The Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover

Overview

Landing for the first time in 2018, The Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover invites eateries across the country to put their spin on the classic toasted sandwich. More than 80 have signed up for the 2020 edition, with toasted sandwich connoisseurs able to try different variations of the snack from Patamahoe to Cromwell until the end of August. All toasties in the competition — which is presented by McClure's Pickles — must be sandwiched between two slices of bread, be able to be eaten by hand and contain cheese and pickles.

In Auckland, Akarana Eatery is dishing up braised beef cheek with cheese curd and gravy, Fish Kitchen has created a scampi croque monsieur on sourdough, and Good Dog Bad Dog is buttering up buns for a double cheeseburger hoagie. In Wellington, Mockingbird is serving a vegan toastie with plant-based mascarpone and cheddar, and Bebemos is throwing together spiced potatoes with chilli and pistachio chutney, cheddar and red onion.

Participating eateries will once again be judged on their creations in the quest to find the country's tastiest toastie. Each toastie will be scored on a set criteria, including presentation, effectiveness of preparation technique, eatability, taste, innovation and originality. Last year the Hokitika Sandwich Company wowed judges with its combination of corned beef, pickles, harvati, cream cheese and red onion.

THE GREAT NEW ZEALAND TOASTIE TAKEOVER

Auckland

Akarana Eatery
Bread & Butter Café
Burger Boy
Burger Burger
Cheese on Toast
Federal Delicatessen
Fish Kitchen
Good Day
Good Dog Bad Dog
Good George North Wharf
Hallertau Brewery
Hero Sandwich House
Jemima's Kitchen
Kohi Corner
Longroom
New World Eastridge
New World Victoria Park Café
Palm Beach Store
Pickle Pickle
Pilkingtons
The Humble Grocer
Vondel
Winner Winner
Wynyard Pavillion

Wellington

10 O'Clock Cookie Bakery Café (Masterton)
Bebemos
Bin 44 Restaurant & Bar
Fix & Fogg Eva Street Window
Goods Manufactory and Café (Petone)
Leeds Street Bakery
Mockingbird
On Trays Scheckter's Deli
Park Kitchen
The Butcher & Brewer
The Crooked Elm
The Offering (Greytown)
The Residence
Winner Winner

Image: Babiche Martens.