The ‘coolest little culinary festival in the world’, Visa Wellington On a Plate, kicks off this weekend in Wellington, New Zealand. From August 9th to 25th you’ll have the opportunity to tantalise your taste buds at any of the 113 different events and will be supporting local industry by doing so.
“Close to half of all Visa Wellington On a Plate Festival Event sessions have sold out, with a number of extra dates being added due to increased demand.
Festival spokesperson David Perks says foraging, fritters and fine food feasts have proven popular this year, and while a number of additional events are close to sell-out, there’s still plenty available throughout the 17-day culinary festival, starting August 9.
“The festival begins in style with craft beer fans getting a brewed awakening at Beervana, while foodies with fine taste will learn trade secrets from the best at Wellington Fisher & Paykel MasterClass.
“Let Australian food ‘grande dame’, Maggie Beer, show you how to make freshness and flavour shine, or be dazzled by the baking brawn of Dean Brettschneider as he demonstrates breads, éclairs and the new macarons.”
In the city, you can don your finest 1930s attire and Dine Art Deco at St Johns, or Feast Your Eyes at Roxy with a selection of new and classic foodie films. If you hold venison deer to your heart indulge in Chameleon’s Hunter & Gatherer: A Venistation, while Tips, Tricks and Tastes will have you pairing food and wine like a pro.
If a steam train ride sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be right on track with Kapiti Vintage or Otaki Station Market – Day Tripper, or put your pinny on and see how Mrs Pretty Channels Mrs Patmore from her cooking school in Kapiti.
Head over the hill and discover a Forager’s Food Night at Greytown’s Wakelin House where chef Anthony North will present a degustation focussing on his foraged finds. Pinot lovers will enjoy Matching Martinus Vintages to a six-course dinner, while The Butcher, The Chef and The Brewer come together for an afternoon of beer, blokes and BBQ jokes.”