DRAFT STATEMENT

Boost for Hawke's Bay Regional Signature Dish 2009

Entries for Hawke's Bay's Regional Signature Dish competition are at record levels with 29 restaurants and cafes entered in the Bay's popular culinary competition.

Food Hawke's Bay's General Manager Jane Libby said interest had been flooding in since registration opened.

"Entries are now closed and we are thrilled to see the support for the event, particularly in these economic times."

"It is further proof of the event's continuing momentum and its success at showcasing our quality produce and the skills of the participating chefs," Jane Libby said.

Mrs Libby said she expected this year's event to offer even more excitement for diners.

"There are a number of new entries into this year's event and backed up by last year's great establishments we are expecting an even better event than last year."

"We really appreciate the support from all the entrants - their support makes this unique Hawke's Bay event very special," Ms Libby added.

The Hawke's Bay public will be able to sample Signature Dish entries at participating restaurants and cafes from the 11th September until the 21st October, but Mrs Libby's advice is "don't leave it until the last week to start going out to the participating eateries.

"People need to get involved right from the start to create the positive energy which makes this event so successful," Ms Libby said.

"Another of the great things about this event is that we include everyone in the invitation to participate so there is a meal for everyone at every price point"

2009 entries are:
Black Barn Bistro, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar, Caution at Shed 2, Chambers Restaurant, Clearview Estate Winery Restaurant, Deliciosa Tapa's & Wine Room, Diva Bar & Bistro, Elephant Hill Estate and Winery Restaurant, Estuarys Restaurant, JARK's Licensed Café, Med Wine Bar and Bistro, Mangapapa Petit Hotel, Milk and Honey, Mission Restaurant, Ormlie Lodge, Pernel Fruit World, River Bar @ Clive Hotel, Rose and Shamrock Village Inn, Soda, Take Five Restaurant & Jazz Bar, Terroir At Craggy Range, The Post, The Raffles Street Café, The Thirsty Whale Napier, Three Doors Up, Vidal Wines Restaurant, Westshore Beach Inn Bistro, Scenic Hotel - The Exchange Brasserie, Soak Cafe Restaurant

Over 120 chefs, restaurant owners, front of house staff, sponsors and suppliers to the industry attended the launch of the 2009 Hawke's Bay Regional Signature Dish held at Vetro Urban Food Store.

Food Hawke's Bay members were invited to showcase new and exciting products for chefs and restaurant owners to sample and use in their entry for the Regional Signature Dish Competition.

The event not only relies on participating establishments but also on a very supportive group of great companies who are our sponsors this year .

Grande Gourmet
Vetro Food Store
Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market
Attn! marketing pr
Geon Printing
My Design Space
Radioworks
Dish Magazine
Hawke's Bay Today

Key dates
Event runs September 11th - October 21st Awards Evening October 27th

2009 Event Categories
Formal - Winner
Formal - Runner Up
Formal - People's Choice - Dish
Formal - People's Choice - Service
Casual - Winner
Casual - Runner Up
Casual - People's Choice - Dish
Casual - People's Choice - Service
ends

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