Escaping to the South Coast this long weekend? Be guided by Mia Cucina Interactive Food Maps

Escaping to the South Coast? We have you covered with a range of getaway goodies and access Mia Cucina’s interactive food maps, which helps map out your route by punctuating it with all the best foodie stops and adventures.

We were lucky enough to interview the founder of Mia Cucina, Melissa Port who has over 30 years of experience in the culinary industry. For anyone escaping to the South Coast this weekend, download her Interactive Food Map, pinned with a variety of wonderful culinary and sensory experiences along the way. The map guides you to help support small business in the wake of the devastating bush fire season and COVID-19. 

Mia Cucina is generously offering 10% off all map guides using the code: KOSKELA10. 

1. What inspired you to come up with the Interactive Food Map experience?

In the wake of the bush fire season and off the back of COVID-19, we thought it was time to transform our passion for community spirit and food into an accessible experience which helped support small-town business. We have always had a burning passion for street food and have travelled the world documenting and mapping the best local, provincial markets, cafes, and laneways, uncovering so many incredible places. Mia Cucina Food Maps and Tours supports diverse local communities throughout Australia, providing private and corporate food tours, designing each tour to our client’s needs. And we are proud to be ranked in the Top 5 Food Tours in Australia.

 2. What can people expect along the way? 

The interactive Food Map is jam packed full of everything you need, in terms of food! Vineyards, providores, farmers markets, cafes, bakeries, confectionery and the very important and often overlooked, amenities. It’s an incredible experience which helps to support small business and really inspires a sense of community.

VINEYARDS. Find yourself in the award-winning vineyards, cellar doors and wineries of the delicious South Coast of NSW. Wander the back roads, discover the secrets, share the stories and shake the hands that picked the grapes. Home to many cellar doors, the South Coast is an emerging wine region, nestled in the beautiful coastal countryside. 

PROVIDORES. Meet the independent producers and artisan farmers, who are passionate about producing fresh, local, ethical and sustainable produce. From the boutique olive producer, organically grown fruit and vegetables and grass-fed lamb, cheeses and locally produced honey, jams, chutneys and relishes.

FARMERS MARKETS. You’ll find farmers markets all across the South Coast NSW where you can fill your baskets and meet passionate local producers. Seasonal, fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, preserves, coffee, teas, freshly baked artisan breads, knowing everything has been sourced locally.

CAFÈS. If you like a good out-of-town cafe, the south coast is brimming with them — from healthy harbourside brunch spots to small specialty coffee bars. The region has recently taken a culinary revolution and is now home to a bunch of top-notch cafes, restaurants and eateries.

BAKERIES. There's something about a country bakery. You know they're using local produce, and from a kitchen made with love. Many of these recipes have been passed down through the generations, and these traditional cakes and biscuits, are just like grandma once baked.

CONFECTIONERY. Discover handcrafted confectionery, chocolates and preserves, made from heirloom family recipes, plus some new, hip confectioners, showcasing some of Australia's finest handmade chocolate, nougat and candy.

AMENITIES. The Mia Cucina Food Guide includes a fully interactive road map with easy to read icons and directions and accessed on any Smart Phone. Also included in the food guide, are toilet and fuel stops and guesthouse recommendations. 

3. Which is your personal favourite pit-stop that you’ve pinned?

Kangaroo Valley is often missed on a road trip down to the South Coast as it is a town that has simply stopped in time. As though you are on the set of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ where the architecture is all in its original place, and the shops reflect this century. From the Kangaroo Valley Fudge House, the local milk bar, and The General Café that provides delicious, locally grown organic produce, with daily changes to the menu, depending on what is available from the garden. They bake bread daily and would love to have a chat on fermenting and all its benefits.

4. What would you like people to know before embarking on their journey?

Pack up the family, or your bestie and hit the road, enjoying the sweet beats of our favourite artists in our Spotify Mia Cucina Playlist. A vital element of this initiative is that Sydney travellers are departing with an empty esky and empty bellies. This way, you can fill up with snacks along the one from small business in need of your support, whilst enjoying the most incredible eats!

Do you have any questions? Get in touch today, and we will connect you with the right person in our team.

Koskela is proud to be the first furniture and homewares company in Australia to be a Certified B Corporation®.