One of Australia’s favourite personalities, Paul Mercurio, was in Canowindra last week as part of filming for his television show, Mercurio’s Menu.

He and his crew filmed at Gaskill Greens, on Greg Kocanda’s property and later at Tonic, Milthorpe’s ‘Hatted’ restaurant, where he supplied much of the produce for the meal.

“It’s a coup for the town,” Greg said this week about the visit of the television crew and former Dancing with the Star judge.

“It’s about promoting regional produce, not an individual business.”

Mercurio’s Menu differs from other cooking series, because destinations share the spotlight with regional cuisines.

Paul is tour host and resident cook as he escorts viewers around Australia. Food production in all of its diversity features as Paul visits farms and producers of fresh food.

Canowindra was part of an overall visit to the Orange area. Other regional producers visited included Tim Hanson at Mandagery Venison, Borrodell near Mt Canobolas and Tonic Restaurant, to name just a few.

Consequently, one of the dishes created by Paul for the filming was Venison Stew – using eggplants, garlic and other fresh produce sourced from Greg's supply networks.

Greg said the whole filming experience was very relaxed, with the Strictly Ballroom star “very down to earth”.

He took the crew for a tour around Canowindra, and amongst the spots shown included the productive Rivers Rd farming area.

“They really loved Canowindra and Millthorpe,” Kocanda said of the impressions shared with him by the crew.

Paul believes the series will motivate food lovers to go out and visit the regions and to source the produce as featured in his programs.

Greg hoped for similar, hoping to open the eyes of people as to just how much produce is grown in the region.

“People just do not realise how much we have available here locally,” he said.

“With a bit more water in the dams, we will have even more.”