THE 2014 Tastings on Hastings Festival was official launched on Monday by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
The launch marks the lead-up to the gourmet food and wine event, which will take place in the town centre on Sunday 26 October.
The much loved community event aims to celebrate farming, fresh produce, local beer and wine, chefs, restaurants and cafes of the Hastings region.
The 2014 theme is Our Story, Our Soul, Our Food, which embraces the multicultural influences within the local community.
The format for this year’s event will differ slightly from previous years with the introduction of venue precincts for the convenience of patrons. For the first time there will also be a makers’ market to showcase local artists.
Celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita, most well known for his SBS television shows My Sri Lanka, Island Feast and Mexican Fiesta, will be this year’s special guest. Peter will be hosting cooking demonstrations for those who would like to learn some of his trade secrets.
A highlight of Tastings on Hastings will be a dinner with Peter Kuruvita from his own custom-designed menu using local produce. This will be held at the Fig Restaurant on Saturday 25 October. Only 150 tickets will be available at a cost of $95 each.
Mayor Peter Besseling said Tastings on Hastings was not just one of the region’s premier events for locals, but also an opportunity for local providores to showcase their best and most beautiful produce and wares.
“Events like Tastings on Hastings help to shine a light on the greater Port Macquarie area and what bounty our region has to offer,” Cr Besseling said.
“There will a cornucopia of stalls lining the streets guaranteed to appeal to all tastes.”
Sponsors include: The farmers’ market presented by Cassegrain; the restaurant precinct, Coast Front Realty; main stage, Doppio or Nothing Espresso; beer and wine precinct – available; cooking demonstrations, PYE Providores; the makers market, Marketplace Events; volunteer sponsor, Hastings Co-op; local champions sponsor, North Coast TAFE and The Other Chef Fine Foods and financial sponsor, Holiday Coast Credit Union.
If you would like to become a Tastings on Hastings sponsor or exhibitor, please contact Market Place Events on 0401 526 936 or email neciawaghorn@gmail.com
