Saving the best for last as the competitors get grilled

Day three sees the competitions intensify and winners announced.

Going out with a bang, the final day of action at the Restaurant and Bar Show promises to be a frenzy of excitement, thrills and spills as the final competition winners must be decided.

The Bar Masters event sees the original nine competitors cut down to the final four, to compete live for the Bar Masters title, sponsored by MONIN. In a battle of flair and skill, they will be pitting their originality and talents against each other to impress the judges. The competition begins at 3.30pm with the winner announced at 5.30pm.

Drawing to a close after a massive three days with over 75 categories contested, The New Zealand Culinary Fare still has a few surprises in store with the Mystery Box open competition, where competitors are given a mystery box full of ingredients and must make a dish in limited time, making for an entertaining and chaotic race against the clock.

Combining creativity, taste and fashion is Edible Arts, a new category for The New Zealand Culinary Fare. The contestants are challenged to produce a piece of clothing inspired by the 1920’s made entirely out of fruit and vegetables. The garments are dressed on live models and sent down a runway to the delight of the audience and judges at 12.00pm today.

Sharing his expertise at the ‘Match Ready Seminars’ is Justin North, Chef and proprietor of acclaimed Sydney restaurants Becasse, Quarter 21, Etch, burger bars and cafes in Sydney. He will be discussing insights into the psyche of the consumer, what are they looking for in fine dining? What are they looking for in a good burger or cafe?

Local restaurateur Luke Dallow owner of Chapel Bar & Bistro and architect of his newest venture Red Hummingbird will be sharing all the tricks of the trade when it comes to marketing and promoting your business successfully. Joining Luke will be James Hacon from Kiwi Dreams discussing how online marketing and social media can work for those in the industry. Also partaking in this panel discussion will be Ben Stuart from Beam Global.

Capping off a spectacular three days of competition is the final prizegiving for the Culinary Fare, including the announcement of the prestigious Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, and Pastry Team of the Year titles amongst many others. Hosted at the Ellerslie Events Centre at 8pm, it’s a night of celebration and congratulations honouring some of the hospitality industry’s top achievers.

“Hospitality is such an important sector of the economy, especially in 2011 when the eyes of the world are on us” says Restaurant Association of New Zealand President, Mike Egan. “This is a free event put on by the industry, for the industry. I look forward to seeing you there!”

The New Zealand Culinary Fare and Restaurant and Bar Show
Tuesday July 19th
ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
Entry is FREE

(Ends)

For more information, contact;
Mike Egan, President, the Restaurant Association of NZ; mike@monsoonpoon.co.nz; Ph: (021) 966 677

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 Mike Egan on 021 966 677.