Gary Rhodes to Attend the Taste of New Zealand Festival

International culinary superstar Gary Rhodes is set to join a stellar lineup of chefs and foodies when he attends Taste of New Zealand; 19th – 22nd October at Victoria Park, Auckland. 

Known as an ambassador for British cuisine, Gary Rhodes is the author of nearly 20 books and has starred on numerous Television cooking shows including his own popular series Rhodes Across Britain.

He has cooked for royalty including Princess Diana, the Manchester United Football Club and has restaurants in London, Dubai and in five star hotels around the world. He has accumulated an impressive six Michelin Stars for his efforts.

His first time in the country, Rhodes will make an appearance each day of the Taste of New Zealand Festival, in the Fisher & Paykel Chef’s Kitchen, demonstrating the cooking skill and flair that has won him this critical acclaim.

Rhodes says he is excited to be coming to New Zealand and to appear at the Taste of New Zealand Festival.  “I’ve heard so much about New Zealand’s produce and restaurants. I’m greatly looking forward to rubbing shoulders with the chefs and foodies there,” he said.  “This is my first trip to New Zealand and what better way to indulge my passions than in a fantastic festival environment,” says Rhodes.

Festival Director Rob Eliott is delighted to make the announcement. “We are very excited to be hosting Gary at Taste of New Zealand and sharing with him some of the fabulous produce from our corner of the world. No self-respecting foodie should miss seeing Gary’s demonstrations in the Fisher & Paykel Chef’s Kitchen,” says Eliott.

Chef Rhodes joins another UK cooking stalwart Rick Stein at Taste of New Zealand, who brings his passion for Malaysian cooking to our shores to combine the flavours of South East Asia with local produce.

Our own Annabel Langbein will also be in attendance and releasing her new book Annabel Langbein Free Range in the City exclusively at the opening night of Taste of New Zealand. Annabel will be back in the country fresh from her own guest appearances in Europe where her books and TV show are highly rated.

Also appearing at the festival is Kiwi ex-pat Warren Turnbull of District Dining, along with mates MasterChef judge Josh Emmet and acclaimed Sydney based chef Justin North.

Metro Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year Award Winner – The Grove’s Ben Bayly and Michael Dearth bring some of Auckland’s best dishes to Taste of New Zealand, alongside top restaurants Marvel Grill, Monsoon Poon, The Wharf, Cocoro and Cru at Sale St (formerly Dallows).

The Taste of New Zealand Festival 2011 also plays host to the inaugural Taste of New Zealand Awards (TONZA), an initiative to recognise New Zealand restaurants that strive to showcase the flavours of their region and to utilise local suppliers and producers.

TONZA recipients this year who will appear at the Taste of New Zealand festival are: Christchurch’s Restaurant Schwass, True South Dining Room from the Rees Hotel in Queenstown, Hawkes Bay’s The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Te Whau from Waiheke Island. These restaurants will receive their awards in the Fisher & Paykel Chefs Kitchen on Wednesday evening of the event, and visitors will be able to taste their signature dishes throughout the festival.

With world renowned chefs, New Zealand’s ex-pat culinary superstars, national cooking heroes and an all star entertainment line up, plus a huge selection of local suppliers and producers, the Taste of New Zealand Festival is set to be the biggest and most exciting celebration of food and wine New Zealand has ever seen.

Says Rob Eliott, “Taste of New Zealand is a huge event that will appeal to locals and international visitors alike.  The whole country is in party mode right now and we want to ensure people get a taste of New Zealand’s best food and drink as well,” he said.

Taste of New Zealand:
Wednesday 19 – Saturday 22 October 2011
Victoria Park, Auckland
www.tasteofnewzealand.co.nz

Ticket prices:
Audi VIP experience - $95
Hospitality packages in the Carlton Corporate Marquee – from $350
Premium Tickets - $60 (value $70) limited and only available in advance
General Admission - $25 in advance, $30 on the day (if available)
www.tasteofnewzealand.co.nz

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For more information please contact:
Robert Elliott, Brand Events Festivals Limited; Ph: (021) 677 739, RobEliott@befestivals.co.nz
PR Representative, Paul Blomfield; Ph: (021) 970 871, paul@paulblomfield.com

Taste at the Cloud:
For another Taste experience check out Taste at the Cloud, 41 days of sumptuous morsels showcasing influences from Rural, Urban, Seaside and Winery zones. More information at www.tasteatthecloud.com.

Taste at The Cloud and the Taste of New Zealand festival are both true showcases of New Zealand’s unique and internationally renowned gastronomic fare, as part of the REAL New Zealand Showcase.

Taste at The Cloud ticket packages are available at The Cloud and start from $17 per person. Taste at The Cloud opens on Tuesday 13 September and will be open daily from 11.30am to 6.00pm weekdays and 10.00am to 6.00pm on weekends.

Taste of New Zealand tickets are available through www.tasteofnewzealand.co.nz and start from $25 per person. Taste of New Zealand runs Wednesday 19 October to Saturday 22 October and will be open from 12pm to 4pm and 5.30pm to 9.30pm daily.

About Brand Events Festivals Ltd
Brand Events Festivals Ltd is a subsidiary of the UK based Brand Events Ltd and are the organisers of Top Gear Live, Taste Festivals and the Restaurant & Bar Show.  More information at www.befestivals.co.nz or contact Robert Eliott on 09 531 5524.