Overview
It's that time of year to warm up your tastebuds as Wellington On a Plate is back again to take over the town. Launching into its tenth year, the country's largest culinary festival is set to bring the party from 10-26 August.
Every year the city's eateries bring unbridled creativity, stunning dishes and a burger battle to the table. This year will be no exception. However, this time, the festival will be all about looking back and celebrating our foodie prowess with the overarching 'party' theme. So dress in your best party bib and tucker in on the fun.
Yes, even with two months to wait, our anticipation and appetites are building. Over 140 restaurants have already submitted their special dining menus, burgers and craft cocktails to the program. So, now's the time to align your calendars and palates with friends. Any WOAP veteran knows that a little planning will help you make the most of the two tastiest weeks in Wellington.
However, the culinary celebrations extend beyond the special menus. The festival events are where our city's gastronomic success shines. This year, there are over 140 flavour-packed events stuffed into the 17-day festival. The tickets for the events will be posted this week, so get in quick, they sell like hotcakes. Amongst the smorgasbord is the holy holiday for craft beer lovers, Beervana, a foodie photographic exhibition at Te Papa and a saucy soiree in Thistle Inn.
There will also be food for thought with chefs showing how to incorporate sustainability with delicious food, including an Italian-style dinner created by the Compassion Soup Kitchen. For dinner and a show, head along to a recreation of The Last Supper with New Zealand-based Mexican artist Raul Ortega Ayala. This holy night will be served with a five-course meal accompanied by Galilean wine. If you want something a little more casual, head to Sterling Woodfire Eatery & Bar for a viking-style night and feast like a beast on whole fish, goblets of wine and with a belly of mead.
Elsewhere, Hayden McMillan of acclaimed Melbourne bistro Etta will take up residence in Floriditas for four dinners, five top chefs will throw down a contemporary take on the traditional hāngi, and Sydney chefs Dan Hong and Matt Swinhoe will serve a six-course Asian banquet at Mr Go's.
As always there is something for everyone at WOAP, so dig into the the festival website for the full 2018 program.
Image: Wellington On a Plate.