The 2010 programme, revealed tonight, spreads from Wellington city through to Kapiti and the Wairarapa wine region. Popular favourites from last year such as Devour, Beervana, Pleasure Palate and Behind The Scenes in Two Top Kitchens return to the menu and are joined by a smorgasbord of new events, including Ruth Pretty in the City, a Blend Your Own series, Discover Kapiti in a Glass, and a banquet of entirely white cuisine known as White, White, Baby!
Visa Wellington On a Plate was developed by Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) and Grow Wellington last year in a bid to develop culinary tourism and showcase the region’s food and beverage sector.
Festival co-director Sarah Meikle, General Manager of Marketing at PWT, says the menu has more than doubled for 2010, with “something to please every palate and budget”.
“There are opportunities to get hands on, go behind the scenes, learn the secrets of the region’s fantastic food personalities or simply sit back and devour the finest in New Zealand cuisine.”
Anna Head, Food and Beverage Sector Manager at Grow Wellington and also co-director of the festival, says one of the most exciting developments in this year’s programme is the increased focus on regional products.
“Last year 50% of cafes and restaurants involved in DINE forged new relationships with a local supplier as a result of Wellington On a Plate. We wanted to build on that even further so this year we’ve introduced a ‘Battle of the Burger’ – Burger Wellington - that sees 37 cafes and restaurants serving burgers dedicated to showcasing Wellington’s regional products.”
Consumers will rule which of the burgers is the best by text vote.
“The Burger options are incredible,” Ms Head says. “You’ll find Tuatara beer battered seafood and fresh line-caught fish from Yellow Brick Road; lamb from Wharekauhau; cheese from Kapiti, Te Horo, Kingsmeade and Zany Zeus; and bread from Pandoro, Aro Bake and Simply Paris.”
Local support proved one of the most vital ingredients for the inaugural festival in 2009 and organisers are hoping the region’s residents would be back for seconds, Ms Meikle says.
“Visa Wellington On a Plate has well over doubled its menu this year so that means we need more mouths to feed. The best thing about dining out is trying something new so we recommend as well as visit old favourites, people break out of their comfort zone and try somewhere and something new.”
Visa Wellington On a Plate runs from August 14-29. Full festival details are available on WellingtonOnaPlate.com. Ticket and menu bookings should be made direct with the supplier.
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. The two organisations plan and market the event in liaison with the food sector and hospitality industry.
