If you’re still pondering what exactly you should dabble in from 11-27 August, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Discover which events you have to check out during this region-wide culinary takeover.
1 Feast your eyes
Remember when you’d dream about being able to experience Smell-O-Vision as a kid? Take that, times it by four other senses and you have Feast Your Eyes. The Roxy has gone all out creating an unforgettable experience with an exclusive screening of Hunt for the Wilderpeople (pictured above), transforming the theatre into a bush retreat complete with home-cooked hāngī and local beer. For a more international twist, catch film festival favourite City of Gold and be treated to LA-style hawker food, cocktails and a Q&A session with the star of the film, Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold.
2 Find a truffle with your dog
Put your pooch to work sniffing out the diamond of the culinary world – truffles. Spice up your usual Saturday afternoon stroll and get a crash course in everything truffles – from how to locate the rights trees to why exactly you need a dog to find them. The best part? All you need is a gold coin to take part (of the $2 variety).
Want more truffles?
• All about truffles sees Zibibbo chef Adarn Newell and truffle grower Karen Aitkenhead host a six course dinner featuring fine wine, superb food and of course, truffles.
• Join Wellington hospo stalwart Logan Brown for a night of pure indulgence complete with a six course feast celebrating black and white New Zealand truffles at Bubbles, Truffles & Caviar.
3 Wellington Food Truck Rally
Now this is a rally you can get excited about. Welly’s best food trucks will be popping up all around the region – perfect if you want a taste of VWOAP without leaving your backyard. Whether you’re in Wellington Central, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt Porirua or Kāpiti, you can look forward to a night (or two) of amazing food and entertainment at the Wellington Food Truck Rally.
4 An Exhibition of Tiny Portions
Dust off that monocle and head along to Thistle Hall for a showcase of miniature masterpieces. Rose Young of Tiny Portions has created pint-sized versions of iconic Wellington dishes to give a glimpse into some of the city’s present and historic cuisine. Free entry is perfect for those who want to indulge in some culture without the price tag.
5 Beach Party
Got a case of the winter blues? Find the perfect antidote at this 1950s-inspired beach party at the Maranui Café. Leave your coat at the door and get stuck into Six Barrel Soda Co. cocktails, yummy snacks and plenty of fine tunes from The She-Jays.
Don’t forget about…
• Beervana – the perfect place to unleash your inner hophead with special one-off beers, first-time international imports and over-the-top brewing displays.
6 Rimutaka Prison Gate to Plate Pop-Up
If you missed out on being drawn in the ballot to attend the Rimutaka Prison Gate to Plate, never fear. Head along the pop-up event in the CBD for your chance to sample a gourmet takeaway-style lunch, designed and prepared by prisoners from Rimutaka Prison under Martin Bosley’s mentorship. It’s an eye-opening chance to see what is possible when support and opportunities are given to men in prison who want to make a positive change.
More stellar pop-ups to check out…
• Dig into the breakfast of champions at the Toast pop-up. This perennial Kiwi brekky favourite is given a gourmet twist with seasonal sweet and savoury toppings. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a slice of VWOAP.
• Luxe meets low key at the Oysters on Marion pop-up. Forget champagne, Yellow Brick Road oysters are paired with Garage Project beers at this open air oyster bar.
Visa Wellington on a Plate
11 – 27 August 2017
Wellington, New Zealand
Tickets on sale now
