Food tour to New Caledonia

Press release February 4, 2013

Enjoy the best of New Caledonian Pacific-French Cuisine March 17 – 21

Just under a three hour flight from Auckland is the French territory of New Caledonia, an exotic slice of Europe; combining the warmth of the Pacific with the sophistication, food and culture of France; a well known foodie paradise!

If food and cooking are one of your passions, we have some great news, there is a Gourmet Food Tour departing Auckland to New Caledonia on March 17.

First some background:
Researched and organized by Art of Travel Managing Director Wendy Dobson and hosted by engaging food writer Grant Allen. This tour will appeal to keen foodies of all ages for its variety and interaction with the best local chefs and food providers.

A fun and hands on tour experiencing the best of Pacific French cuisine. These are small, friendly groups of around ten people. Due to the strong New Zealand dollar New Caledonia is now a very affordable destination with costs on a par with travelling to Australia.

Tour highlights include:
Sunday March 17:
Arrive via Air Calin with city Tour on-route to your one bedroom, four star apartment at the Promenade Hotel with sea views of Anse-Vata Beach. In the evening enjoy dinner and wine in the charming private home of well known chef Michelle.

Monday March 18:
Full day tour by coach to the village of Farino here you will meet with celebrated local chef Gabrielle at his wild larder garden for a casual lunch including wine and cooking lessons, stopping on route at local villages to sightsee and meeting the locals.

Tuesday March 19: With your guide take the bus to visit the exotic local fish, fruit and vegetable markets followed by a walk to Patisserie Donneau-Rouseau for a degustation croissants & bread. You then visit Morand Chocolate shop for a chocolate making demonstration and sampling of their degustation chocolates, continuing on to the nearby Infiny Tea Shop for local and imported tea and cake tasting hosted by the owner. Next is a visit to Johnstone Casino Supermarket to see the local and imported foods. Then amber across the road to the famous CMP Kitchen Store. It’s then time to visit Port du Sud Marina for a private wine and cheese tasting hosted by the owner of La Maison Ballande. Then back to the Hotel for a leisurely afternoon. This glorious full day ends with cooking lessons and dinner hosted by charming local Chef Thierry at his home.

Wednesday March 20: A free day to relax, swim and shop or take optional tours ending with a delicious farewell dinner at one of Noumea’s most sought after restaurants Au Petite Café, hosted by celebrated local Chef Gabriel.

Thursday March 21: Return to Auckland via Air Calin.

Tour details: Depart Auckland March 17 flying Air Calin, return March 21. Cost from $2,900 per person share twin. For more information please visit www.artoftravel.co.nz for bookings please contact Wendy Dobson at Art of Travel email wendy@artoftravel.co.nz phone 09 360 1456

Ends

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