Esther Burnett from Waikato Food Inc says, “each year the competition just gets better and better.”  This year, fifteen eateries have put their best foot (or waewae) forward with dishes that will tempt and tantalise.

He Huia Kaimoana, from Coffee Since Yesterday is a nod to Rongomatane who encourages whanau to come together during Matariki.  Alpha Street Kitchen have taken inspiration from traditional ingredients harvested at this time of year and transformed them to fit in a modern setting.  While Foundation Bar and Kitchen have taken a traditional hangi as their inspiration with herb stuffed Otorohanga pork loin served with smoked purple kumara puree, watercress oil, braised cabbage parcels, roasted cherry tomatoes and Pukekawa agria potato game chips.

Past winner Andrew Clarke, now at Camarosa is eager to take back his title with his dish The Winter Maiden - Manuka smoked pork hock with purple dawn kumara puree, native leaves, green walnuts, Coromandel wakame, hemp oil dressing and Sweetree Marokopa Spring honey.

Each eatery will be mystery judged with the finalists being judged again by the head judge to determine the 2019 champion who will be crowned at the fist Waikato Hospitality Award in August.  “The judges are looking for a link to Matariki, a celebration of local ingredients as well as great cohesive and knowledgeable service” says Esther. “One of Waikato Food Inc’s goals is to help local food businesses grow and so the challenge is designed to test the whole team, not just their kitchen.”

Another goal of the organisation is to celebrate the talent in the Waikato and Esther says, “the challenge gives locals a great excuse to get out and try something new, discover just how much talent the Waikato has; chefs as well as producers.”

The public can get involved too by voting for their choice by posting a picture of the dishes they love while using the #matarikidishchallenge2019

Find all the entrants dishes at www.waikatofoodinc.com 
Follow the action on Facebook  www.facebook.com/waikatofoodinc