About Eat.Taste.Central
Together let's hero the ingredients available right here by creating dishes celebrating a Central Otago flavour recently highlighted through the World of Flavour video series released over the last year.
Think outside the square – we know that cherries and stone fruit are not in season – but can you incorporate the flavour using dried, frozen, preserves, sauces or chutneys?
Once again, the E.T.C Regional Menu will be digitally produced and distributed via our channels and those of our event partners.
In addition, we are also finalising details on a new digital approach for encouraging, and rewarding, participation of locals & visitors in not only tasting your dishes but travelling across the region and learning about our amazing venues, producers, and associated experiences.
E.T.C. Workshops
A warm thanks to those who attended our recent workshop facilitated by experienced food and travel writer Alexia Santamaria.
The substance of the workshop was to learn about why and how to write up and present a dish / experience in such a way to give people a reason to come and specifically try it.
Presentation available to view.
A reminder – dishes will be shortlisted by name and description only.
Please focus on the flavour, or the produce, from Central Otago rather than any specific business shown in the series.
E.T.C. Regional Menu
Focusing on the celebration of our amazing flavours we are requiring that each dish must focus on one of our World of Flavour hero ingredients.
The 3 menu categories for this year are:
- Pie-ology - a full filling inside story
- Sense-ational Burgers - burgers that deliver A World of Flavour through multiple senses of taste, sight, smell
- A World of Flavour on a Plate - Main Meals & Shared Plates
Cost (exc GST) - $200 for first dish, $50 per each additional dish - max 1 dish per category and 3 dishes per venue.
E.T.C. Supporting Events
The opening weekend of Eat.Taste.Central will see the Alexandra Basin New Release event take place on the Sunday at Clyde.
We are happy to promote other supporting events throughout the campaign through our various channels.
Important Information
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Key Dates
- 4 September – Workshop registrations close
- 6 & 7 September – Workshops with Alexia Santamaria
- 28 September – Submissions close for both Regional Menu and People Awards entries
- 2 to 19 October – Online Menu developed; Promotional Activity underway
- 4 to 6 October – Professional Dish Photography / Videography
- 20 October to 12 November - Campaign runs
- 23 November – E.T.C Wrap & Operator Networking Event
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Categories
Regional Menu categories:
- Pie-ology - a full filling inside story
- Sense-ational Burgers – burgers that deliver a World of Flavour through the senses of taste, sight, smell
- A World of Flavour on a Plate – Main Meals & Shared Plates
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Costs & Benefits
To be involved we require you to:
- Contribute $200+gst for first menu item, $50+gst per each additional menu item
- Support the campaign to increase awareness of Central Otago’s 'A World of Flavour' in the Food, Wine & Beverage sector
In return for your investment, your business and menu items will receive:
- A comprehensive media plan will include a mix of digital and print content plus paid advertising targeted to locals and key visitor personas within our drive markets
- Point of sales tools and inclusion in campaign advertising
- Photography and/or videography of your dish/business before or during campaign. A minimum of 3 high quality images will be provided for your use
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Terms & Conditions
Businesses participating in the campaign need to meet the following criteria;
- The offering/experience must be based within the Central Otago District Council (CODC) boundary
- Must have a listing registered on centralotagonz.com
- If serving alcohol, the business must have a current liquor license
- Meet all licensing and consent requirements from Central Otago District Council including food standards
- Develop at least one specific menu item that meets the campaign requirements. A maximum of 1 menu item per category may be entered
- Tourism Central Otago reserves the right to decline a menu item if it does not meet the criteria
- Must commit to have the entered dish available during advertised opening hours
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Frequently Asked Questions
What and when is Eat.Taste.Central?
Eat.Taste.Central or E.T.C is an annual promotional campaign designed to encourage culinary inspired travel around Central Otago during the spring months and to build recognition of Central Otago as a premium Food, Wine & Beverage destination in New Zealand.
Where does Eat.Taste.Central take place?
Cafes, Restaurants, Cellar Doors and other amazing venues located within the Central Otago District Council boundary.
What do cafes and restaurants offer during Eat.Taste.Central?
A core part of Eat.Taste.Central is the Regional Menu, where each participating venue offers unique dishes in a variety of categories.
Who are the main supporters of Eat.Taste.Central?
The E.T.C programme is run by Tourism Central Otago (part of the Central Otago District Council) as the key component of our Food, Wine & Beverage story. Through Eat.Taste.Central we partner directly with local venues and producers, and work with key regional and national organisations, businesses and media to extend the reach of the campaign.
How can my business be involved in Eat.Taste.Central?
The E.T.C programme is run by Tourism Central Otago and we partner directly with businesses located within the Central Otago district.
Venues create their own menu offerings or events. Interested participants should contact Tourism Central Otago for more information on how they can become involved.
There is a participation fee to be involved in the campaign.
Agricultural and artisan producers, breweries, wineries, tour operators and accommodation providers can collaborate with venues, or package special itineraries or events to promote alongside the campaign activity.
We will be participating in Eat.Taste.Central but we’d like to partner with another business, is this possible?
Yes, of course! We encourage you to connect with local producers and suppliers to really highlight our unique regional flavours. You can also get creative with unique events or opportunities to supplement your menu item, or host a special event with another partner. These events will provide locals and visitors with even more reasons to wine and dine throughout the campaign period.
What types of events can we host?
Whether it’s a special hosted chef event, behind-the-scenes tours, food and produce tours, farmers markets, set dinners or winemaker tastings, E.T.C is an opportunity for locals, visitors and foodies to uncover some hidden secrets, learn our food story and explore the whole region.
How will Eat.Taste.Central be promoted?
A dedicated section of centralotagonz.com (also accessed via www.eattastecentral.co.nz) lists the entire Regional Menu and events programme.
Targeted social media and advertising including dedicated Eat.Taste.Central Facebook and Instagram and TikTok promotional social pages.
Targeted PR outreach to national and regional media and user generated content encouraging consumers to participate in Eat.Taste.Central; as well as coordinating PR stories highlighting the Central Otago Food & Wine story.
How do locals and visitors take advantage of Eat.Taste.Central and where do they get more details?
Visitors can go to www.eattastecentral.co.nz to see which venues are participating, to search the regional menu and for direct links to venue websites.
Growers and Producers List
In Central Otago we are spoilt for choice thanks to a wide range of local produce with exceptional flavour profiles. Combined with our elegant world class wines, craft beers and juices there are many ways to incorporate the tastes of Central Otago into menu items.
Check out this list of growers, producers and vineyards for that elusive ingredient to take your entry to the next level.
