Kiwis get into Wildfood spirit

Kiwi novice chefs are getting into the spirit of Monteith’s first Wild Recipe Competition with entries pouring in from around the country.

The boutique brewery is inviting those aged over 18 to ‘show their wild side’ and upload their own Monteith’s and wild food matched recipe onto the Monteith’s website (www.monteiths.co.nz) before Sunday 18th July.

Prospective entrants are encouraged to take inspiration from locally grown wild food (anything not raised on a farm) or readily available ‘wild’ ingredients such as venison, rabbit or pork. Failing that they can simply prepare their dish in a ‘wild’ manner. Crucial of course is the Monteith’s beer match and how well it works with each dish.

All entrant recipes will be judged by Kerry Tyack, head judge of the annual Monteith’s Beer & Wild Food Challenge (which is only open to professional chefs), and Chef Mark Gregory.

The pair will select three finalists from the recipes entered for the Monteith’s Wild Recipe Competition and create their dishes before determining an overall winner on 30th July.

The person that wins the Monteith’s Wild Recipe Competition will be announced early August. Their recipe will then be created by Master Chef Gregory during the Monteith’s Beer and Wild Food Challenge cook-off in Auckland on 23 August.

Although the consumer winner’s dish is not eligible for the Challenge, they will get to attend the cook-off as an observer as well as enjoy dinner for two at the Abbey restaurant (national winner of the 2009 Monteith’s Beer and Wild Food Challenge), accommodation and travel to the City of Sails thanks to Monteith’s. The winner will also feature in a magazine article within a leading food title.

Monteith’s marketing manager, Russell Browne, says interest in the concept of beer and food is growing and he’s looking forward to seeing other recipes submitted by would-be chefs.

The Monteith’s Wild Recipe Competition runs parallel to the 2010 Monteith’s Beer and Wild Food Challenge. Those that dine at competing Challenge restaurants during this period will be able to garner plenty of inspiration for their own recipes.

Diners will also have a large say in who ultimately wins the Challenge with the chance to vote for the outlet they dine in. Voting is via text or by simply filling in voting forms at the restaurant. Everyone that votes by text receives a voucher via their mobile entitling them to a complimentary Monteith’s which can be redeemed on their next visit to the restaurant they dined at.

Russell says it’s all about giving it a go and trying something different.

“There is certainly plenty of great food to be utilized around the regions and of course, a beer style from Monteith’s to suit all dishes.”

ENDS

COMPETITION VERSUS CHALLENGE

- What’s the difference?


Monteith’s Wild Recipe Competition

• Open to members of the public over 18 years of age
• Entrants upload their own ‘wild’ recipe to www.monteiths.co.nz
• Wild ingredients include anything not raised on a farm or readily available ‘wild’ ingredients such as venison, rabbit or pork. Failing that they can simply prepare their dish in a ‘wild’ manner – matched with a Monteith’s beer style of course!
• Entries are open from 1st May – 18th July
• Finalist entries are judged early August
• The winning recipe will be cooked by Master Chef Mark Gregory at the 2010 Monteith’s Beer and Wild Food Challenge cook-off in Auckland on 23rd August
• The winner receives flights to and from Auckland (if they live outside the area) for two, double accommodation, dinner for two at a leading Auckland restaurant and the opportunity to watch their dish being created during the 2010 Monteith’s Beer and Wild Food Challenge cook-off. The winning recipe and winner will feature in a leading food title magazine feature.

Monteith’s Beer and Wild Food Challenge

• Now in its 13th year, the Challenge is open to restaurants, cafes and hotels nationwide
• The Challenge runs from 4th June until 18th July 2010.
• Entrants must offer diners a Monteith’s beer and wild food matched main course
• Entrants are assessed by a judging panel of experts before finalists are found
• Finalists take part in the Monteith’s Beer and Wild Food Challenge cook-off
• The cook-off will take place in Auckland on 23rd August
• Last year more than 120 restaurants entered the Challenge
• This year the winner stands to win $10,000 plus promotional activity
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For more information on both events, visit www.monteiths.co.nz