Steaming, sizzling and set to ignite

The stakes are high and the heat is on as the hospitality industry prepares for three huge days of trade exhibitions, competitions and celebrations when the 2011 Restaurant and Bar Show and New Zealand Culinary Fare begin this Sunday at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds.

Strategically timed to provide information, inspiration and product support in the build up to the Rugby World Cup 2011, The Restaurant and Bar Show is an industry exclusive event. Providing a forum for discussion on the important issues facing restaurateurs and all those involved in the hospitality industry, as well as showcasing the best products and talent it has to offer from the 17th – 19th July.

“This event is being staged at a critical time for the industry, there is a lot to be learnt and we are excited to be able to bring it to Auckland” said Brand Events & Festivals, GM, Rob Eliott.

The largest event of its kind, the vast range of exhibitions of product, services, masterclasses and competitions will be run alongside a series of ‘Match Ready’ seminars, which are specifically designed to cover the issues that the industry needs to prepare for.

Leon Grice, Director of NZ2011 Office will discuss the hard facts that affect the industry during the Rugby World Cup 2011; who is coming and what are their expectations of our restaurants, bars and cafes.
South African veteran restaurateur, Chef Pete Goffe-Wood recently faced the intensity of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup; he will be sharing his experiences at the Telecom Masterclasses. His insights are crucial for any bar and restaurant seeking to win the custom of some of the 85,000 international visitors and fans expected to be in New Zealand later in the year.

Other seminars taking place throughout the event include local and international industry guests Justin North, highly acclaimed kiwi Chef and proprietor based in Sydney, Dheeraj Bhatia, head sommelier of the iconic Raffles in Singapore and industry personality Luke Dallow. Keith Stewart and John Clarke will also lead robust discussion panels featuring top New Zealand chefs including Simon Gault and Paul Jobin.

Thrills, spills and a whole lot of shaking will delight the audience, as New Zealand’s hottest bartending talent compete in the 2011 Bar Masters, sponsored by MONIN. Chosen from around the country, the twelve finalists will battle it out to impress the judges with their flair and creativity, claiming the Bar Masters title and an amazing trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Celebrating its 19th year, The New Zealand Culinary Fare will see up to 1000 contestants from around the country compete in a range of exciting competitions, vying to win some of the most prestigious industry awards and prizes, over three days of tough competition. The 75 competition categories cover both the kitchen and restaurant sides of the hospitality industry, including Restaurant of the Year, Pastry team of the year and Sommelier of the year.

Don’t miss the 2011 Restaurant and Bar Show and New Zealand Culinary Fare, the largest hospitality industry events in New Zealand this year!

The Restaurant & Bar Show and New Zealand Culinary Fare
Sunday July 17th – Tuesday July 19th
ASB Showgrounds, Auckland

Industry members - pre-register for FREE entry at www.randbshow.co.nz
Door Sales $25
Boutique Wine Showcase $20
Telecom Masterclass with Chef Pete Goffe-Wood $35

(Ends)

For more information, contact;
Marisa Bidois, CEO, the Restaurant Association of NZ; marisa@restaurantnz.co.nz; Ph: (09) 632 1400

Rob Eliott, General Manager, Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand; RobEliott@befestivals.co.nz; Ph: (021) 677 739

Paul Blomfield, Public Relations Consultant; paul@paulblomfield.com; Ph: (021) 970 871

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.

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 Marisa Bidois on (09) 632 1400.