Spice up your night on the town

ATASTE of Bollywood magic and a trucking big gathering of Wellington’s most exotic tastes show the range of flavours available at Visa Wellington On a Plate this year.

Chetan Pangam, executive chef at the Copthorne Hotel’s One80° Restaurant and Lounge Bar, is spicing things up with his Bollywood to Wellywood extravaganza of taste.

From August 19-22 he’ll be taking guests on a journey that celebrates all things cinematic in a food trip where the guests go down a fun but authentic spice trail.

With his signature modern French-Indian flair, Pangam has created an evening that focuses on local artisan suppliers including Yellow Brick Road, Zany Zeus, Ora King salmon, Preston’s, Gelissimo Gelato, Schoc Chocolates, On Trays, and Bidvest Fresh, tied together with a Wellington Bollywood DJ and entertainment.

All this will matched with an exotic Indian cocktail, Joiy ‘‘bottled happiness’’ and Palliser Estate wines, Garage Project beer and, being all about the big screen, Bollywood movies.

To get further into the spirit of the night, guests are welcome to don a costume from any favourite Bollywood or Hollywood movie.

For a very different experience there will be a large gathering of mobile eateries down on the waterfront from August 21-30 from 5.30pm when the Wellington Food Truck Trailer Park sets up shop.

Trucks will be serving up Greek, Jamaican, Mexican and many other exotic taste across Odlins Plaza and Frank Kitts Park, and it’s a great way for families to enjoy Wellington Visa On a Plate as they wander by the harbour.

The gathering of food trucks, partnered by Powershop, will also be handy in feeding the crowds descending on the LUX Night Light Festival, a free public light festival that is a celebration of design and technology.

To help get the most from LUX and Wellington On a Plate, the deLUX Dining event is a guided tour of the artworks, with ‘‘meet the artist’’ moments.

At the end of the tour, guests will be guided to their choice of restaurant to feast on a DINE Wellington menu.

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