F.A.W.C and Salty Palate festivals return to Hawke’s Bay promising to delight food lovers

Food lovers of Hawke’s Bay won’t be short of tasty events in March and April with Food and Wine Classic (F.A.W.C) and Salty Palate.

With 1781 F.A.W.C tickets, 36 events and a chance to join the Grand Long Lunch between March 14 and 23, there will be something for everyone.

There will be elegant dinners, high teas, cocktail parties, exclusive wine tours, barbecue suppers, cooking demonstrations and guest speakers.

New Zealand food writer and television show presenter Peta Mathias will bring her unique flair for storytelling to the newly refurbished Pask Winery.

Peta Mathias said she was interested in interacting with guests at her event.

At La Vie En Pask, she’ll share adventures from a life lived in both France and New Zealand while inviting attendees to enjoy a French-themed dinner.

“I like interactive audiences so I hope people ask lots of questions about the perfect lunch in the South of France, the perfect wine, the meaning of life and why you beat eggs till stiff. I might also sing a Piaf song.”

The Grand Long Lunch is back for a third year and held at a secret location offering the last chance to see celebrated chef Cory Campbell before he moves to Byron Bay.

The Grand Long Lunch will be held at a secret location adding to the excitement of the F.A.W.C experience.

Campbell has enjoyed a career heading up kitchens in some of the best restaurants in Australasia, including The Grove in Auckland and Melbourne’s Vue de Monde.

Named Cuisine Chef of the Year in 2024, he will provide the first course of a delicious five on Saturday, March 15.

He promised to have “the best fish in New Zealand,” and said he’s teamed up with a local seed supplier to provide some of the other elements of his dish.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism’s CEO, Hamish Saxton said ticket holders would be in for a real treat.

“F.A.W.C has a reputation for delivering outstanding food and wine experiences, whether they’re laid-back or lavish,” he said.

Salty Palate Seafood Festival

Following a successful debut in 2023, Napier’s Salty Palate Seafood Festival is set to take place on Saturday, April 5, at the Old Church grounds in Meeanee.

This year’s festival promises to celebrate the region’s love for seafood with a relaxed and enjoyable day out.

Salty Palate is set to showcase the best of the seafood dishes.

The event is a collaboration between Etiquette, Saltwater Seafoods, and Orton’s.

Together, they’ve created a festival that has quickly become a favourite for locals and visitors.

Etiquette’s Greg Howie said they were thrilled to run the festival for another year.

“Last year was an amazing event, and it’s clear that people love coming together to celebrate great seafood, great drinks, and great company.”

Guests can look forward to enjoying everything from freshly shucked oysters to lobster rolls, as well as a wide range of beverages from local producers.

Non-food related entertainment includes live entertainment, lounging areas, and lawn games.

Early-Bird tickets went on sale on Thursday at 11am for a 24-hour window, offering attendees the chance to secure their spot at a special price.

General admission tickets include entry to the festival, four seafood dishes, and four curated beverage pairings, ensuring guests can enjoy a true taste of the region.