Hastings Valley Olives is an Australian family owned company established in 1998 by Graeme and Kathy Booker. The 1,000 acre grove is situated near Yarras at Birdwood on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, one hours drive west of beautiful Port Macquarie. There are 45,000 olive trees on the property, nestled in the foot [...]
Rainbow Mushrooms are located on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. They grow two varieties of mushrooms, Swiss Brown and White. They produce 2.5 tonnes of mushrooms a week.
Ghinni Wines produce a range of fruity liqueurs sourced direct from the farm mead, blueberry, plum and chilli and raspberry are just a few. All go well with desserts or as a base for mixed drinks and the chilli liqueur works particularly well with seafood. Bottles are $20 each, or a sampling of all six [...]
At Manning Valley Free Range Eggs the happy hens are free to roam from dawn to dusk on lush green pastures delighting in sunshine, with stress-free living conditions and constant access to fresh water. The eggs are free from artificial fertilisers and pesticides and naturally free of hormones and antibiotics. With clean and green pastures [...]
Comboyne Culture is located on the Mid North Coast producing a range of speciality cheeses. They produce a very traditional Camembert and a soft Washed Rind cheese, more along the lines of the true French-style which are fairly strong compared to what you might buy out of your local supermarket. Comboyne Culture also makes two [...]
Baba Lila Chocolates is located in Comboyne on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. A true hand made chocolate, using traditional russian methods. Each chocolate is Individually hand rolled, hand dipped and hand wrapped.
Bent on Food is a multi award winning specialty food store and café located on the NSW Mid North Coast in the heritage township of Wingham just 3 1/2 hours north of Sydney. Bent on Food carries a vast range of local produce along with regional specialties from all over Australia.
Armstrong Oysters are located in the Camden Haven and are famous for their award winning Sydney Rock Oysters.
12 of the best chefs from Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour go head to head at the second annual Mid North Coast Signature Dish Awards. Special guest judge, Serge Dansereau from the Bathers Pavilion at Sydneys Balmoral Beach, and fellow judges John Cassegrain from Cassegrain Wines and North Coast Institute of TAFE cooking teachers, Matthew [...]
Peak Coffee Port Macquarie is the first coffee roasting business to be located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Armed with a 60kg traditional drum roaster, we roast for local cafe owners and wholesale accounts. Peak coffee endeavours to bring quality fresh coffee and tantalising blends (flavours) to their wholesale and retail [...]
South Seafood in Port Macquarie is home to a huge selection local fresh seafood. Located across the road from the Growers Market they are confidently located. Support the locals and buy your seafood from South Seafood.
If you’re looking for that perfect gift then look no further than Port Macquarie Hampers. All hampers are created using local regional produce sourced from within Greater Port Macquarie. You can pick from a selection of ready made hampers or create your own from over 100 local items to suit any budget.
The Company Farm is situated on about 20 acres, 13km west of Wauchope and features more than 400 citrus trees and other fruit species, and crops of aromatic herbs. The farm is also home to cooking classes held year round, featuring some of Australia’s leading chefs. Cooking With Company at the Company Farm. Phone 02 [...]
Andrew Richmond takes the all new BMW Z4 out for a test drive in Port Macquarie thanks to McGuigan BMW.
Candice Rose walks the red carpet with the who’s who of the Mid-North Coast tourism industry at the annual awards night held at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie.
FocusTV visits the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s 2030 Forum.
Thanks to John Oxley Volkswagen of Port Macquarie we test drive the all new Volkswagen Golf TDI.
A Thai Green Curry dish by the Authentic Thai Orchid Restaurant in Port Macquarie. This dish featured in the Journey of Flavor cook book.
We catch up with Andrew Roach, the General Manager of the Port-Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Andrew Richmond takes a look through the new AMG C63 Mercedes thanks to Andrew Miedecke, who pushes this rumbling beast to well over 200km/h at our secret airstrip.
In the lead up to the Morning of the Earth concert at Cassegrain Winery in Port Macquarie. We catch up with some of Port Macquarie’s most iconic surfers from the 70′s for focusTV.
The Observatory Resort in Port Macquarie aims to be Carbon Neutral by 2012. A huge achievement for a large hotel. At the offical launch party Louise Beaumont talks to Chris and Trish from the Observatory, and some of the other local businesses involved in helping them go green, for focusTV.
Andrew Richmond was lucky enough to get ahold of a brand new Mitsubishi Evolution X thanks to John Oxley Motors of Port Macquarie to test drive for FocusTV.
We chat with Chris Simmonds from the Wauchope Vet Clinic who is celebrating 25 Years in Business.
We chat with Product Development Manager from the Hastings Valley Dairy, Rod McLennan about how the dairy makes new cheeses and yoghurts, plus what’s in store for the future. The Hasting Valley Dairy produces Cheddar style cheeses, Fetta, Pecorino, Romano, Pepato, Mozzarella, Haloumi and a variety of Yoghurts.
The 2009 Cassegrain Oysters in the Vines was a great day out. The Oysters from the Port Macquarie and Camden Haven areas in the Hastings area are known as some of the best in Australia. Fresh local oysters were available on the day, freshly shucked from The Big Oyster and Armstrong Oysters. Plus on offer [...]
In the foothills of the Hastings Valley hinterland lies Bellrowan Valley. If you are a horse lover or would just like to give it a try, Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding is the place to go known for its quality horses, scenic trails, and friendly guides.
The 2008 Festival of the Sun held in Port Macquarie was a great event. Candice Rose takes a tour through the crowd for focusTV. Meet long lost twins, learn how you can be a wizard with magical powers, why leather is the ‘in’ fashion of fotsun 2008 and ‘Roach’ makes his debut as a news [...]
Sea Acres is a place of natural beauty protecting rare coastal rainforest at Shelly Beach, 4 km south of Town Beach at Port Macquarie. There is an elevated boardwalk through the rainforest which captures the beauty of this natural wonder. The forest runs right down to the beach, so you can enjoy the stillness and [...]
The Other Chef is a small gourmet food business based in Lake Cathie, on the beautiful mid-north coast of NSW, producing a range of hand-made fine foods. Over the past 20 years as a Chef, Eric Robinson has received high acclaim for his innovative style and passion for hand-made food. Eric cooks for us a [...]
FocusTV catches up with artist Leanne Prussing who is bringing a unique style of art to Port Macquarie. Her career began designing fabric prints and hand painted fashion. After studying the Diploma of fine arts she has moved through many phases with her paintings. Her work is represented in Port Macquarie by Studio5.
Great steaks, great ribs, great food, sSs BBQ Barns Steakhouse – It is that good! We visit the sSs BBQ barn in Port Macquarie too see what all the fuss is about. We even get the hot tip about how to cook the perfect steak.
Focus Apartments is located just a short stoll to main street shopping and the beautiful Town Beach of Port Macquarie. This unique development is located on Port Macquarie’s original government house site, a living reminder that the local heritage is among the oldest and most valuable in Australia.
Candice Rose takes a visit to the Latin Dance school in Port Macquarie and chats with dance instructor Michael Madden about his passion for latin dance.
The October Home of the Month for Focus Magazine constructed by Gem Constructions.
12 of the local area’s best chefs go head to head to find out who has the best Signature Dish of the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. Chefs from Rydges, Luxe, The Corner, Stunned Mullet, Fusion 7, Kingfisher Cafe, Zest Restaurant, Tellers Restaurant, Oceanside at Hawksnest, Kingfisher Cafe and Flooded Gums Restaurant all compete [...]
For the greatest high you’ll ever have, look no further than Coastal Skydivers at Port Macquarie. Jumping from 10,000 feet at 200kph Candice Rose takes the plunge for FocusTV. For more information visit www.coastalskydivers.com or phone 0428471227
The RSPCA in Port Macquarie cares for animals of all kinds. The animals have come to the society as a result of abandonment, acts of cruelty, unclaimed stray animals and those whose owners can no longer care for them. The RSPCA provides a safe place for these animals to live while they wait adoption.
The Little Red Vamp in Port Macquarie is an alternative clothing boutique specialising in tattoo and rock inspired fashion. The boutique also supports the local art community.
Fusion 7 is one of Port Macquarie’s stand out restaurants. Head chef and owner Lindsey Schwab brings together flavors from around the world. Either from Europe, Asia, the Middle East or the Americas, new ingredients, inspired unique dishes, creating an exceptional dining experience. 124 Horton Street, Port Macquarie Tel 02 6584 1171 www.fusion7.com.au
The Billabong at Port Macquarie is home some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Set on 7 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with easy walkways for visitors it is home to over 50 species of Australian Wildlife. The park features many exotic animals and all the Australian favorites, including: Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, cassowaries, crocodiles, lizards, [...]
The launch event for the Mid-North Coast Signature Dish awards. Hosted by Kenny Little’s, the chefs from The Corner Restaurant and the Stunned Mullet go head to head in Port Macquarie.
The Sunset Gallery in Port Macquarie has been in established for over 32 years and has a regularly changing display of artworks by well known local and regional artists; plus bronzes, leadlighting, stained glass figurines and glassware. The Gallery also provides a quality Custom Framing service for your special items. Rayner Sunset Gallery 15-17 Sunset [...]
The Pancake Place in Port Macquarie is a true local icon. Established for over 25 years the Pancake Place is a must visit. They’re open Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days with some of the most mouthwatering breakfasts, mains and tempting desserts. Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts Port Macquarie. Phone: (02) 6583 4544
Ever wondered what goes into one of our covers? We take you behind the scenes for our September issue featuring Port Central’s Fashions on the Field, celebrating one of the biggest days on our local calender, the Port Cup.
Long Point Vineyard at Lake Cathie on the NSW Mid North Coast produces a range of red and white table wines, alcoholic ginger beer, mead and an orange liqueur.
12 of the best chefs from Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour go head to head at the second annual Mid North Coast Signature Dish Awards.
Special guest judge, Serge Dansereau from the Bathers Pavilion at Sydneys Balmoral Beach, and fellow judges John Cassegrain from Cassegrain Wines and North Coast Institute of TAFE cooking teachers, Matthew Armstrong and David Baker had a tough time picking the winner from this years high standard.
Lauren Charlton from FocusTV was on hand to find out whose cuisine will reign supreme.
Finalists dishes included:
Lindsay Schwab – Fusion 7, Port Macquarie – Line caught local Kingfish on fried Ricardoes green tomatoes with spring pea and black bean vinaigrette, coriander and a Comboyne potato wafer.
Natalie Jane Samaras - Kingfisher Café, Blueys Beach – Country Roulade of Beef.
Dusty Bowie-Ford - Blue Bottles Brassiere, Woolgoolga – Pork Sirloin with a Prosciutto Muille Fuille and Red Wine Poached Pear with a Mint Salad and Pomegranate Reduction
Ashley Mitcham - Synergy Restaurant, Mercure Centro, Port Macquarie - Fillet of Blue eye Cod with a Sparkling Wine infused saffron veloute, squid in fettuccine, sea scallops poached in acid butter garnished with salmon caviar
Lee OCarroll - Flooded Gums, Bonville Golf Course, Coffs Coast – Garam Marsala spiced duck breast, dug leg confit, potato and apple galette, crispy oyster mushrooms, broccollini and natural juices
Chris Harris - Luxe Fine Food Café and Catering, Port Macquarie – Kundabung Duck Breast in Rotolo of Porchini Mushroom, Pecorino and Baby Spinach
Joshua Mills - Aquablu Bistro and Bar, Nelson Bay – Ocean Assiette.
Chad Simpson - Australis Diamond Beach Resort, Diamond Beach – Tournedos of Wauchope Beef on an onion, tomato and Hastings yoghurt croute with crispy skin snapper, Crowdy Bay King Prawns and a hibiscus relish
Michael Schubert – Rydges Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie – Tea Smoked Duck Breast served with a Spiced Blood Orange Sauce and Tea Marbled Egg.
Glenn Thompson - Zest Restaurant, Port Stephens – Balantine of Farmed Macleay Rabbit wrapped in Prosciutto with Pickled Eschallots, Black Olive Paint and Sauce Aigre Doux.
Todd Richardson - The Corner Restaurant, Port Macquarie – Assiette of Local Muscovy Duck.
David Henry - The Stunned Mullet Restaurant and Bar, Port Macquarie – Crispy Skinned local Mulloway, five spiced cauliflower and desiree mash, baby spinach, Asian herb salad, and Omani lime infused yellow curry.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Joshua Mills shouldn’t have been disqualified, his dish was amazing.
December 14th, 2009 at 6:18 am
I just want to tell you that your blog is very interesting, bookmarked