Visa Wellington On a Plate Menu Revealed

18 June 2012

Visa Wellington On a Plate Menu Revealed

Visa Wellington On a Plate has tonight revealed its biggest banquet ever, introducing a few new flavours to its popular menu for 2012.
Festival Co-director Sarah Meikle says the schedule of 109 DINE Wellington menus, 111 Festival Events and 64 Burger Wellington entries promises to “make your mouth water and your mind boggle”.

“The 17 days that are Visa Wellington On a Plate 2012 will see everything from dining like royalty to breaking down a 300kg cattle beast. As well as the return of the ever popular Burger Wellington, all things burger will be taken to a spiritual level courtesy of the Hawthorn Lounge Burger Challenge, while Osteria del Toro will be Putting on the Ritz and The Larder will introduce diners to a series of ‘treats of the feet’ with Six Feet Under.”

Returning for its third course, naming rights sponsor Visa says it is constantly impressed with the creativity and diversity of the Wellington hospitality scene.

“The festival itself has expanded significantly since our first year of sponsorship and the calibre of events and the restaurants taking part are truly world-class. We look forward to supporting the festival as it continues to grow in years to come,” says Sean Preston, Visa’s New Zealand Country Manager.

This year sees the introduction of the new Visa Wellington On a Plate Award, which will see a panel of judges find the ultimate Wellington menu from 44 entries.

“The focus on local flavours is what makes Visa Wellington On a Plate truly Wellington and sets it apart from any other culinary festival or event,” Ms Meikle says. “The Visa Wellington On a Plate Award will recognise the DINE Wellington menu that best presents the capital of cool on a plate – one that combines chef creativity with ‘gate to plate’ menu design. The winner will be announced in the first week of the festival so punters have an opportunity to get a taste themselves.”

Grow Wellington Food & Beverage Sector Manager Kate Jamieson, who also co-directs the festival, says the region’s restaurants have taken the inclusion and showcasing of local product in their DINE Wellington menus to a whole new level this year.

“It’s exciting to see what incredible dishes the chefs have come up with – things like Schoc white chocolate and Soprano Limoncello fondue at Beach Babylon and Lighthouse Gin-soaked salmon gravlax with Prana baby leaves and Zany Zeus smoked yoghurt at Gusto Bistro.”

The 2012 festival programme sees major events across each of the three weekends. Wellington Fisher &Paykel MasterClass kicks things off with the ultimate culinary experience for any self respecting foodie on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August. The middle weekend will see craft beer fans hopping to Westpac Stadium for Beervana (Friday 17 and Saturday 18 August)and the New Zealand Chocolate Festival ends things on a sweet note from Friday 24 – Sunday 26 August. The final weekend also sees Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand open its doors for a sneak preview with a series of hands-on workshops, Culinary Exchanges and an Open Day.

MasterClass and Beervana tickets are available for purchase through ticketek.co.nz, while New Zealand Chocolate Festival passes are available at chocolatefestival.co.nz. All other event bookings are made through VisaWellingtonOnaPlate.com on Visa PreSale from 9am Thursday through until 5pm Friday 22 June, before going on general release.

Key Visa Wellington On a Plate Dates for Media Diaries:

Monday 18 June: Visa Wellington On a Plate programme launches
Thursday 21 June – Friday 22 June: Visa PreSale
Monday 2 July: New World Wellington Bake Club registrations open
Monday 16 July: First bake week of New World Wellington Bake Club
Friday 10 August: Visa Wellington On a Plate begins
Monday 13 August: Visa Wellington On a Plate Award judging
Monday 20 August: New World Wellington Bake Off
Wednesday 29 August: Burger Wellington finalist cook off

About Visa Wellington On a Plate

New Zealand’s largest and tastiest culinary festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate, is set to serve good times and great deals from August 10-26, 2012. Get your knives and forks out for a feast of experiences to please every palate and budget.

The festival centrepiece is DINE Wellington, a fortnight where over 100 of the region's finest eateries offer lunchtime set menus and delectable dinner deals. This year will also see the return of the popular ‘battle of the Burger’, Burger Wellington, and a bevy of 111 events including Beervana, the New Zealand Chocolate Festival and Wellington Fisher &PaykelMasterClass.

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 2012 runs from August 10-26. For more information visit www.visawellingtononaplate.com. 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

ENDS

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