Directors' Picks

Having trouble making your selection from the extensive menu? Here are this week’s picks from the Visa Wellington On a Plate Festival Co-directors.

Sarah Meikle’s Top 5 Picks this Week

1. The Art Within Artisan: “See how art transpires to food at Artisan Restaurant + Bar, where famous New Zealand painter, Rita Angus, is the inspiration for a five-course set menu.”

2. Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Exchanges: “Titillate your mind as well as your tastebuds at one of Le Cordon Bleu’s five food focussed panel discussions.”

3. Champagne, Bubbles and Macarons: “Grab a girlfriend, don a pretty pinnie, and learn to make delicious macarons - all whilst sipping on winter punch and sparkling cocktails. Bliss.”

4. The White House Restaurant: “Evolving dishes and transforming humble ingredients saw The White House win top honours in the inaugural Visa Wellington On a Plate Award. If there’s one dish you have to try it’s Victor’s rabbit pie and Otaki carrots!”

5. Boulcott Street Bistro: “No bones about it, Rex Morgan and the culinary crew at the Bistro have gone all out for this year’s Burger Wellington competition. The T-Rex burger is served on a shoulder bone, held in place by a rib bone, while the spicy sauce condiment is served in a cannon bone.”

Anna Nielson Top 5 Event Picks This Week

1. Lunar Degustation - Taste the Influence of the Moon: “Indulge in a six course degustation matched with award-winning organic wines at Martinborough’s award-winning Café Medici.”

2. A Culinary tribute to Mrs Royal: “It’s not everyday you get to explore culinary history in Otaki with the nation’s catering doyenne, Ruth Pretty. Traditional savouries, dainty cakes and lashing of tea will be served – superb.”

3. Passionate Pinot People: “Warm up this winter at Dockside Restaurant where three great Wairarapa reds meet fabulous food and harbour views. Think pinot noir matched with duck confit ravioli, seared venison loin and Wairarapa lamb rack. Yes please!”

4. Hummingbird Eatery and Bar: “No need to hum and haw over this delectable dinner option. Four courses plus a glass of regional Wellington wine for $60. Enough said.”

5. Gusto Bistro: "Lower Hutt’s neighbourhood bistro offers dining delight served with seaside charm. And with braised osso bucco and Lighthouse Gin-soaked salmon gravlax on the menu, it’s definitely worth the trip out for lunch.”