New Zealand Culinary Fare Gets Extreme Makeover to Celebrate 20th Year

Over three days in August the hospitality sector’s best and brightest will battle it out in the heat and steam of kitchens at the 20th annual New Zealand Culinary Fare.

The event  is the largest culinary competition in the Southern Hemisphere, playing host to more than 1,000 competitors across 66 classes, and 6,000 visitors, says Restaurant Association of New Zealand CEO, Marisa Bidois.

“It’s the biggest event of its kind, and attracts competitors from all over New Zealand as well as from overseas.  It’s a chance for students and industry professionals to test their skills, compete for national titles, and be judged by the best in the business.”

“To keep things fresh, build on the success of the past 19 years, and broaden the event’s appeal, we have made a number of changes including adding a public day to the programme. We have revitalised approximately 30% of the competitions and introduced a new nationwide competition to find the best up and coming business team.

“We are also excited to announce a brand new feature – a public open day on Tuesday 21 August. With free entry, the massive popularity of shows like MasterChef and a resurgence of interest in cooking, we’re expecting high attendance,” says Bidois.

Bidois promises an exciting programme on the public day including Complete Chef,   New Zealand Regional Team Challenge, Classic Cocktail and  Original Innovative Cocktail and a new competition Vegetarian Dish Main to name a few.

“There’ll be plenty for people to see and do. The atmosphere will be highly-charged. It’s the final day of competitions and the heat will literally be on for competitors as they race against the clock to complete their tasks. “

The event contributes approximately $1 million to Auckland’s economy, and brings together many community sectors across New Zealand who compete in, support and watch the competitions.

About the Culinary Fare

• Sunday 19 August to Tuesday 21 August, ASB Showgrounds
• Held in conjunction with the Restaurant and Bar Show
• Largest culinary competition in the Southern Hemisphere
• >1,000 competitors, 66 classes
• The awards are industry recognised, improving the employment chances of participants, and lifting industry standards.
• Prestigious national titles including Toque d’Or, Chef and Service Professional of the Year, Top Somm and  Up and Coming Business Team of the Year
• Free public open day on Tuesday 21 August
• For more information about the 2012 Culinary Fare visit www.restaurantnz.co.nz