Edible art enters WOW arena
These dishes might be too good to eat.
As World of WearableArt (WOW) takes over the streets of Wellington, Edible Art is taking over the capital’s kitchens.
During WOW season, chefs in restaurants around the city have stepped up to the plate to create artistic and edible dishes around this year’s WOW theme: reflection and deep blues and purples.
Tucked away in the QT Museum on Cable St, Hippopotamus executive chef Jiwon Do and his kitchen crew have been tinkering with flavours since May for their own Edible Art entry: a high tea for WOW.
The result is a three-tiered stand of savoury and sweet finger foods, each themed to past garments.
One of Do’s standouts is a kaffir lime and coconut mousse modelled after Indonesian designer Rinaldy Yunardi’s Encapsulate design.
‘‘We took inspiration from the designer himself,’’ Do said.
The flavours come from his Indonesian roots and the food itself is a replica of the last year’s winning Encapsulate garment.
Alongside the sweet treats, Do has designed some savoury finger foods ranging from duck parfait to savoury profiteroles.
The savoury bites presented their own unique problems when they were being whipped up.
‘‘Dessert is usually the place where you can be very creative.
‘‘But savouries are quite limited when it comes down to the sense of vibrant art and visuals,’’ Do said.
Hippopotamus faces some stiff competition from other restaurants and bars in the ring, with the winner decided by public vote.
Both Lulu Bar and Restaurant and the Arborist have gone for a cocktail entry – Lulu with gin-based Vanity Flair and the Arborist with a crystal ball cocktail.
Other restaurants bringing their artistic game to the table include Dragonfly, Sojourn Cafe and Bar and Sweet Release.
The WOW dishes are available at restaurants throughout the season, until October 14.