Epicurious, celebrates good food, fine wine and top class entertainment

Epicurious Weekend is set to bring a range of stunning events to Hastings, celebrating the highlights of Hawke’s Bay.

The event will be held over three days in late September as part of Rugby World Cup 2011 celebrations and includes music, wine, food and good times.

Food Hawke’s Bay Manager Jane Libby says” Hawkes Bay has a strong reputation for producing some of the best food and wine in the country and these events will capitalise on that reputation. Local producers will showcase their wares in a variety of settings.”

One of the major highlights of the weekend is sure to be the New Zealand Olive Festival at the Hawke’s Bay Racing Centre. The festival includes olive oil tastings, olive appreciation workshops, cooking demonstrations by top local chefs, olive grower stalls, and plenty of great food, wine and entertainment.

Jane Libby says” chefs will be demonstrating great ways to use olive oil and you’ll be able to taste the difference in everyday dishes. Iconic kiwi chef’s Dame Alison Holst and her son Simon will be this year’s celebrity guests.”

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says” Epicurious Weekend is yet another example of how Hastings is able to celebrate New Zealand hosting the Rugby World Cup. The events will highlight the many unique things we have to offer and provide a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy our first class hospitality.”

Epicurious Weekend starts on Friday September 23rd with a treat for country music fans, as legends Brendan Dugan, Jodie Vaughan, Gray Bartlett and Eddie Lowe take the stage at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House.

That’s followed on the Saturday by the New Zealand Olive Festival and then a black tie dinner at the Opera House features the super talents of singer/songwriter Peter Urlich. Sunday begins with a special Farmers’ Market at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds and later it’s Summer Sips-wine tasting in the Opera House plaza where you can meet the makers.

Epicurious Weekend wraps up with a special homecoming concert by Hawke’s Bay soprano Anna Leese at the Opera House on Sunday evening.