Media Statement 22nd July 2010

Hawke’s Bay Regional Signature Dish 2010 Launch

“The Hawke’s Bay Regional Signature Dish 2010 will be held this year again, running from 10th September through to 19 October 2010. The challenge is to develop a “taste of Hawke’s Bay on a plate” Food Hawke’s Bay general manager Jane Libby said today, the word is out the region’s restaurants and cafes have been invited to be part of this successful regional event.

The Signature Dish event, launched in 2007, is a regional bonanza showcasing the best food and beverages Hawke’s Bay produces.

Mrs Libby said that interest in the event is high with chefs and owners ringing the organisation ensuring they will not miss out of the chance to be part of a fantastic regional event. There have been some changes in this years’ event after analyzing feedback from last year’s event. There will be three categories this year; a new cafe category, causal dining and formal dining, along with the very popular people’s choice award.

Another exciting element will be a dedicated awards night at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in October where the winners will be announced and chefs and wait staff will have their chance of being recognised for their hard work.

“We are expecting participating restaurant and cafe numbers to be similar to the 2009 entries but are encouraged with the amount of interest that we have had before any information has been sent out. As was the case in the previous years we would like as many restaurants and cafes to enter, this is a great way of showcasing their food, beverage and service to the dining public.” Mrs Libby said.

The event creates fantastic exposure for participating restaurant/cafes and is a real draw card for food lovers. During the six weeks that the competition ran last year over 30,000 diners ate out at the 29 participating restaurants, she said.

Key dates
Launch to be held on the 2nd August 2010
Registrations close and recipes submitted by 12th August 2010
Competition runs 10th September – 19th October 2010
Awards Evening 27th October 2010

2009 Event Categories
Formal – Winner
Formal – Runner Up
Formal – People’s Choice - Dish
Formal – People’s Choice - Service
Casual – Winner
Casual – Runner Up
Casual – People’s Choice - Dish
Casual – People’s Choice - Service
Cafe – Winner
Cafe – Runner Up
Cafe – People’s Choice - Dish
Cafe – People’s Choice - Service

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