NEW ZEALAND'S PREMIER WINE, FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Toast Martinborough’s party spirit prevailed over windy conditions as wine and food lovers from around the country enjoyed another great day out at this year’s festival. Toast Martinborough General Manager Rachael Fletcher reported that seafood and game were particularly popular this year, with festival goers tempted by delicacies such as Virgin Mary oyster shots and whitebait and king crab fritters, along with duck confit and porcini ravioli and venison kebabs.
“Once again the festival has lived up to its reputation of providing the perfect setting for enjoying fine wines, fabulous food, live entertainment and the company of friends – all within picturesque surroundings.
“ It’s no wonder that so many festival goers return to Toast Martinborough year after year, and tickets sell so quickly (13 minutes this year)” she summarised.
A Steak & Kidney Pie on the menu at Ata Rangi Vineyard has been judged Toast Martinborough’s best beef dish for an outstanding fourth time, at this year’s Martinborough Wine, Food and Music Festival.
Ruth Pretty Catering won first prize at the 2009 beef and lamb competition, with judges Rex Morgan of Wellington’s Boulcott St Bistro and well known food writer, Annabelle White, commending the Pie as deserving of ‘gold’ for its great use and cookery of beef, its suitability for the occasion, and the memorable presentation and flavour harmonies.
The judges were impressed with the variety of beef and lamb dishes on offer at all the participating vineyards but it was Ruth Pretty’s execution and winning formula which made choosing her dish easy.
“The dish was almost impossible to fault,” said Annabelle White. “It was a simple beef pie but from the pastry to the delicious savoury filling and accompanying relish you could tell it had been thoughtfully and thoroughly constructed from start to finish.”
The dishes available at each vineyard were assessed on presentation, composition, meat cookery, taste and suitability for the occasion.
Festival goers had their say too. Everyone who voted for their favourite beef or lamb dish enters a draw to win two nights at Martinborough’s luxurious Parehua Country Estate at a total value of $770, or the chance to dine at a Beef + Lamb New Zealand Hallmark of Excellence restaurant to the value of $150.
For more information contact Tanya Hart, Marketing Manager at Beef + Lamb New Zealand on 0800 733 466 or 021 648 971.
