Press release “Peter Kuruvita brings international flavour to Tastings on Hastings” Peter Kuruvita will bring his passion for local seafood and international flavours to Port Macquarie when he attends the Tastings on Hastings food and wine festival on 25 and 26 October 2014. The festival’s theme ‘Our Story, Our Soul, Our Food’ will celebrate the growing multicultural influences and heritage of people living in the region. Renowned for unearthing a region’s hidden delights, celebrity chef Peter is perfectly matched to be involved. He is well-known for his SBS television shows ‘My Sri Lanka’, ‘Island Feast’ and his latest series ‘Mexican Fiesta’. From the Canadian born Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet restaurant, indigenous influenced Barbara Barlin at Barbuschco bushfoods, to the French-heritage of John Cassegrain at Cassegrain Wines, Port Macquarie’s food and wine scene is defined by a variety of individual producers and cooking styles. A highlight in the program is a special dinner at the Fig Restaurant on Saturday 25 October when 150 lucky guests will be treated to Peter Kuruvita’s custom-designed menu using local produce (cost $95). The following day he will host a series of cooking demonstrations with local food and wine heroes. Tastings on Hastings is the region’s largest food and wine festival and will attract around 15,000 people to the main event in the town centre on Sunday 26 October 2014. Born from the Hastings Farmers Markets, the event celebrates the journey of local produce from paddock to plate. Over 120 producers, wineries, boutique breweries, chefs, restaurants and cafes will sell their goods, share stories and provide tastings. For the first time this year, and due to the growth of the festival, the main event will feature six main precinct areas showcasing the bountiful and diverse offerings in the region. These are the Farmers Markets, The Restaurant Precinct, The Main Stage, The Beer and Wine Precinct, The Cooking Demonstrations and The Makers Market, with local artists and artisans. Port Macquarie is a 4-hour drive North of Sydney or a 1-hour flight from Sydney and Brisbane with connections to the rest of Australia. A range of accommodation is available in 4.5 star waterfront hotels, eco-style tree houses to self-contained apartments. To plan your travel go to www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au For event information go to www.tastingsonhastings.com.au Join the conversation: #tastingsonhastings Instagram: Tastingsonhastings Facebook: Facebook.com/TastingsonHastings Media contact For more information and high res images please contact: Gabrielle Brewer, Lifestyle & Tourism Public Relations M: 0419 986 528 or 02 9029 8333 E: [email protected]