Celebrity chefs inspire and entertain on stage

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrity chefs inspire and entertain on stage at The Food Show in Wellington

Top New Zealand chefs will be on hand to share their foodie skills and stories at the country’s hottest culinary event, The Food Show, which returns to Wellington from 16 – 18 May.

Wellingtonians who love eating, drinking, cooking and entertaining will find an array of culinary delights at The Food Show. Don’t miss the star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs demonstrating in the Electrolux Cooking Theatre.

Lauraine Jacobs is taking to The Food Show stage for the first time in Wellington to share some of her favourite recipes using the freshest of New Zealand’s seasonal produce. Another Food Show favourite, Peta Mathias, will again delight audiences with her tastes and tales from Marrakesh and the south of France, including dishes bursting with olive oil, almonds and lavender.

Lauraine and Peta will be joined by a line-up of acclaimed food and wine experts throughout the three day event. Annabelle White will be sharing her top tips, food guidelines, and safety advice. As always, a laugh is guaranteed in her fun-filled interactive session. Ray McVinnie draws on his favourite recipes from Cuisine and Sunday Magazine to show you how easy it is to cook a relaxed dinner for friends and family, and Julie Le Clerc shares her style of flavour-filled, no fail recipes. Sileni Estate’s Andy Glover, Raymond van Rijk from BBQ Gourmet, and wine guru Belinda Jackson will all be on-hand to entertain and inform with free live demonstrations in the Electrolux Cooking Theatre throughout the event.

For the first time, The Food Show will feature a beer tasting demonstration. Beer Master Paul Cooper will educate audiences on their beer palate, and offer the chance to savour the flavours that only micro-brewed beers can produce.

Further action will be taking place halfway around the concourse, with industry professionals and novices alike competing for the coveted ‘Chef of the Capital’ title at Wellington’s annual 2008 Culinary Fare.

The Food Show boasts a smorgasbord of the freshest new flavours and tantalising food ideas – all within arms reach. From artisan to well known brands, garnishes to staples, The Food Show presents the very best products for your palate – and your plate.

The 2008 show in Wellington has a tempting and tasty line up of local and international exhibitors. Located all under one roof, more than 150 exhibitors will be showcasing, sampling and selling innovative food and beverage products.

The Food Show is being held at Westpac Stadium, on Waterloo Quay in Wellington. Daily admission is $20 and the event is open from 10am – 6pm daily. Visit www.foodshow.co.nz for the Electrolux Cooking Theatre timetable, to purchase tickets or for further information.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Food Show Wellington is open from 10am – 6pm daily, 16 – 18 May 2008 at the Westpac Stadium, Waterloo Quay

Tickets are available online at www.foodshow.co.nz, at the gate or by calling 0800 727 469

Tickets are $20 per adult/per day, $12 for children aged under 12, and free for those under five

THE FOOD SHOW CHRISTCHURCH CELEBRITY CHEF AND TALENT LINEUP

Lauraine Jacobs
Lauraine, author of The Confident Cook, has been an award winning food writer, teacher and author for more than 20 years, and is passionate about the wonderful food and wine of New Zealand. As a Food Editor of Cuisine, proud winner of Best Food Magazine in the World Food Media Awards, she shares practical and modern recipe ideas with her readers. She is also Head Judge of the magazine's Restaurant of the Year competition. Lauraine was the first non American to become President of the prestigious International Association of Culinary Professionals based in the US and travels extensively in pursuit of the perfect meal.

Annabelle White
Author of eight cookbooks, popular TV and radio cook, and Sunday Star-Times food detective, the effervescent Annabelle White combines great energy in the kitchen with simple tips, easy and achievable recipes and plenty of fun.

Her classes are highly interactive and her message is clear. The less you do to great produce and ingredients the better.

Ray McVinne
As Cuisine magazine food editor and food columnist in the Sunday Star Times magazine, Ray shares his long-time passion for food with thousands of New Zealanders.

He is an experienced food stylist and won the 2005 NZ Guild of Food Writers’ Visuals Award. Ray has also won awards for his food and travel writing (NZ Magazine Journalist of the Year, Home and Food, 2006) and is an experienced food judge, chef and teacher.

Ray shares with us some of his favourite dishes from his travels as a food writer and translates them into practical recipes for New Zealanders.

Peta Mathias
Peta lives her love of wonderful food. She has presented her prime time television shows, Taste New Zealand, Taste Takes Off and A Taste of Home for 12 years.

She owned restaurants here and in Paris and has written eight books combining her passion for food and travel. Peta started a range of products under her own label and has now set up week long culinary adventures in the South of France and Marrakesh.

Julie Le Clerc
Julie Le Clerc is well-known through her award-winning cookbooks and food writing. Her book, Taking Tea in the Medina, won a Gold Ladle in the 2007 World Food Media Awards.

Julie’s café and catering background and extensive world travels have inspired the development of her deliciously easygoing style of food. Now the food editor for the NZ Woman’s Weekly, Julie generously shares her accessible recipes and culinary advice with thousands of Kiwi women each week.

Julie sees her role as being a friend in the kitchen, guiding and inspiring, with recipes that are satisfying and stylish - yet simple.

Andy Glover
Andy Glover, hails from Britain and has been heading the team at Sileni Estate since November 2006. He creates an ever-changing menu to highlight Hawke’s Bay’s fine seasonal produce.

Andy has spent several years working with both Jamie Oliver and Australian Chef Ben O’Donoghue of ‘Surfing the Menu’ fame in his restaurant “The Atlantic Bar and Grill” in Piccadilly, London. He has also worked with Ben and Jamie in “Montes Restaurant” in London.

Andy is no stranger to New Zealand having last worked here in 2003 where he held the position of Senior Sous Chef at one of New Zealand’s top restaurants “The Bach” in Taupo.

Raymond van Rijk
Indonesian born Dutchman Raymond van Rijk had not resided in New Zealand for long before he noticed the Kiwi passion for barbecuing.

After almost twenty years as a restaurateur, Raymond is now a teacher. He runs ‘Raymond’s BBQ Gourmet’ classes all over the country. BBQ Gourmet grew from Raymond’s observation that barbecues were often under-utilized.

Belinda Jackson
Consultant to a variety of wine producers and related companies, Belinda’s wine journey began in Bordeaux in 1986 where she discovered her life’s passion. She has worked across Europe and NZ in all aspects of the trade, including selling, buying, educating, marketing and making wine. Belinda shares her unique experience and knowledge in relaxed, informative and often humorous sessions.

Paul Cooper
One of New Zealand’s foremost beer guru’s, Coops has been passionately involved in all areas of the brewing industry since 1981. Along with designing and brewing some of New Zealand’s most awarded beers he has been a Judge in both of New Zealand’s official beer awards. He is currently Brew Master for multi award winning micro-brewery Wigram Brewing Company. His extensive experience means that Coops is in regular demand as a Brewery Consultant around the country. From conception to brewery design, build and nurturing their success, Coops continues to share his passion with other likeminded beer lovers.

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