Cottage industry creatives flourish on the Mid North Coast

THE funky trend of café and artisan collaborations is providing opportunities for Mid North Coast creatives.

The distinction between fine dining and café culture has been somewhat erased in regional markets, given the appeal of fresh and earthy food in laidback coastal locales.

Michaela Kloeckner, the ‘mud mad’ ceramicist with a Nambucca studio, provides handmade tableware to a number of local eateries.

“People often make a point of saying how much they enjoyed their dining experience eating from my plates, bowls and cups,” she said.

“I am chuffed how special these crafted objects appeal to valued customers.”

Ember & Time at Galleria CC, Macksville is one of Michaela’s customers, with owner Aaron replacing all his commercial coffee mugs with handmade and elegantly glazed versions.

The designs are purpose-built to sit comfortably in the hand and retain heat.

Driftwood Café at Scotts Head also chose to try the ceramic coffee cups and received such rave reviews they decided to expand into a complete set of tableware from locally-sourced clay that is slip-proof and imprinted with their logo.

This suits the ethos of owners Woody and Alexandra, who keenly support small-scale growers and farmers markets on their journey towards sustainable gastronomy.

Every fourth Sunday on the village green opposite the café they hold the Scotts Head Farmers Market (the brainchild of Alexandra), with stalls of local handmade goods and small batch lines, with fresh, seasonal produce.

The market runs from 8am to 11am with live music and a laidback ambience the whole family, adults and children can enjoy.

“We are incredibly proud of the community that is growing around this project, and so grateful to all stallholders and supporters who bring it to life every fortnight,” Alexandra said.

By Kim SATCHELL