Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind
Media Release
17 May 2012
Awaken your senses at Gala Dinner
Renowned chefs, including Michael Meredith (Merediths Restaurant) and Mike Van de Elzen (The Food Truck and formerly
Molten), will take guests on a culinary journey to celebrate their senses at the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the
Blind’s (RNZFB) gala dinner, Awaken Your Senses.
Hayden McMillan (Tribeca), Ben Bayly (The Grove), Nick Honeyman (Cru at Sale St) and Jonny Schwass (Restaurant Schwass)
will join Michael and Mike to create a menu designed to challenge every sense.
“Eating is such a sensory experience,” says Chef Meredith. “What we’re preparing for Awaken Your Senses will do what
exactly what it says – have fun with the way guests taste, hear, smell, touch and see food. I’m really looking forward
to surprising them.
Hosted by Mike Hosking and Kate Hawkesby, the black tie event at Vector Arena on Thursday 21 June will open with
personal and interactive tasting sessions with the chefs, all designed to enliven guests’ senses.
The tasting sessions will be followed by a sumptuous three course meal, including Silere merino lamb and ingredients
supplied by Sabato. The menu will be accompanied by Villa Maria wine and Moa beer matches.
After-dinner music will be provided by Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes, and an auction and raffle will raise much
needed funds to empower blind and partially sighted people.
Support has also been received by Sanders Events, CCL Communications Group and Vector Arena.
RNZFB Chief Executive Sandra Budd says, “The chefs and sponsors are putting on an incredible night and we’re so grateful
for their involvement. Their generosity and that of our supporters attending the gala dinner help us to continue
providing life-changing services to blind and partially sighted New Zealanders. ”
Taste, smell, touch, hear and see the very best food and wine New Zealand has to offer at Awaken Your Senses. Tickets
are available for $250 (incl GST) from www.awakenyoursenses.org.nz , or phone 0800 366 283 to book.
- Ends