Bay's finest fare showcased for foodies

James Beck, Giulio Sturla and Michael Hannah teamed up to deliver a foraged feast at Bistronomy last night. Photo / Duncan Brown

Foodies experienced some fresh foraged Hawke's Bay fare at last night's "Cook Up" dinner at Napier's new Bistronomy restaurant. The event is part of the Food and Wine Classic summer series which has seen record numbers during its opening weekend.

The wild outdoors were showcased as a pantry resource as Hawke's Bay chefs James Beck (Bistronomy) and Michael Hannah (The Loading Ramp) went native with chef Giulio Sturla from the acclaimed Roots restaurant in Lyttelton.

The trio dished up a unique eight course collaboration dinner under the ConversatioNZ "Cook Up" series mantle.

ConversatioNZ is a movement initiated by New Zealand chefs and other foodie folk, aiming to place New Zealand food firmly on the world map. Last night's event should be one of the highlights of the festival, Tourism Hawke's Bay general manager Annie Dundas said.

"The team at Bistronomy did a superb job."

"The nine course meal was sublime and included pigeon and shaved paua."

She said there were an endless stream of treats in what was a "stunning" FAWC event.

Ms Dundas had been delighted with the first four days of the festival.

"We had some fantastic afternoons under some gorgeous Hawke's Bay sunshine."

Ms Dundas couldn't decide which event she was most looking forward to from the plethora of quality culinary experiences on offer.

Trinity Hill Winery will host "yappie hour" which entails dogs socialising and exercising while owners enjoy a vino.

Your fluffy friend will have the chance run around with some of the winery dogs of the Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa on the lawn at Trinity Hill .

Booking in advance will guarantee your canine a Doggy Bag as well as a bite for yourself.

Another highlight for the week will be at the F.A.W.C! pop-up kitchen by the Art Deco Masonic Hotel.

Paolo Pancotti will be serving up a risotto extravaganza on Thursday evening.

Mr Pancotti, from Molto Italian Kitchen, will take guests through the history of risotto as well as offering his own insights into this intriguing dish.

There are just a handful of tickets left for this weekend's the "Sail with Kai in the Bay."

Ms Dundas said the event was always popular and the voyage will give people an appreciation for indigenous local cuisine, Hawke's Bay and Mori history.

Guests will cruise the waters of Hawke's Bay while dining on ten mouth-watering indigenous dishes, created and prepared on-board by Gretta Carney.

The masterclasses held at the MTG on the weekend saw more than 500 foodies attend.

Ms Dundas said the appeal of the festival was not only to gorge on quality cuisine and fine wine but to enjoy it in the beautiful backdrop of the Bay.

"It's not just about dining in a restaurant but also dining in a stunning location."

Ms Dundas said a lot of people are heavily invested in food and wine and this festival showcases the "best of the best".

What's on offer

Today

Meet up with your dog walking pals and opt to exercise the dog over a vino instead. For your fluffy friend a chance to play with some of the winery dogs of the Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa and have a good ole run round on the lawn at Trinity Hill (don't worry, the
gates will be closed).

Booking in advance will guarantee your canine a doggy bag as well as a bite for yourself. Alternatively, rock up on the day for some spontaneous four legged fun. It's a dog's life!

Leads and well socialised dogs are preferred. Trinity Hill 4.30pm- 6pm $10

Masterwine's Quiz: Do you know your Verdicchios from your Verdelhos, your Bordeaux from your Burgundies and your Fromage from your Football players? Enter your team of four and come join us for a fun and entertaining rapid fire quiz based loosely around all
things vino with irreverent host Trinity Hill's John Hancock as Quiz Master.

Includes wine and half-time platters, cash bar also open during the evening.

* Deliciosa 6.30-10pm R18

Tomorrow

All events are sold out