Nathan Haines: The Sound of Taste of New Zealand

Nathan Haines: The Sound of Taste of New Zealand

Jazz superstar Nathan Haines will be opening Taste of New Zealand - the biggest non-rugby event of the year with his unique jazz stylings.

Boasting a musical career spanning twenty years, Nathan heads an impressive line up of musicians to perform throughout the four-day festival. His performance at the VIP evening session at the opening night of Taste is sure to be a sell-out.

New Zealand's very own impresario, Peter Urlich, again joins the Taste team as Music Director, bringing together a line up that is as exciting and diverse as the dishes themselves.

"I'm very excited to be at Taste of New Zealand again this year," says Peter. "This is without a doubt the best festival of food and wine in the country and it attracts a fantastic, sophisticated audience," he said.

Rising star Hanna Grace will feature tracks from her new album 'Concrete and Roses' which is getting rave reviews, Caitlin Smith and her trio will be performing, as well as ukelele trio the Nukes and Peter Urlich with his sextet for a series of performances.

"Overall, the artists performing are there to musically complement the fantastic food and beverage experience that happens at Taste of New Zealand." Says Peter "It's such a cool environment of music and delicious food right at the edge of the Auckland CBD."

This year Taste of New Zealand welcomes top chefs from around the country, those ex pats who are coming home especially for the event, as well as international guests.

Notable cooking legends include popular UK chef Rick Stein who is bringing his passion for Malaysian cooking to Taste, our most famous cook and best selling author Annabel Langbein who is releasing her new book, Ben Bayly and Michael Dearth from award-winning restaurant The Grove, Cocoro's Makoto Tokuyama, Warren Turnbull from Sydney sensation and new Auckland eatery District Dining to name but a few.

This year features the inaugural TONZA awards, a new initiative that aims to recognise the genuine effort of restaurants from around New Zealand that showcase the true flavours of their region and utilise local suppliers and producers. Recipients this year are: Christchurch's Restaurant Schwass, True South from the Rees Hotel in Queenstown, Hawkes Bay's Cape Kidnappers, Te Whau from Waiheke Island and Wellington's Bosley's Restaurant.

New Zealand's greatest ever culinary festival is set to bring a celebratory atmosphere to Victoria Park with exciting restaurant experiences, wine tasting and entertainment.

Taste of New Zealand:

Wednesday 19 - Saturday 22 October 2011

Victoria Park, Auckland

www.tasteofnewzealand.co.nz

Ticket prices:

Audi VIP experience - $95

Hospitality packages in the Carlton Corporate Marquee

Premium Tickets - $60 (value $70) limited and only available in advance

General Admission - $25 in advance, $30 on the day (if available)

www.tasteofnewzealand.co.nz

(Ends)

© Scoop Media