Wine & food on Welly waterfront
Wellington Wine & Food Festival comes to the capital on March 10-11, descending on the waterfront for a weekend of delicious drinks and delectable dishes.
A host of established eateries will be attending, showcasing a true flavour of the city. Festival manager Damien Hochberg says the event is a must for gastronomes.
‘‘Not very often (do) you get this mix of vendors in one venue, with the opportunity to sample lots of different things,’’ he says.
After the huge response last year with vendors selling out, Hochberg promises more vendors and more variety this time.
‘‘It’s bigger and better.’’ Presenting a real cross section of the scene, Karaka Cafe’s Maori cuisine promises to be a highlight, offering a modern hangi of house smoked pork ($8), a rarity at mainstream foodie gatherings. Other offerings include vegan Mexican fare from Boquita, Japanese noodles from Newtown’s Ramen Shop and Afrika’s crocodile gumbo ($8).
This year also sees the introduction of a dedicated mocktail bar, featuring three cocktails created by Ray Letoa from Coco at the Roxy, winner of the Wellington on a Plate cocktail competition for the past two years. A non-boozy version of his 2016 entry, Miramar Fizz Pop, will be available.
With an array of Wellington’s most loved craft breweries on board and live entertainment, people will be ‘‘enjoying fine fare as opposed to jumping in mosh pits’’, says Hochberg.
Tickets are priced from $32.15 with VIP options available. wineandfoodfestival.co.nz