Hotel at Merewether next Friday, July 25. This time around, the popular long-table dinner is a five-course truffle degustation featuring Gilbert Family Wines and Oakshade Truffles. Winemaker Will Gilbert and Oakshade Truffles owner Matt will share the passion and craft behind their produce, and you'll receive a drink on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person at And here's a sneak peek at the menu, which includes beef cheek and truffle vol-au-vent with shaved fresh truffle and pecorino; traditionelle half-shell scallop with pork belly and truffle polenta; prawn and truffle raviolo with truffle-cured egg yolk and burnt butter sauce; and lamb wellington with chard leaves, prosciutto, truffle and shiraz jus. Yum. Pilgrim's Pizzas has opened at 21 Main Road, Boolaroo. And, speaking of, Parks Bistro at Boolaroo Sports Club has a new, budget-friendly lunch specials menu. Goodtime Burgers are back at The Exchange for one weekend only, July 25 to 27. The Flotilla's new Late Winter Menu has launched. Fermento Pizza Joint has opened at 436 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Esca Bimbadgen is hosting a 1920s-inspired Speakeasy night on Friday, July 25. If you're not watching MasterChef Australia: Back to Win right now, you're missing out on some world-class cooking from the top eight contestants. One of them is Lake Macquarie pharmacist, cook and mother-of-two Depinder Chhibber, who bowled over the judges with her decadent Raj Kachori in a recent episode. She's a popular contestant, and for good reason. Talking to her on Monday, I was struck by her intellect, her sense of humour, and her generosity of spirit ... not to mention her cooking talent. I'll be sharing the finer details of our chat in a Saturday Weekender soon. Depinder moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 and grew up in the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, attending St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul and Merewether High School. She still resides in the area with her family and works part-time as a pharmacist. Also, Depinder's intimate supper club, Ghar, is up and running again and already booked out until October ... details are on her socials. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win airs Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10. I stopped by QT Newcastle last week to meet Jana Restaurant & Bar's new executive chef, Carmine Mari, and sample his southern Italian-influenced menu. There's a lot of love in his cooking. Each dish is a nod to family, culture and tradition. It makes him proud to share the food he grew up with, you can tell. The thin-sliced roasted veal girello and tuna sauce with capers, pickled onion and croutons, as a starter, was a stand-out. I also loved the tuna crudo with blood orange, capers, Spanish onion and crispy shallot, and the burrata with ciambotta. The QT Lasagna with mortadella, zucchini, pistachio, smoked provolone and chilli potato gnocchi, and the potato gnocchi with Manjimup Black Truffle, sauteed field mushroom and parmesan? Wow. Then there was the delightful half-roast chicken with chicory, fregola, panchetta and jus gras pork cotoletta, and the dry-aged duck breast with roast beetroot, celeriac puree and Hunter Valley red wine reduction. Do yourself a favour and book a table for dinner. Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar at the Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown is turning 40. It's hosted countless special occasions over four decades, and is a bit of a hidden gem, really. Favourable word of mouth leads many a curious diner there. "Babbingtons has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where memories are made," said Apollo's sales and marketing co-ordinator Maree Bendeich. "We've had the privilege of being part of our guests' special moments for decades, and we're looking forward to being part of many more to come." To mark this 40-year milestone, Babbingtons is hosting a cocktail celebration from 6pm on Friday, August 16, and you're invited. Phonic Duo will be performing, and there will be wine tastings by Oatley Wines. Tickets are $40 and include a limited-edition glass to take home as a keepsake. Book now through Sticky Tickets or email sales@ Comedian Merrick Watts is bringing An Idiot's Guide to Wine: Volume 2 to Newcastle's Spiegeltent on September 13 and 14. He's a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country, and on the night will be introducing people to six stand-out Australian wines, sharing tasting notes and snack pairings as well as plenty of highly questionable words of wisdom. Tickets are on sale now. Real McCoy, via VOK Beverages, recently sent me an interesting pitch: "Not all whiskeys are made for quiet reflection. Some are built to show up bold, smooth, and ready to turn any night into a good one." Intrigued, I sampled two of their new flavoured whiskey liqueurs, the Real McCoy Salted Caramel and the Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn. The Salted Caramel is silky and rich, with notes of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel, and a touch of sea salt, layered with hints of oak and butterscotch. A fine addition to an espresso martini. The Buttered Popcorn blends vanilla, caramel and butter with toasted oak, and works well with a whiskey sour. "With Real McCoy, we set out to redefine what a whiskey liqueur could be," brand manager Joh Einarson said. "We've focused on bold but balanced flavours crafted to be layered, versatile and genuinely enjoyable." It gets people talking at a social gathering, that's for sure. Details at Paired at Peregrin returns to The Beach Hotel at Merewether next Friday, July 25. This time around, the popular long-table dinner is a five-course truffle degustation featuring Gilbert Family Wines and Oakshade Truffles. Winemaker Will Gilbert and Oakshade Truffles owner Matt will share the passion and craft behind their produce, and you'll receive a drink on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person at And here's a sneak peek at the menu, which includes beef cheek and truffle vol-au-vent with shaved fresh truffle and pecorino; traditionelle half-shell scallop with pork belly and truffle polenta; prawn and truffle raviolo with truffle-cured egg yolk and burnt butter sauce; and lamb wellington with chard leaves, prosciutto, truffle and shiraz jus. Yum. Pilgrim's Pizzas has opened at 21 Main Road, Boolaroo. And, speaking of, Parks Bistro at Boolaroo Sports Club has a new, budget-friendly lunch specials menu. Goodtime Burgers are back at The Exchange for one weekend only, July 25 to 27. The Flotilla's new Late Winter Menu has launched. Fermento Pizza Joint has opened at 436 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Esca Bimbadgen is hosting a 1920s-inspired Speakeasy night on Friday, July 25. If you're not watching MasterChef Australia: Back to Win right now, you're missing out on some world-class cooking from the top eight contestants. One of them is Lake Macquarie pharmacist, cook and mother-of-two Depinder Chhibber, who bowled over the judges with her decadent Raj Kachori in a recent episode. She's a popular contestant, and for good reason. Talking to her on Monday, I was struck by her intellect, her sense of humour, and her generosity of spirit ... not to mention her cooking talent. I'll be sharing the finer details of our chat in a Saturday Weekender soon. Depinder moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 and grew up in the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, attending St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul and Merewether High School. She still resides in the area with her family and works part-time as a pharmacist. Also, Depinder's intimate supper club, Ghar, is up and running again and already booked out until October ... details are on her socials. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win airs Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10. I stopped by QT Newcastle last week to meet Jana Restaurant & Bar's new executive chef, Carmine Mari, and sample his southern Italian-influenced menu. There's a lot of love in his cooking. Each dish is a nod to family, culture and tradition. It makes him proud to share the food he grew up with, you can tell. The thin-sliced roasted veal girello and tuna sauce with capers, pickled onion and croutons, as a starter, was a stand-out. I also loved the tuna crudo with blood orange, capers, Spanish onion and crispy shallot, and the burrata with ciambotta. The QT Lasagna with mortadella, zucchini, pistachio, smoked provolone and chilli potato gnocchi, and the potato gnocchi with Manjimup Black Truffle, sauteed field mushroom and parmesan? Wow. Then there was the delightful half-roast chicken with chicory, fregola, panchetta and jus gras pork cotoletta, and the dry-aged duck breast with roast beetroot, celeriac puree and Hunter Valley red wine reduction. Do yourself a favour and book a table for dinner. Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar at the Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown is turning 40. It's hosted countless special occasions over four decades, and is a bit of a hidden gem, really. Favourable word of mouth leads many a curious diner there. "Babbingtons has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where memories are made," said Apollo's sales and marketing co-ordinator Maree Bendeich. "We've had the privilege of being part of our guests' special moments for decades, and we're looking forward to being part of many more to come." To mark this 40-year milestone, Babbingtons is hosting a cocktail celebration from 6pm on Friday, August 16, and you're invited. Phonic Duo will be performing, and there will be wine tastings by Oatley Wines. Tickets are $40 and include a limited-edition glass to take home as a keepsake. Book now through Sticky Tickets or email sales@ Comedian Merrick Watts is bringing An Idiot's Guide to Wine: Volume 2 to Newcastle's Spiegeltent on September 13 and 14. He's a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country, and on the night will be introducing people to six stand-out Australian wines, sharing tasting notes and snack pairings as well as plenty of highly questionable words of wisdom. Tickets are on sale now. Real McCoy, via VOK Beverages, recently sent me an interesting pitch: "Not all whiskeys are made for quiet reflection. Some are built to show up bold, smooth, and ready to turn any night into a good one." Intrigued, I sampled two of their new flavoured whiskey liqueurs, the Real McCoy Salted Caramel and the Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn. The Salted Caramel is silky and rich, with notes of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel, and a touch of sea salt, layered with hints of oak and butterscotch. A fine addition to an espresso martini. The Buttered Popcorn blends vanilla, caramel and butter with toasted oak, and works well with a whiskey sour. "With Real McCoy, we set out to redefine what a whiskey liqueur could be," brand manager Joh Einarson said. "We've focused on bold but balanced flavours crafted to be layered, versatile and genuinely enjoyable." It gets people talking at a social gathering, that's for sure. Details at Paired at Peregrin returns to The Beach Hotel at Merewether next Friday, July 25. This time around, the popular long-table dinner is a five-course truffle degustation featuring Gilbert Family Wines and Oakshade Truffles. Winemaker Will Gilbert and Oakshade Truffles owner Matt will share the passion and craft behind their produce, and you'll receive a drink on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person at And here's a sneak peek at the menu, which includes beef cheek and truffle vol-au-vent with shaved fresh truffle and pecorino; traditionelle half-shell scallop with pork belly and truffle polenta; prawn and truffle raviolo with truffle-cured egg yolk and burnt butter sauce; and lamb wellington with chard leaves, prosciutto, truffle and shiraz jus. Yum. Pilgrim's Pizzas has opened at 21 Main Road, Boolaroo. And, speaking of, Parks Bistro at Boolaroo Sports Club has a new, budget-friendly lunch specials menu. Goodtime Burgers are back at The Exchange for one weekend only, July 25 to 27. The Flotilla's new Late Winter Menu has launched. Fermento Pizza Joint has opened at 436 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Esca Bimbadgen is hosting a 1920s-inspired Speakeasy night on Friday, July 25.