Opening the French-inspired Bistro Penny in Newcastle's East End will be the realisation of a dream for chef Joel Humphreys. Login or signup to continue reading He's worked at high-profile restaurants such as St John, Rockpool and Bistro Moncur but has always wanted to open his own restaurant in Newcastle. And at Bistro Penny, expected to open in late October, he will be returning to his classically French-trained culinary roots.
Diners can expect simple, "French bistro" style cooking over fire at the former bank site on Bolton Street which once housed the hatted Restaurant II. Having working as a consultant for other venues over the past few years, Humphreys is looking forward to returning to the kitchen. "I'll be in the kitchen every day, cooking over a three-metre by one-metre grill, celebrating the simplicity of great produce and primitive cooking over fire," he said.
"The menu will have the flavour profile of a French bistro with a bit more of a modern take on how it's served. "Share-style dining will be encouraged. The menu will have a lot of large formats - whole flounder, large cuts of beef - this is how I like to eat.
Whole fish cooked on the bone with seasonal accompaniments." The wine list will focus on small producers, local and abroad, and will explore classic French varietals alongside emerging Australian gems. Bistro Penny also marks a reunion with Humphreys' long-time friend and collaborator, Nic Wong (Lucky Prawn).
The two met at Rockpool, later shared the re.