A REPUTATION for having some of best oysters in NSW recently attracted TV personality Mike Whitney and the team from Sydney Weekender to the local area.
The crew spent the day at Cole Bros in Karuah, and filmed as Mike assisted Dean, Stephen and Brock Cole harvest oysters, which was naturally followed by taste testing.
“Mike Whitney certainly loves oysters,” Dean told News Of The Area.
“He said the oysters on the South Coast are good, but he can’t go past these ones in Karuah.”
Dean said their winter oysters have “a more briny, saltier taste” which “a lot of people love”.
“It blows them away,” Dean told News Of The Area.
“We are pretty proud of what we produce here and there’s been high demand for them in the markets in Sydney.”
The Sydney Weekender crew were filming throughout the region to promote this month’s Port Stephens Love Seafood Festival, which showcases the region’s quality year-round coastal cuisine.
Dean said the event is an initiative of Destination NSW/Port Stephens in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries.
“In Port Stephens, producers like us open our doors and show off what we do to the public, so people can see how farms operate,” Dean said.
Cole Bros will also be involved in Farmers of the Sea at D’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay on Saturday 12 August.
“All the oyster growers will be there as a group, there will be tastings, oysters for sale and shucking races,” Dean said.
“Huon Aquaculture, Cookabarra Barramundi Farm, the local yabby guys and the Kingfisher Farms will also be there with their wares.”
The festival runs throughout the entire month of August and will also feature cooking demonstrations, tastings, educational talks, signature dinners and displays.
The Sydney Weekender episode featuring Cole Bros will go to air on 6 August.
By Daniel SAHYOUN
Tina Cole is looking forward to the Port Stephens Love Seafood Festival. (right)
