Karuah oyster farmer Mark Hunter has been busy. The annual Love Sea Food festival kicks off on August 1 and he is growing an additional 400-dozen oysters to meet demand.
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The owner of Mark Hunter Oysters is a fourth-generation grower with more than 35 years' experience and will be running an oyster bar in Nelson Bay's town centre on the final weekend of the festival.
Last year's Love Sea Food attracted such big crowds that the fresh local oyster stalls all sold out quickly.
Organisers say that this year's festival promises to be even bigger now that Love Sea Food has joined forces with Tastes at the Bay to host a month-long celebration of the region's fresh seafood, local producers and food experiences.
The festival program is still being finalised however Food & Wine can confirm there will be a range of lunch and dinner specials on offer at eateries all around Port Stephens as well as weekly seafood-themed cooking classes at The Poyer's, The Anchorage Hotel and Spa, Bannisters Port Stephens, In House Kitchen Nelson Bay and Blueys.
The festival will kick off with the Port to Plate Gala Dinner at Broughtons at the Bay on August 3, where a line-up of head chefs will seek to impress guests with their imaginative take on "the local catch", and conclude with a two-day celebration in Nelson Bay on the final weekend.
At the Tastes Port Stephens Food, Wine and Jazz festival on August 31 and September 1 in Nelson Bay the region's many oyster-growing families and artisan producers come together and offer tastings and sales of their seasonal best. There will be live jazz, seafood cooking demonstrations, local wines and a Tastes Jazz Luncheon Cruise of the bay.
"The heart of Port Stephens is a spectacular marine park with sparkling blue waters and we are spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh local seafood and produce, fabulous cafes and waterfront restaurants," Destination Port Stephens chief executive Eileen Gilliland said.
"August is the most exciting time all year to experience a taste of the local food and lifestyle now that Love Sea Food and Tastes at the Bay have come together."
Port Stephens' aquaculture industry, which is primarily made up of oyster growers, is worth more than $42 million.
