Everyone enjoys an experiment or two …
Greg Trembath answers your real estate questions.
Verity Woods’ love of capturing the joy of having a baby and those precious family moments is the driving force behind her photography business. We caught up with the local gal, to see where it all began.
What inspired you to start working in hospitality?
I grew up in the hospitality industry. My mother and father owned a restaurant in Thailand, so I was always around food and cooking.
How long have you been a chef?
I have grown up helping my mother and father in their restaurant, but when I was 18, I did all the correct courses to become a fully qualified chef.
What do you love most about your job?
I just love cooking and decorating the food. I like to try a bit of everything and work with all sorts of ingredients to create new dishes.
What are some of the most popular Thai dishes that you sell at the Thai orchid?
Definitely Massaman Curry. Everyone just raves about it, and also, coming in second would have to be Pad Thai. They are both our specialties here. The third best seller would have to be stirfried chicken and cashew.
What is one ingredient that you can’t go without using?
Chilli is definitely something we use in a lot of things, but I would have to say herbs. We use lots of fresh herbs in everything. That is why Thai food is so healthy, ‘cause all the herbs are really good for your digestive system. We use all different fresh herbs like lemongrass, mint, basil, coriander, ginger and many more. We don’t tend to use as much chilli in our dishes over here as we would back in Thailand, as it is generally too hot.
What does the future hold for the restaurant?
At the moment, we are looking at doing some renovations outside to make it look more traditional Thai and more outdoorsy.
What makes the Thai Orchid stand out above the rest?
I think because we have such a nice big restaurant, and we have a good atmosphere. The price of our food is very reasonable for the large portion sizes. Also, our food is 100% fresh.
We only cook it as it is ordered; no pre cooking takes place. That is why sometimes it may take a little longer for our meals to come out, but they are of the freshest quality.
You have been a finalist for the best Thai Restaurant in the North Coast for the past 5 years. What is the criteria that you have to pass to become a finalist?
They come in and check the food, service, portion sizes, restaurant, kitchen, table setting the lot; it is very strict.
How long has the Thai orchid been open?
Six years, and hopefully we have another 7 or so years in us.
Thank you May.
This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus
Four brothers, eight pharmacies, the majority in the Port Macquarie region, with the chain here in the Hastings – literally, on Rawdon Island. This month, Susie chats with Ibby Khodary, the smiling eminence atop the mid-town shop, about the brothers’ drive to build discount pharmacies in country community settings…
The Greater Port Macquarie area is already home to some amazing events, festivals, attractions and public spaces. A lot of hard work and forward thinking by Council, individuals, clubs and community groups over the last 20+ years has helped elevate Port Macquarie to the no.3 tourist destination in New South Wales.
You may recognise him as the dentist from the classic ABC television series Mother and Son, but Henri Szeps has many other strings to his bow, being no stranger to both television and theatre. But where Henri’s talent truly shines is in is one-man shows. He’ll be presenting at the Glasshouse later this month …
We all want to live in a safe community, and Christine Bannister, Crime Prevention Officer for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, advocates reporting crime – no matter how minor the incident – as accurate reporting helps to set preventative measures in place …
Australia’s answer to Pam Ayres? That is Bessie Jennings aspiration … A tall order, but certainly an achievable goal for an enthusiastic and talented bush poet. Bessie plans to publish her sixth book of verse this year, hot on the heels of winning Children’s Poem of the Year at the Bush Laureate Awards in Tamworth …
If you’re an art connoisseur, you can’t afford to miss this event! Twenty-five local personalities have created an array of artwork, which will be auctioned at Port Macquarie Panthers on March 9. The funds raised will go towards the Port Macquarie Music Eisteddfod, helping to promote the creative diversity within our local area.
With inspiration from her first born daughter Airlie, Sarah McEwan used her creative flair to design ‘The Little Me Collection’. Sarah’s unique collection is practical yet adorable, with must-have products for all expectant mums to be.
Matt is passionate about bringing a message of hope through the music he writes and performs. As well as being involved in worship ministry, Matt has played at many outreaches, schools and churches, speaking a simple message of hope found in God’s love.
David Pride, of D&S Design Pty Ltd, has an artistic flair for working with wood and metal. But, this talented local has also been described as a ‘problem solver and innovator’ – and when you read about his work in the film industry, you’ll see why …
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Why do we sterilise needles before a lethal injection?These are just some of the randomly funny and insightful questions asked by local author, Simon Mitchell. Simon’s book, It’s a Funny Old World, is a journey of discovery. And Simon’s thirst for knowledge and answers doesn’t stop there, with even bigger projects now looming on the horizon …
