Taste of NZ: Top ticket events

Annabel Langbein is the "face" of Taste of New Zealand 2011. Photo / Babiche Martens

Meet the face of Taste

World-renowned cook, best selling author and television personality, Annabel Langbein is the "face" of Taste of New Zealand for 2011. She will be launching her latest book Annabel Langbein Free Range in the City on opening night as well as signing books each afternoon of the event at the Fisher & Paykel stand.

You'll be able to meet Annabel, grab a copy of the book and see her dishes come to life in the Fisher & Paykel Chefs' Kitchen on Friday afternoon. She will also be appearing at the Waiwera Chefs' Table on Friday and Saturday afternoon at the festival - tickets to the festival are still available.

"I am delighted to be part of New Zealand's premier food event and to join with thousands of foodies and our most talented chefs and produce suppliers in this celebration of our country's best food and beverages," says Annabel.

Ladies who lunch

Be prepared for a stunning afternoon of gourmet food, fine wine and fabulous personalities combined with a presentation of the latest fashion. An exclusive event with only 20 tables available, guests will taste signature dishes from award-winning chefs Warren Turnbull, Justin North from top restaurant Becasse in Sydney and Ben Bayly from The Grove. These will all be matched with fine New Zealand wines.

Guests will also be treated to a very special Style Session hosted by stylist Angela Stone, showcasing the best of our BIG little City's premium fashion labels and to top it off, there will be a special performance by jazz vocalist Caitlin Smith. And if that isn't enough, Annabel Langbein will also be there to talk to guests about her new book Free Range in The City - and all who attend the luncheon will receive a signed copy to take home.

* Thursday October 20, 12noon-4pm

A dinner with Gary Rhodes

Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes has cooked for royalty, prime ministers, presidents and Manchester United, on the QE2 and the Orient Express and now, Taste of New Zealand guests at a special dinner in his honour will be treated to three stunning wine-matched dishes and a Q & A session by Gary Rhodes himself (limited to 200 guests). The menu includes dishes by Chef Warren Turnbull of District Dining, Chef Tim Pickering from The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, and an Iced Lemon Chiboust designed by Gary Rhodes, and prepared by Olliver Drayton of Bracu.

* Thursday October 20, 5.30pm-9.30pm

The Next Crew World Cup

The Next Crew Art (Aotearoa Raw Talent) is the most exciting collaboration to come out of New Zealand in years. Led by exciting young talent Nick Honeyman (Head Chef of Cru, Sale Street), Hayden McMillan (Head chef of TriBeCa, in Parnell) and Mark Southon (Head chef, Foodstore, The Viaduct), the Next Crew is all about celebrating our most adventurous young chefs as they push boundaries, take diners outside their comfort zones and draw international attention to the talent working in the restaurant kitchens of New Zealand. The Next Crew events are always a sell-out and Taste of New Zealand festival organisers expect this special event to be no different.

* Saturday October 22, 12noon-4pm. To book, ph: (09) 531 5524 or email sales@befestivals.co.nz