Scallops set to sizzle at seaside festival

2 July 2013

Scallops set to sizzle at seaside festival

All things scallop take centre stage in Whitianga on September 14 as the town hosts the annual Whitianga Scallop Festival just a stone’s throw from the picturesque harbour.

Think scallops with a Thai twist, an Indian twist, a Japanese twist, an Italian twist. Scallops crumbed, skewered, frittered, battered, souped up and on the half shell.

Who knew the succulent, colourful shellfish could be served up in so many tantalising ways? Fiona Kettlewell did. The festival organiser has lived and breathed scallops for months as she pulls together the town’s biggest event; one that lures thousands of visitors every year.

But there’s more to the scallop festival than scallops. Festival goers slake their thirst with top drops from New Zealand wineries and breweries, and recharge with wake-me-up coffee. They listen to, sing along to and even dance to live music from Kiwi performers. They shop till they drop at the carefully chosen craft outlets. They seek inspiration from the guest chefs whipping up delights on the cooking stage, and the celebrity chefs slugging it out in the mystery ingredient cook-off.

And they also get to enjoy a mouthwatering range of food that doesn’t have ‘scallop’ in the name. Fiona she has gone out of her way to make sure that people who are not so partial to scallops don’t go hungry. Paua, whitebait, fish, eel, mussels, kina, prawns and oysters are on offer too, along with specialty sausages, gourmet pizzas, bulging burgers, Hungarian langos and a sweet range for the sweet toothed.

And that’s not the half of it, says Fiona.

“Pick up fresh fish to take home, try your hand at scallop shucking, get into the spirit of the day and enter in the best-dressed competition; some awesome prizes are on offer.”

The town’s restaurants are getting in on the act, featuring scallop dishes on their menus over the festival weekend, which kicks off with a five-course degustation dinner at Salt Bar on the Thursday night.

Fiona urges people to buy their tickets now, as they are selling fast. Tickets are on sale at www.scallopfestival.co.nz and at Eventfinder.

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