Hawke’s Bay Signature Dish 2008 Underway

The hunt is on to find Hawke’s Bay’s Signature Dish for 2008 Food Hawke’s Bay general manager Jane Libby today called for interest from the region’s restaurants and cafes to compete for the title.

The Signature Dish event, launched last year, is a regional bonanza showcasing the best food and beverages Hawke’s Bay produces.

Mrs Libby said hot on last year’s success the event is expanding to include two major categories, causal dining and formal dining, along with the popular people’s choice award.

Another exciting element will be a dedicated awards night at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in October along with a special presentation at the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Awards gala dinner in November.

“Interest among restaurants is already mounting and we are expecting an even greater event this year because we have been able to take on people’s feedback and grow the competition,” Mrs Libby said.

The event creates fantastic exposure for participating restaurants and is a real draw card for food lovers. During the six weeks that the competition ran last year over 45,000 diners ate out at the 17 participating restaurants, she said.

The 2007 Signature Dish winner Black Barn Bistro is already excited about defending its title.

Black Barn’s general manager Nick Gouder said the competition gave the restaurant great exposure along with good feedback from diners.

“Winning the competition promoted Black Barn above our expectations. Our Signature Dish has been a real favorite amongst diners for months afterwards the competition and gave us a great talking point, he said.

Key dates
Registrations close 11 August 2008
Launch to be held on the 18th August 2008, H/Bay Opera House
Recipes submitted by 27 August 2008
Competition runs September 13 – October 26
Awards Evening October 28

2008 Event Categories
Formal – Winner
Formal – Runner Up
Formal – People’s Choice - Dish
Formal – People’s Choice - Service

ENDS

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