Foodies taste the heat

A fiery feast of tasty morsels was a hit during week two of Hawke’s Bay’s winter culinary festival.

About 40 people enjoyed 10 hot dishes during Spice Wars between The Good Table and Bareknuckle BBQ yesterday afternoon as part of this year’s winter F.A.W.C!

Bareknuckle BBQ owner Jimmy Macken said the guests enjoyed a variety of standout dishes including pork and beans, fried chicken and waffles and slow-smoked brisket. “Everyone had a great time.” Hawke’s Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said the second weekend of the Food and Wine Classic festival was another success with lots of great feedback.

“We’ve been lucky to have had pretty nice weather this weekend, people have been out enjoying food and wine.”

Criollo at Black Barn on Friday night was a lot of fun and people raved about Clearview Estate’s Spanish Fiesta Dinner on both Friday and Saturday, she said. Anyone who hadn’t bought tickets to events could still enjoy delicious meals with F.A.W.C! by 5 for the duration of the festival with various restaurants and cafes offering dining deals ranging from $15 to $50. “There are some really nice options.” Other highlights from the weekend included Unleash the Forbidden at Elephant Hill Lodge, Tastes among the Tanks at Monowai Estate and Salu Salo: A Journey to Philippine Asian Dishes at PakPhilippine Asian Kitchen.

More than 60 events are being held over four weekends for the festival, which ends on June 24.

The main opening event last Friday was the Fine Wines of New Zealand Dinner with Josh Emett, Casey McDonald and Alistair Maling MW at Craggy Range winery. ■ To find out more about what’s on offer and buy tickets, visit fawc.co.nz.

Prices range from $25 to $275 and events include everything from cooking demonstrations to dinners in luxury lodges, wine tastings, a battle to find Hawke’s Bay’s best toasted sandwich, and truffle hunts. ■ More photos, p16 ■ Video hbtoday.co.nz