Acclaimed chef stars at Horse of the Year

Superstar pastry chef Adriano Zumbo will be hosting a dessert degustation at Horse Of the Year this year. Photo/Supplied

For those more interested in culinary events than equine competition HOY has something sweet lined up.

Superstar pastry chef Adriano Zumbo is gearing up to host a dessert degustation which involves an afternoon of indulgent desserts and New York-style tea with the internationally acclaimed dessert chef.

Australian's most celebrated patissier and star of Zumbo's Just Desserts, Zumbo is looking forward to his first visit to the Horse of the Year show in Hastings.

As part of a sponsor activation, Zumbo will be designing a dessert degustation accompanied by Harney and Sons Fine Teas on Saturday March 11th. The afternoon will feature a dessert menu designed by Zumbo showcasing his unique flavour combinations, exciting textures and signature bold colours and created by Orton Tailored Cuisine.

He will be on hand to share some of the secrets behind his award winning creations.

Zumbo began a pastry empire back in 2007 with his Balmain shopfront, and now has nine stores in Australia. Famous for his macarons, he has three books to his name as well as numerous appearances on television, including an appearance on MasterChef which introduced the croquembouche to an international audience and made macarons a household name.

HOY event director Dave Mee says to have someone of the chef's standing appear at the show alongside the pool of talented riders is fantastic. "HOY is more than just a horse show, and we are always looking at how we can enhance the show, whether it's the arena, stables or attractions to give our riders and spectators a better experience," Mr Mee said.

The show adds Zumbo to a list of new initiatives offering spectators plenty of things to see and do while at the show including new bar areas, wine tasting and an al-fresco living space allows HOY to showcase the best in food, wine and lifestyle as well as things equestrian.

The association with Zumbo wouldn't have happened without HOY's portfolio of fantastic sponsors, many of who are keen to provide additional attractions for the show and develop it for Hawke's Bay locals.

The dessert degustation will take place in the VIP lounge at HOY at 4.30pm Saturday March 11, with limited tickets available. To see more visit hoy.kiwi.