The nation's best compete for the Hospitality industry's top prizes

Showcasing the top talent in New Zealand’s hospitality industry, The New Zealand Culinary Fare is rapidly approaching and is set to pit the best of the best against each other. Running alongside the Restaurant and Bar Show, the event will be held from 17th-19th July 2011, at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland.

Now in its 19th year, The National Culinary Fare is a stunning display of our country’s finest hospitality talent and has recognised many individuals in the industry. Up to 1000 contestants from all over New Zealand have been honing their skills and preparing to compete in over 75 categories for prestigious industry accolades and prizes, over three days of gruelling competition.

“As an industry we need to have competitions such as the New Zealand Culinary Fare to constantly benchmark and challenge us in how we learn and develop” says the Restaurant Association of NZ, President, Mike Egan. “Whether you are behind the bar, coffee machine, working in the kitchen or in the restaurant this is a fun and challenging industry which is all based on service, taste and appearance and you should strive to be the best”.

“Many of the winners from previous years have received well deserved exposure as well as promotions and job offers, and use the experience they gain at the New Zealand Culinary Fare to launch their careers or businesses to even great heights”.

New classes this year include NZ Shellfish Main and Edible Art Awards, which promises to be a visual as well as edible feast. Competitors for the Edible Art Awards will be charged with creating a 1920s garment using only the medium of fruit and vegetables.

Some of the old favourites return including Chef of the Year, Pastry Team of the Year, The Mystery Box Challenge, NZ Service Professional, Best Chocolate Dessert, Confectionary Showpiece, Margarine Carving (live over three days), Innovative Table Setting, and New Zealand Restaurant of the Year to name but a few!

The New Zealand Culinary Fare is believed to be the Southern Hemisphere’s largest culinary competition and is exciting and entertaining for both competitor and spectator.

The Culinary Fare and Restaurant & Bar Show
Sunday July 17th – Tuesday July 19th
ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
Parking $6 at the ASB Showgrounds
Visitors can register at www.randbshow.co.nz

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For more information, contact;
Mike Egan, President, The Restaurant Association of NZ; mike@monsoonpoon.co.nz; Ph: (021) 966 677
Paul Blomfield, Public Relations Consultant; paul@paulblomfield.com; Ph: (021) 970 871
Rob Eliott, General Manager, Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand; RobEliott@befestivals.co.nz; Ph: (021) 677 739

About The Restaurant Association of New Zealand
Restaurant Association of New Zealand covers the length and breadth of the country representing every facet of the restaurant and hospitality industry. More information on the Association and the New Zealand Culinary Fare can be found at www.restaurantnz.co.nz or contact Mike Egan on 021 966 677.

About Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand
Brand Events Festivals Ltd is a subsidiary of the UK based Brand Events Ltd, organisers of international festivals such as Top Gear Live and Taste Festivals. More information at www.befestivals.co.nz or contact Robert Eliott on 09 531 5524.