Locals got a chance to learn from Australian actor and celebrity cook Paul Mercurio when he was filming part of his new television series in Rotorua at the weekend.
Mercurio, star of Strictly Ballroom and a judge on Dancing With The Stars, is in New Zealand filming part of his cookingshow Mercurio's Menu. He spent the weekend in Rotorua being shown tips by local culinary genius Charles Royal.
Mercurio was at the Rotorua North Rotary Club Charity Flea Market on Saturday with Royal collecting exotic ingredients and trying different styles of cooking.
Royal said he showed Mercurio "a good time" in Rotorua. "It was great when we went down to the market," he said. "There were people coming up to Paul left, right and centre. Everyone knew who he was and wanted to shake his hand and talk to him."
Royal said Mercurio spent yesterday at Treetops Lodge pheasant hunting. "I went foraging to get some pikopiko and wild mushrooms and then we made some beautiful dishes with the pheasant and wild foods."
Royal said it had been great being able to share Rotorua tips with Mercurio.
Mercurio's Menu airs in 10 countries and has more than 11million viewers.
Mercurio is due to stay in Rotorua for the next few days and will visit Croucher Breweries and Polynesian Spa. He is also expected to go mountainbiking in the Whakarewarewa Forest, trout fishing and visit Whakarewarewa Village.
