It’s commonly accepted that members of the hospitality industry are past masters at celebrating their profession. However, this September things become a little more studious for New Zealand food and beverage professionals.
The annual Hospitality Summit & Feast by Famous Chefs is an opportunity for the Kiwi pros to put their heads together for their own benefit while also celebrating the achievements of colleagues.
Spearheading the event is the Hospitality Summit at Auckland Museum on 13 September. That will feature an international keynote address by Larry Nadeau, Maitre d’ par excellence from the US and a Skype call-in with Charles Spence from Oxford University.
Daniel Wilson, ex-pat Kiwi chef and partner in Melbourne’s Huxtable and Huxtaburger also features on the agenda participating in educational panel discussions.
Then that evening the Feast by Famous Chefs black tie dinner and awards event features four well known chefs – including Wilson – presenting a four course feast matched with boutique beer and New Zealand wines.
The next day on Sunday 14 September further presentations are followed by self-guided tours of successful establishments and businesses, a butchery tutorial, tasting of signature dishes and behind the scenes operational tours.
The annual get-together is the second by The Restaurant Association of New Zealand whose CEO Marisa Bidois says delivers a shot in the arm for the industry. “The summit brings together members from all over NZ and puts them in touch with a panel of industry professionals from around the country and overseas. Topics such as trends in the industry, business insights and operational excellence are key to the success of our members’ businesses.
“Last time Larry Nadeau was in New Zealand he spoke to sell-out crowds giving us valuable insights into our industry. Daniel Wilson’s style and passion for food is reflected in the critical and popular success of his Melbourne establishments,” Ms Bidois says.
“Events such as the summit and the feast help our members to achieve the edge they need to be at the top of their game in a market that is increasingly challenging.”
The two-day Hospitality Summit features key insights for the industry, packaged in quick-fire sessions aimed to give practical tools that delegates can take away and implement in their business.
Topics during include an address on Operational Excellence and an Evolve or Die panel discussion featuring Nadeau, Wilson and Clooney’s Tony Stewart moderated by Don Fletcher. Other topics include E.R. Employment Rescue, a panel discussion titled Inspire Me, Principles of Gastronomy and Staff Retention and Recruitment Strategies.
The Feast by Famous Chefs provides the busy and diverse hospitality industry with a rare opportunity to get together and celebrate outstanding chefs, exquisite food, fine wine and superb company, Ms Bidois says. “During the evening one very special member of the hospitality industry will be inducted in to the Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame, and we bestow the Innovator Award and our Good Neighbour title,” she says.
Cooking this year are Jinu Abraham who is executive chef at Heritage Auckland, Orphans Kitchen head chef and owner Tom Hishon, Catherine Adams who is pastry chef at Wellington’s Whitebait and Daniel Wilson.
Tickets to all activities are available mainly for the industry however a few seats are available to members of the public. Day one starts at 9.30am finishing at 3.00pm followed by Feast by Famous Chefs at 6pm. Day two of the summit starts at 9.45am followed by self-guided tours at 1.00pm to get exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ experience of CBD hospitality businesses.
Ticket prices are:
2 Day Summit: Restaurant Association members 1 Day – $100 / 2 days $170 OR Non Members 1 Day – $170 / 2 days $340 (one day summit prices also available)
2 Day Summit including Feast by Famous Chefs dinner and awards: Restaurant Association members $258 / Non Members $531
Feast By Famous Chefs dinner and awards: Restaurant Association members $120 / Non Members $250
For details and to book tickets please visit either site below or phone 0800 737 827:
