The 2011 festival menu includes 102 DINE Wellington eateries, 50 Burger Wellington entries and 81 events, including Wellington Fisher & Paykel MasterClass – a day programme that will see foodies discover the kitchen secrets of culinary greats such as Desmond Harris, Alexa Johnston, Al Brown, Martin Bosley and ‘the Jamie Oliver of the Far East’, Chef Wan.
On the competition front, Wellington Bake Club 2011, proudly sponsored by New World, is set to create a stir as bakers throughout the city battle it out for chance to enter a Bake Off judged by an expert panel including Ruth Pretty.
Visa Wellington On a Plate Co-Director Sarah Meikle says securing new partners at the sponsor table - headed by global payments company Visa - has been pivotal to the festival’s growth. In just two years the number of eateries taking part in DINE Wellington has increased nearly 150% and the events programme has surged almost six-fold.
“This kind of growth would simply not be possible without the support of major brands like Visa, and now Fisher & Paykel, New World and Armstrong Prestige motor group. Securing support from a collection of prestigious brands in just our third year is incredible.”
Now that the festival is established as a must-do on Wellington’s events calendar, organisers have had the opportunity to really focus the ‘think local’ message this year, says Festival Co-Director Anna Nielson.
“This year’s DINE Wellington menus read like a guide to what’s cooking in the region. Think Parkvale Mushrooms, Zany Zeus, Kapiti and Kingsmeade cheese, Lavender’s Green – it’s a very tasty local line-up.”
Through the 17 days of indulgence that is Visa Wellington on a Plate, festival fans can Snuffle the Truffle at Bisque on Bolton, experience Blind Dining at Capitol, taste Tongue-to-Tail Duck Delights and explore The Dark Side of Coffee and Chocolate.
There’s plenty for culinary DIY enthusiasts with Hands on Pastry Making at Floriditas, Weltec Fresh Pasta-making, Viva La Pizza and of course the opportunity to learn top chefs’ kitchen secrets with the inaugural Wellington Fisher & Paykel MasterClass.
Martini, Martini, Martini! is one of a host of cocktail events to get people in the spirit. And just when you thought you were full, we trust you’ll find room to spice up the last day of the festival with Malaysia Kitchen’s Night Market.
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.
:: Visa is the naming rights sponsor of Visa Wellington On a Plate. Visa Entertainment gives Visa Credit, Debit or Pre-paid cardholders access to concert pre-sales, added value offers and competitions. There is no cost to join the programme. By registering your email address you'll be sent emails about the hottest pre-sales and offers. www.visaentertainment.co.nz
