Pies were eaten, burgers consumed, wine swirled and venison seared to perfection.

After five weeks, the Eat.Taste.Central Regional Menu challenge has come to a close in the annual showcase of southern flavours and hospitality.

It culminated with the announcement of finalists in the People’s Choice Awards at Labour Weekend, with the overall winners and Judges’ Awards to be announced at the sold-out MiNDFOOD Long Lunch event at The Canyon near Tarras this weekend. 

An industry celebration event will be held later in November.

The finalists came from all corners of Central Otago, including some new names from previous years. 

Given operational challenges faced by the hospitality sector, the 2021 programme was adjusted for people to vote on the entire experience for each venue with scores for taste, value, presentation and service.  

The Judges’ Awards also took a new turn, celebrating the people behind creating and serving the dishes, hosting customers, or demonstrating initiative about how their businesses could be innovative and sustainable into the future.

Despite COVID-19 level changes, the campaign succeeded in encouraging locals and visitors to get out and around the district to support the hospitality sector.

Eat.Taste.Central campaign manager, Anthony Longman acknowledged the success of this annual event was down to the level of commitment and enthusiasm from venues and their teams from all corners of Central Otago.

“Each year we’ve found ways to build Eat.Taste.Central and as we planned for 2021, another curve ball in the form of COVID-19 Delta arrived,” Antz said. 

“Given the uncertainty and challenges placed on venues, including, operational, staffing and supply chain issues, we modified the campaign to inspire and encourage participation as wide as possible. Both for venues and for customers.”

“Even though the event wasn’t exactly what we had planned, the engagement and excitement from our event partners like MiNDFOOD, Air New Zealand, The Central App, venues and visitors made sure that E.T.C has kept its place on the annual events calendar, or menu if you prefer.”

The finalists for each venue category are:

E.T.C People’s Choice - Café

• The Post Office Café, Clyde
• Nichol’s Garden Café, Cromwell
• Tarras Country Café, Tarras
• 103 The Store, Roxburgh
• Courthouse Café, Alexandra

E.T.C People’s Choice - Cellar Door

• Carrick Winery & Restaurant, Bannockburn
• The Cloudy Bay Shed, Cromwell
• Te Kano Estate, Bannockburn

E.T.C People’s Choice - Country Hotel or Pub

• Royal Hotel, Naseby
• Waipiata Country Hotel, Waipiata
• Ferris Road Brewery, Alexandra
• Danseys Pass Hotel, Kyeburn Diggings

E.T.C People’s Choice -  Restaurant

• The Moorings Restaurant, Pisa Moorings
• Centennial Court Hotel, Alexandra
• Alexandra District Club, Alexandra
• Bannockburn Hotel Wine Country Restaurant and Bar, Bannockburn
• Armando’s Kitchen & Café, Cromwell

E.T.C People’s Choice – On the Move         

• Southern Fare, Cromwell
• Burger A Float, Lake Dunstan Trail
• Eat Humble Pie, Alexandra
• Jones Family Fruit Stall, Cromwell

The Judge’s awards entries have also been collated into a short list of finalists. These awards celebrate the people behind the scenes and are a new addition to the event for 2021.

The categories and finalists for the judges awards are:

Young Talent

• Alaskia Hansen, Fusee Rouge Cromwell
• Sam Farr, Alexandra District Club
• Coco Yu, Te Kano Estate, Bannockburn

Front of House

• Coco Yu, Te Kano Estate, Bannockburn
• Mark Button, Waipiata Country Hotel

Chef or Cook

• Gwen Harvie, Carrick Winery & Restaurant
• Sam Farr, Alexandra District Club

Innovation and Sustainability

• Waipiata Country Hotel
• Burger A Float