An international-class culinary programme hosted by some of the southern hemisphere’s top chefs, the MasterClass is an all day event that will feature cooking demonstrations, goodie bags, lunch and more.
“The Wellington Fisher & Paykel MasterClass series is a fantastic addition to Visa Wellington On a Plate and will quickly become a key event on the national culinary calendar,” says Roger Bridge, Fisher & Paykel’s New Zealand Marketing Manager.
“The selected chefs are not only first class masters in the kitchen, they are also great teachers whom will impart their secrets to success to their audience. Fisher & Paykel are proud to sponsor this exclusive MasterClass series and believe it will be a great wrap-up to the festival.”
A new flagship event at very popular culinary festival Visa Wellington On a Plate, MasterClass follows in the footsteps of similar events run at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Dine Vancouver and NYC Restaurant week.
“2011 is the first year for the Wellington Fisher & Paykel MasterClass and it’s a pretty auspicious start that we plan to grow on,” says Festival Co-director Anna Nielson. “Any of the sessions and chefs featured this year by themselves would be fantastic – together they represent a programme that would be at home in any world-class culinary event. We could not be happier to launch the Wellington Fisher & Paykel MasterClass with such esteemed company.”
Taking place at the Michael Fowler Centre Renouf Foyer on the 19th of August this year’s Wellington Fisher & Paykel MasterClass will feature the following classes:
1. Desmond Harris - Smoking the Good Stuff
Brought to you by Le Cordon Bleu
Desmond Harris has led the kitchens of some of New Zealand’s best restaurants including Logan Brown, The Martinborough Hotel and Clooney - where he currently resides. He has won multiple awards for his contemporary, classic and refined style, including the Lewisham Award for Outstanding Chef in May 2011.
2. Alexa Johnston - What’s for Pudding?
Brought to you by Moore Wilson
Alexa Johnston wrote the award-winning books about traditional home baking, Ladies, a Plate and A Second Helping. In “What’s for Pudding?” she presents fail-safe, old favourite recipes with her usual blend of food history, cooking tips and stories.
3. Al Brown - That’s Lovely Deer - Al Brown cooks with Cervena Venison
Brought to you by Cervena Natural Tender Venison
Al Brown is a New Zealand chef, TV presenter, writer and restaurateur and co-owner of award-winning Wellington restaurant Logan Brown. Al’s latest book, Stoked , celebrates meat and our love of cooking outdoors.
4. Martin Bosley - Quite the Catch
Brought to you by Wellington City Market
Martin’s award-winning restaurant on Wellington’s Oriental Parade celebrates produce-driven cuisine with a seafood emphasis. His latest creation, critically acclaimed cook book Martin Bosley, has been nominated at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards for the Best Chef Book.
5. Chef Wan - The Spice Trail with Chef Wan
Brought to you by Malaysia Kitchen
Chef Wan is a household name in Asia. With 12 cookbooks published and more on the way, he is also a food critic for several major publications in Malaysia. Chef Wan has performed demonstrations on preparing Malaysian cuisine in China, Germany, London, Canada, Spain and Australia.
6. Justin North – French Lessons
Brought to you by Wellington Fisher & Paykel MasterClass
Justin North was named GQ Magazine Chef of the Year 2010, is a proponent of “ethical eating" and is chef and proprietor of acclaimed Sydney restaurants Becasse and Etch. Becasse was named Best European Restaurant in Australia in 2009. At Becasse he regularly hosts the popular "Producers Lunch Forum" highlighting the work of innovative and dynamic producers.
Tickets for the ultimate festival experience for foodies are available from Ticketek via their website or 0800 TICKETEK
For Further Information contact:
Sarah Peacock – 021 475 282 or sarah.peacock@growwellington.co.nz
Background
:: Positively Wellington Tourism (regional tourism organisation) and Grow Wellington (regional economic development agency) established the Visa Wellington On a Plate festival in 2009 to showcase the region’s food and beverage sector, and to develop culinary tourism in the region. The two organisations plan and market the event in liaison with the food sector and hospitality industry.
:: Visa Wellington On a Plate 2011 runs from August 5-21. For more information visit www.visawellingtononaplate.com
