Tourism Central Otago’s annual celebration of the region’s food, wine, beverage, venues and producers is looking for a point of difference for this year’s incarnation. 

Eat.Taste.Central is being adjusted to further support businesses who are facing pressures from meeting current alert level guidelines and the recent cancellation of spring events from the calendar.

General Manager Tourism Central Otago Dylan Rushbrook says, when the team looked back at why E.T.C. was established “it was to celebrate and champion our venues and all that we produce right here in Central Otago”.

“We know that, particularly for our hospitality and accommodation sector, they have been facing a raft of challenges – not just with alert level guidelines, but also with supply chain and staffing shortages. 

“It’s clear they are doing it tough, so our team has looked at what we can do to support as many businesses as possible in the coming weeks and months.”

Vicki McLean, Managing Director of The Central App, says the app is proud to sponsor this event as it focuses on keeping it local while attracting new people to our region. It is also a reminder of the great produce we have in our backyard, the local suppliers who provide this to our local restaurants and cafes, and the restaurants and cafe business owners who employ local people. 

“It's everything Central, so it gels with our app philosophy which is about sharing 'Everything Central Otago' to our local people and our regular visitors".

The Central App will have a live button where you can go to check out all the options throughout Central Otago, such as events, vineyards, and restaurants.

“We are pretty fortunate to still be able to have this event, when so many others have needed to cancel or postpone due to Covid” Vicki says. 

“The food concept from Paddock to Plate supports so much of what we are about, and we can bring those stories to life throughout this month long event. Its about sharing the 'people behind the brands’ who are producing products we probably don't even know about - right here in our backyard.

“Trying some of these dishes, fine wines from our local produce suppliers - its a bit of a try before we buy - then uncover the places we can go to shop for some of the local produce after the event".

Vicki is in praise of the quality and the love which goes into the food right across Central Otago.  

“After working overseas for the last 20 years, to come home to this quality is outstanding,” she says. 

Vicki says Eat.Taste.Central is a good reason to get out of our homes and celebrate everything that is Central.

“How nice it is they have given us a reason to get out. It's a different experience than cooking at home and I love how chefs can introduce us to a new dish, idea or recipe we might even try at home” 

Eat.Taste.Central runs from 24 September and runs through to 25 October 2021. Photo: E.T.C.

E.T.C. has established such a strong presence locally and nationally over the last four years, E.T.C. Campaign Manager Anthony Longman says. 

“It is the perfect conduit to inspire people to get out and about enjoying our venues, hospitality and food offerings in these challenging times,” Anthony says. 

“We are conscious that visitation from further afield may be limited, so we hope locals will get out to enjoy our amazing offerings.”

Anthony says the regional menu currently has 60 dishes, events and experiences on offer. With people’s choice and judges awards back this year and designed to champion our people.

“We have opened up a short window for venues who want to come on board and take advantage of the campaign. 

“New entries for the regional menu will be accepted up until 5pm on Monday 20 September by emailing our team [email protected].”

It is hoped that planned events will go ahead, however it is possible there may be some shifting of dates and times to ensure that the hosts can offer the best possible experience. Ask your local cafe and restaurant if they are involved, and if they are not, encourage them to do so.  

Full details of dishes, venues, events, how to vote and awards are online at www.eattastecentral.co.nz, which is the best place to find the most up-to-date information. 

“There are many ways for not just the venues to become involved, but also our community and visitors,” Dylan says. 

“Spring is such a stunning time of year to visit Central Otago, and there is so much to see and do. Gather your friends and family to enjoy some of our region’s best food, wine and beverages served in unique locations and venues. 

“To put it simply – come and Eat.Taste.Central!”

Eat.Taste.Central is a month-long celebration that opens on 24 September and runs through to 25 October 2021.

Stay up-to-date with The Central App over the course of Eat.Taste.Central for more.