Cafés groove to Signature DISH tune

It may be the first year that cafés have been included in the Hawke’s Bay Regional Signature DISH competition but diners are turning out in force to embrace the specially created brunch and lunch dishes.

In total, 39 restaurants and cafés are involved in the regional event, which relies on diners to vote for their favourite meal and service combined with mystery judging from invited experts.

Chef at Taste Cornucopia Café in Hastings James Beck says their Signature DISH is “going really well” with 150 meals sold since the competition started.

“That is a significant number for us – we’re really pleased “ Mr Beck said.

In Napier, Ben Simcox at Groove Kitchen said they were experiencing diners coming in specifically to try the Signature DISH.

“People are writing really good comments and the uptake has been amazing. A number of people have said they are going around to lots of different places to try the dishes entered into the competition.”

In Havelock North, At E’s Café were enjoying seeing more people ordering the Signature DISH for brunch and through into the lunch time.

“The warmer weather has also been a plus for us and has been helping to get people out and about,” said owner-manager Erin Tahau.

Bay Espresso has three branches in the competition with individual menus created by the staff in each of the cafés on Karamu Road, Omahu Road and in Havelock North.

Owner Chris Jarvis said it helped that the staff were really positive about the event and were encouraging customers to try the Signature DISH.

“Once customers have come into the cafe they seem to like the idea of getting involved with the competition and are really keen to try the dishes.”

At the Filter Room at Awatoto Nikki Tierney said warm weather had also helped to increase trade in the last week.

“We’ve had a lot of people enjoying the outside dining and they’re loving the beer that has been designed to match our Signature DISH.”

Foodies experiencing a taste of Hawke’s Bay at the Regional Signature DISH Competition can post their comments on a Facebook page.

The Signature DISH Competition runs from September 10 to October 19th. Details of the 39 competing restaurants and cafes can be found at www.foodhawkesbay.co.nz and on Facebook .