Tastings on Hastings is not just one of the region’s premier events for locals and visitors to enjoy, but also an ­opportunity for local producers and providers to showcase their best and most beautiful produce and products. 

This year the catchment boundary had been expanded to include exciting ­offerings from neighbouring regions in support of the 100-mile food movement.

Tastings on Hastings 2014 will ­welcome exhibitors from as far afield as Nelson Bay, Armidale and Woolgoolga, reflecting the significance of the Hastings as a culinary centre of the wider region.

Event co-ordinator Necia Waghorn said this year the event will feature a ­dedicated Farmers Market precinct, enabling visitors to stock up on quality ingredients to get creative in the kitchen. 

“You can fill your bags with crisp fresh vegetables, fruits and primary produce,” Ms Waghorn said.

“Other interesting products will also be available including gourmet jams and preserves, olive oil products, pestos, macadamia nuts, fresh homemade breads and lots more.

“There’s nothing like the friendly service you’ll get from the market stall of a family run farm, and it’s rewarding to know your purchase is also directly ­supporting their livelihood. 

“Purchasing goods that have travelled less than 100 miles from paddock or ­producer to our plates reduces our carbon footprint and environmental impact. 

“More than that, it also builds our regional economy and strengthens our social and community connections.” 

Tastings on Hastings is working towards being a green event with a ­number of initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill. 

“Keep an eye out for the clever ­compostable and recyclable serving-ware, including plates and cutlery from exhibitors,” Ms Waghorn said.

“A partnership with Biopak will see 25 per cent of sales of the environmentally friendly packaging purchased by exhibitors being invested back into ­making Tastings on Hastings even ­greener in 2015.

“The event will feature waste stations that encourage people to separate waste into red (rubbish), yellow (recycling) and green (food and organics) bins. 

“Leftover food from exhibitor stalls will be collected by local food rescue group REAP and delivered to local soup kitchens and those in need.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peter Besseling said council had been proudly presenting the much-loved community event for over a decade. 

“We’re pleased to be supporting the event in its 12th year, as we celebrate the ‘Our Story, Our Soul, Our Food’ theme, which recognises the people, stories and heritages that influence our cooking styles across the mid north coast,” Mr Besseling said. 

Tastings on Hastings will welcome celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita, renowned chef from Flying Fish restaurants and cooking shows such as My Sri Lanka, Island Feast and his latest series on SBS Mexican Fiesta. 

Mr Kuruvtia will host a Tastings Dinner on Saturday, October 25 at The Fig Restaurant and will hold two cooking demonstrations during the main event on Sunday 26.

Find out more at www.tastingsonhastings.com.au