Every year, a small town in the Bay of Plenty pays tribute to the humble avocado. Vicki Ravlich-Horan was there.
Every January Katikati transforms from New Zealand's mural town to our avocado capital. Perfectly positioned in the Bay of Plenty, Katikati is a town bursting with gourmet delights. A quick look at their website, will show you that this town has it all, from salami to cheese makers, European bakers, wineries, seafood and orchards full of the everyday and the exotic. But in January the avocado is king.
Organised by the local Pakeke Lions, the festival is in its ninth year. The mid-January festival is a great opportunity for holidaymakers to spend a day enjoying some local food and wine and perhaps learning a bit more about avocados. So this summer we put it on our must-do list.
I've heard a lot about the local Plant and Produce Market, held every Friday from 4pm-6pm, so we decided to go a day early and stay the night.
Half an hour before reaching Katikati, we stopped at Waitete Cafe and Restaurant in Waihi, for a late lunch. Chef and owner Roland Straessle is the perfect host. Classically trained and with over 40 years of cooking under his belt, Roland's passion for great food still shines through. As usual we have taken too much time over lunch and I am afraid we will be late for the market. I have been told there is a young chap who makes the best chocolate brownies but you need to get in quick, because he sells out fast.
