Ready for the ultimate toastie taste test? –
Think your toasties taste top? The Great NZ Toastie Takeover is back and organizers of the annual competition are once again on the hunt for the country’s supreme toasted sandwich.
With free entry, the popular competition has gained momentum year on year, with 2022 attracting more than 180 entries and a whopping 140,000 toasts served up over the duration of the search.
Now in its sixth year, and after a big jump in entries last year, organizers Cook & Nelson and McClure’s Pickles have made the call to cap entries at 250.
As always, the competition remains open to all New Zealand eateries, from cafes, bistros and hotel eateries, to bars, pop-ups, hole-in-the-wall eateries and food trucks.
Like last year, food truck entries will be judged on a designated weekend in May with the entrant required to provide exact date, time, and location details prior to the judging weekend.
Other competition rules remain the same. Each creation must be sandwiched between two slices of bread and able to be eaten by hand if necessary. The toasted sandwich must also contain cheese – or an acceptable vegan substitute, and pickles from the McClure’s Pickles range. Everything else is up to the toastie maker’s imagination.
Each entry must be on the establishment’s menu for the full duration of the competition, during lunch hours and/or dinner hours, from Friday 14 April to 31 May 2023 inclusive. Finalists must have their toastie on the menu until 20 June 2023 inclusive.
As in previous years, each toastie will be scored using set criteria. This includes presentation, effectiveness of preparation technique, eat-ability, taste, provenance and innovation.
The People’s Choice Award will also return in 2023 giving Kiwis the power to vote for their favorite participating eatery and toastie. The eatery with the most votes from the public will take away this year’s People’s Choice Award.
Entries open today (February 28) and close on March 31. Judging will begin from April 14, with the competition finalists announced on May 31. And the supreme winner will be revealed on June 20.
Last year’s battle saw finalists hail from Auckland, Ngatea, Okere Falls (Rotorua), Ohakune, Havelock North, Palmerston North, Greytown, Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown, Twizel and Dunedin, and encompass local eateries, rural roadside cafes, breweries, a food truck , a fish farm, a burger bar, an artisan food store and a dedicated toasted sandwich shop.
Head judge Kerry Tyack said last year’s challenge saw imaginations run wild, presenting his team of 30-plus judges with an extremely tough task in choosing the finalists and eventual winner.
“With the competition heating up and a record number of toasties served up to last year, it really feels like the humble toastie has reached the lofty heights of the great Kiwi pie, the whitebait fritter, the perfect pav and the South Island cheese roll.
“In 2023, we’re expecting even more delicious and exciting entries, with the Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover now a firm feature on the local foodie calendar and those taking part reporting a notable increase in custom.”
Chef Rich Johns from Rotorua’s Okere Falls Store and Craft Beer Garden won the hotly contested title of the country’s top toastie for 2022 and had this to say at the time.
“Winning the 2022 Great NZ Toastie Takeover has been a wild ride, going from selling 10-15 toasties a day to 60+ every day, with over 10,000 toasties sold since winning! Best of all we still love making the toastie and seeing the delight on people’s faces upon the first bite.”
To submit your own entry or view the full terms and conditions of the competition, go to the entry page on www.toastietakeover.com.
Traveling to Hawke’s Bay
Advice From : Hawke’s Bay Tourism – Hawke’s Bay – New Zealand
Q. Can I travel to the Hawke’s Bay region?
Parts of Hastings District and Central Hawke’s Bay, and some operators in Napier, remain operational for business, but we encourage all potential travelers, including those keen to check on family and friends, to book ahead and/or contact accommodation providers and experience operators to confirm current operating conditions.
Hawke’s Bay Airport is fully operational, however restrictions and road closures apply. Please check Waka Kotahi for the most up-to-date information on the roading network. Air New Zealand has introduced a temporary service between Gisborne and Napier airports.
Hawke’s Bay’s Visitor Economy is the third largest contributor to regional GDP, and is estimated to represent 9-10% of the total employment in the region. It will, therefore, play an important role in the recovery, bringing money into the economy, and supporting jobs and businesses, including both Hastings and Napier CBDs.
We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the entirety of our region – from Wairoa in the north to Pōrangahau in the south – when the time is right.
Q. Is it safe to visit the Hawke’s Bay region?
Civil Defense has declared an emergency in Wairoa, Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay, and some areas in these districts remain without power or reliable communications.
Some roads in and around the region remain closed, while others are designated for essential/critical workers only. Please check Waka Kotahi for further information and follow instructions, including when essential travel-only applies. Areas impacted by flooding may be contaminated by silt, which contains contaminants that could be harmful.
However, parts of Hawke’s Bay remain safe and operational for business. We encourage potential travelers, including those keen to check in on family and friends, to book ahead and/or contact your accommodation providers and experience operators to confirm current operating conditions before departing for Hawke’s Bay.
Q. How can I get to Hawke’s Bay?
Hawke’s Bay Airport is fully operational and Air New Zealand is flying to Hawke’s Bay from Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch daily.
A number of roads in and around the region remain closed, including both State Highway 2, between Napier and Gisborne, and State Highway 5, between Napier and Taupo. For full roading updates, please visit Waka Kotahi.
Please be aware that some roads are for essential/critical travel and workers only. Please ensure you take your time and allow for variations.
Q. When should I plan to visit Hawke’s Bay?
Parts of the region are open for business now, so if you do have a reservation or have plans to visit, please check with your accommodation providers and experience operators. The operators who can safely open will value your support.
While Civil Defense has declared an emergency in place for the full region, the situation on the ground is changing rapidly, so please return here for updates.
If you would prefer to postpone your visit to Hawke’s Bay, mid-late Autumn is beautiful, and June is a fantastic time to visit with Winter FAWC! Food and Wine Classic running throughout the month.
Q. How many tourism operators have been impacted by the flooding?
Hawke’s Bay Tourism is conducting a detailed audit of operators, with an emphasis on who is operating as normal.
Many businesses are getting back to business, with more coming online every day. We recommend you reach out directly to your accommodation and experience providers for updates.
Q. Is accommodation available or is it being used for emergency accommodation?
Parts of the region, including accommodation providers, are now open to visitors.
However, there is an increased demand for accommodation in Hawke’s Bay at the moment so we recommend visitors book ahead, ensuring operators can be prepared for your arrival.
Please be aware, some accommodation providers may be prioritizing displaced residents and/or essential workers.
Q. I have booked a holiday in Hawke’s Bay in the next few weeks. Should I cancel?
Parts of Hawke’s Bay remain open for business, but we encourage potential travelers, including those keen to check in on family and friends, to book ahead and/or confirm with accommodation providers and experience operators. Businesses who can operate safely will value your support.
For those visitors who made arrangements not to visit, we look forward to welcoming you when the time is right. Your support will play an important part in Hawke’s Bay’s recovery, bringing money into the economy, supporting jobs and businesses.
Q. I want to cancel my trip – will I get my money back?
We recommend you check with your travel agent or review the cancellation policies of each individual provider. We encourage you to check insurance policies as well.
Q. What is happening with Cruise?
Napier Port in agreement with Napier City Council advised that cruise ship calls would not call into Napier for the week ending Sunday 26th February 2023. The decision will be reviewed on an ongoing basis with other stakeholders.
Q. What is Tourism doing to support the response and recovery?
Many businesses that play key roles within the Hawke’s Bay Visitor Economy are working hard to support fellow businesses hardest hit and those helping with the immediate response.
Hospitality businesses are delivering meals to affected communities and volunteers, while others are contributing both financially and with time and energy to the clean-up. Industry peers in other regions, including Wairarapa and Auckland, have created fundraising opportunities to contribute financially to the region’s recovery.
Q. What support do Hawke’s Bay Visitor Economy businesses need right now?
After three years of dealing with the ups and downs of the Covid pandemic, the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, during what ought to be one of our busiest months, will be significant.
Businesses that cannot trade or have had business severely affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and/or the subsequent impacts, may need financial support to get through. Hawke’s Bay Tourism is working to advocate on their behalf
The post Traveling to Hawke’s Bay appeared first on .
The Sicilian Hotel Where ‘White Lotus’ Was Filmed Is Currently Offering a 25% Off Deal
Head to the dreamy location for a bit of a discount — drama not included.
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Looking to experience The White Lotus IRL? Well, it just got a bit cheaper.
The San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, which was the hotel used as the setting for season 2 of the hit HBO show, in Sicily, Italy, is running a promotion offering 25 percent off of certain rates and packages.
Located in Sicily, on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, the building was once a convent back in the 14th century, and has been welcoming guests as a hotel since 1896. However, in recent months, TV fans will recognize it as stomping grounds for stars such as Jennifer Coolidge, Adam DiMarco, Tom Hollander, Aubrey Plaza, and others.
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Fabio Lovino/Courtesy of HBO
The “Discover Taormina” promotion offers guests 25 percent off the bed and breakfast rate for reservations made at least 14 days in advance. The San Domenico Palace didn’t respond to comments from T+L about the status or updates to the promotion, but has it and several featured offers still listed on their site.
While the hotel is running promotions on various rooms and suites, travelers may want to check the total rate before packing their luggage. A review of the hotel rates shows that a regular room can start at $2400 a night, and the Princess Cecilie Suite starts at $6800 for select dates.
Season 2 of The White Lotus debuted on HBO in October, however in December, the hotel took to Instagram to share why the show’s creator picked it for a filming location.
“After visiting more than 30 different hotels from the South of France to the South of Italy, Mike White and his closest entourage immediately fell in love with San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel,” the hotel shared. “‘The hotel itself had the luxury but also this kind of moodiness that was so unique,’” Mr. White said. “’It felt like a place where I could get inspired to come up with something juicy.’”
The hotel is currently closed in preparation for the opening of the spring season, and will re-open on March 14, 2023.
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Ed Sheeran chocolate block up for grabs to support flood victims –
Whittaker’s has announced there are five special ‘Ed-ition’ prize packs up for grabs to raise funds for Auckland flood recovery thanks to support from Ed Sheeran.
Whittaker’s created the ‘Ed Block’ for him last week after he posted to Instagram about New Zealand chocolate.
The ‘Ed Block’ is Whittaker’s classic Five Roll Refined Creamy Milk chocolate with a special edition label. He has now supplied a selfie which features on the blocks, and collaborated with Whittaker’s on the prize packs.
Each prize pack contains a signed Special Ed-ition Ed Block, a signed one-of-a-kind Ed Block t-shirt each with a unique caption, and a year’s supply of Whittaker’s Chocolate.
Chocolate Lovers can bid for the prize packs on TradeMe with 100 per cent of proceeds being donated to Auckland’s flood recovery efforts.
Whittaker’s Brand Manager, Tamra Lindsay, says Whittaker’s are delighted to have Ed’s support in fundraising for the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai.
“All of the funds raised through our Ed Block auctions will go to the Mission, who will distribute funding, in association with Foundation North – Hapai Pūtua Oranga, to other trusted local community organizations also delivering on-the-ground support to help those in greatest need across the city in the aftermath of the flooding,” says Tamra.
Helen Robinson, Mission CEO – Manutaki says the response from people across the country – and now an international superstar – to support those in our city affected by the floods showing the true spirit and heart of Aotearoa.
“At the Mission, we’re incredibly humbled to have the support of Whittaker’s and Ed! With so many community organizations helping in the aftermath of the flooding, the Mission is taking this fundraising opportunity to support those organizations too so that together we can help as many people as possible,” says Helen.
Light-hearted banter began between Whittaker’s and Ed after he posted to Instagram with the caption “NZ chocolate is actually alright.”
“At Whittaker’s, we couldn’t be happier to hear that Ed had become a chocolate lover and thought we would celebrate by crafting him the perfect treat.”
“Now with a dedicated selfie from Ed himself, we can’t wait to share the special Ed-ition ‘Ed Block’ prize packs with Chocolate Lovers in support of the Auckland flood recovery,” says Tamra.
Head to TradeMe from 11am today to bid for your chance to get your hands on one of the Special Edition ‘Ed Block’ prize packs.
You can also head to the company’s Giveaway page to donate and support the cause outside of bidding on the auctions.
Hospitality Business Leader’s Forum 2023:
Bring back hospitality
By Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown
Thank you for inviting me to contribute to the Hospitality Business magazine Leader’s Forum. Hospitality is my third biggest spend, after taxes and rates, and I have invested in this industry, so I’m probably a good person to listen to.
Studies have shown that 68% of all lost business results from the indifferent, uncaring attitudes of employees towards customers.
I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve entered a restaurant and stood there, being ignored by staff who don’t appear to be busy or told that a half-empty dining room is fully booked. It’s almost a weekly occurrence.
We need to put the hospitality back in this industry.
Every customer who comes through the door is an opportunity for repeat business – they’re going to spend more, more often, and promote your business to others. Where’s the friendly, generous reception for your customers, and your staff?
Staffing is a real problem, but the industry’s skills gap – compounded by COVID-19, closed international borders, and fewer graduates from hospitality and tourism schools – can’t be solved through immigration alone.
My view is, if you want something done properly, you might have to do it yourself.
In a survey of 396 hospitality workers, Voices from the Front Line, 81% stated they received no training in their jobs. If you want to keep people, you have to train them and pay them. If you pay the least, you’re going to lose people to your competitors eventually.
It’s important to understand the industry you’re in, and your business has to be competitive. Know your customers and your competitors, and offer superior quality, superior value, or something different – and don’t stand still.
Plenty of people changed their business model or product offering during COVID-19 and continued to trade well. It’s pretty simple, but it’s never easy, and I applaud those of you whose businesses have emerged stronger and competitive. There is something to be learned here.
If we look at Auckland’s inner-city, a recent resident’ survey shows the main reason people like living in the city center is access to shops and restaurants (63%), and the main reason to dislike living in the city center is that people do not feel safe (45%).
Safety issues, anti-social behavior, violence, and crime had a real impact on retail and hospitality post-COVID, and all agencies must work together effectively with businesses to address these problems.
As an interim solution, I want to see more police on the streets, and I urge business associations like the Heart of the City to spend any excess funds on regular security patrols. It’s free to become a member of your local business association because they’re funded by a targeted rate on local business rate payers, so make sure you join.
Spending money on security is a better bet than spending money on events to attract customers in the current environment, because they won’t stick around or come back if they don’t feel safe.
We also need to think about long-term practical measures to bring people back to inner-city Auckland, such as making it easier to convert empty office spaces into much-needed residential housing.
More people mean busier, safer streets, and thriving businesses.
Accor announces Orient Express Silenseas luxury adventure to its portfolio –
One hundred and forty years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the unveiling of plans for the world’s largest sailing ship, Orient Express Silenseas.
This revolution in maritime history is an ambitious undertaking that pushes the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between world leader in hospitality Accor, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a leading shipbuilding company, this extraordinary sailing yacht of the future with spectacular interiors will set sail in 2026.
“With Orient Express Silenseas, we are beginning a new chapter in our history, taking the experience and excellence of luxury travel and transposing it onto the world’s most beautiful seas.
“This exceptional sailing yacht, with roots in Orient Express’ history, will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces, reminiscent of the golden age of mythical cruises.
“Innovation is at the heart of this ultra-modern ship that will revolutionize the maritime world with new technology to meet today’s sustainability challenges. It is a boat designed to make dreams come true, a showcase for the best of French savoir-faire.” -Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor.
“With a signed letter of intent to order two ships, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is proud to herald a new era in the shipbuilding industry with Silenseas.
“This concept, born in our design offices in 2018, is the quintessence of our savoir-faire in the fields of naval architecture, the construction of sophisticated hulls, as well as the design of luxurious spaces.
“In addition, the installation of three SolidSail rigs, a revolutionary 1,500-square-metre unit wind propulsion system, for which we have developed and tested a first prototype, will contribute significantly to the propulsion of the ship. Combined with a hybrid propulsion system running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), Silenseas will become the ship of reference in terms of environmentally friendly operation and design.” -Laurent Castaing, Managing Director, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
FASCINATED BY GRANDEUR
In 1867, Georges Nagelmackers boarded the transatlantic ships connecting Europe to America and set off on a journey of discovery to the United States. Fascinated by the grandeur of these huge boats, the founder of Orient Express trains explored the luxurious travelers’ suites, with their rich and sumptuous decor, adorned with exceptional marquetry. He experienced the social scene in the restaurants and the unique ambiance of the lounges, libraries and entertainment venues. This sea travel experience would later inspire the 1883 launch of his now legendary train: the Orient Express.
Inspired by the Golden Age of the French Riviera, Orient Express Silenseas will echo the glorious era when writers, artists, painters, princesses and movie stars spent time between Monte-Carlo, the beaches of Saint-Tropez, Cap d’Antibes, Cannes and its famous Croisette and discovered a refinement tinged with exquisite insouciance and joie de vivre, inviting them to extreme escapes.
A 220-metre-long ocean treasure with a tonnage of 22,300 UMS, Orient Express Silenseas will feature 54 Suites measuring on average 70-square-metres, including a monumental 1,415-square-metre Presidential Suite (including a 530-square-metre private terrace), two swimming pools including a lap pool, two restaurants and a speakeasy bar. The singular cruise ship will celebrate the Art of Travel a la Orient Express: the quintessence of luxury, absolute comfort and dreams.
A tribute to artists and culture, Orient Express Silenseas will invite guests to experience incredible shows in its Amphitheater-Cabaret and a private recording studio will give a voice to the most beautiful melodies. This unique travel experience, guided by the winds, will feature spa treatments, meditation sessions and stopover explorations to discover cultural treasures that allow guests to completely unplug from reality and stop time.
Capitalizing on the experience of these experts in ocean racing, Orient Express Silenseas will sail with a revolutionary technological design known as ‘SolidSail’: three rigid sails with a surface area of 1,500 meters each will be hoisted on a balestron rig, with three tilting masts reaching more than 100 meters high, able to ensure up to 100% of the propulsion in suitable weather conditions. This hybrid propulsion formula will combine wind power with a state-of-the-art engine running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and plans to use green hydrogen once the technology is approved for ocean passenger ships, launching a new, more environmentally friendly vision of sea travel.
The latest feat from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique is a true sailing yacht of the future combining the finest French talents. Renowned architect Maxime d’Angeac will design the interior layout and decor and Nantes-based design company Stirling Design International will handle the exterior architecture. Hetland Maritime also assisted Accor in creating the project and in the ongoing discussions with Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The entire project will be financed up to 70-80% by commercial banks, with the remainder provided by a consortium of equity partners in which Accor will have a minority stake.
ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS, PART OF ACCOR
Artisan of travel since 1883, the Orient Express sublimates the Art of Travel with its luxury trains, unique experiences, and collections of rare objects. And coming soon: its first hotels around the world, with the opening of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice in 2024. Another project has also been announced in Riyadh, the first city in the Middle East to announce the arrival of an Orient Express hotel. The luxury travel experience will continue with the launch of the Orient Express La Dolce Vita and the return of the legendary Orient Express to railways. www.orient-express.com
Keen hospitality experts wanted –
The future of the New Zealand hospitality & tourism sector requires your knowledge NOW!
The New Zealand Culinary Arts Development Trust is seeking keen hospitality experts to show leadership and direction for upcoming students across all aspects of the industry, to join the 2023 team.
Position/Role: Competition Committee Member.
Term: 1 year (annually, option to reapply each year).
Positions Available: 5 – 6 Committee Members Nationwide (no set location).
Salary: ‘Voluntary’ (with perks, good vibes and warm fluffes for helping the next generation of culinary professionals).
The ‘Culinary Arts Development Trust’ (CADTrust) is an independent, charitable trust responsible for providing support and resources to enable New Zealanders to investigate and embark on hospitality career pathways. The CADTrust is responsible for overseeing and administering the funds to support Regional and National culinary arts competitions and annual culinary journeys.
The CADTrust has two trustees, Mark Wylie and Glenn Fulcher, whom both work in the hospitality sector. Their roles within the trust provide governance, guidance and support the Competition Committee achieve their annual goals.
backgrounds:
The CADTrust was formed in March 2016 has been running the NSSCC and NZCJ for the past 6 years (prior to that was run for 3 years by City & Guilds Pacific). In 2019 the trust formed a ‘Competition Committee’ to start the journey to hand over competition operations and logistics. However due to global pandemics, the trustees have remained active committee members, both organizing Regional and National events with the support of a small committee.
Check out www.nsscc.nz for more information on past events.
The role and what’s expected:
The Competition Committee role is a voluntary role. The trust is seeking hospitality professionals who love their industry and what to give back through culinary competitions and industry visits.
There are two main events the Competition Committee oversees and organizes:
- National Secondary School Culinary Competition (NSSCC)
- New Zealand Culinary Journey (NZCJ)
In its current format, the Competition Committee meets once a month from February to April and then overnight (where needed) from June to September each year. These meetings are conducted online over MS TEAMS and require some technical abilities. They are approximately 60 minutes in length and a further * 2 hours a week (estimated and can be adjusted with applicants’ abilities (both time and skills) to suit). *NOTE: This commitment shrinks and grows through the year depending on the event schedule.
The committee investigates and onboards sponsors, develops and implements an online regional event to find the 8 teams to compete at the National Final, builds a judging panel for both Regional and National events, organizes travel and accommodation, prizes, works with schools across New Zealand and plans and implements the NZ Culinary Journey where National Finalists visit local hospitality businesses and suppliers.
Other responsibilities include basic budgeting, communication plans, working with a marketing and social media paid role (also up for renewal) and more support activities to ensure events run smoothly.
It’s important to note that this event has run over many years, and although it always keeps redeveloping and adjusting to remain relevant, there is a sound and trusted model with templates and procedures in place.
What the trust needs:
The trust is looking for 5 to 6 Voluntary Committee Members who have some of the following skills;
• Hospitality Industry experience
• Competition experience (can be small or large)
• Organizational skills – be the person who loves to organize people, have skills to bring to the committee like; Online computer abilities, event registration experience, working as a team to allocate and compete tasks
• Work well within timeframes
• Marketing and or social media experience (1 x member to be strong in this field)
• Enjoy working with the next generation (competitors ages between 15 and 18 years of age)
• Knowledge of Secondary Schools, particularly NCEA credits in hospitality
• Strong professional networks and industry contacts – critical to the events
• ‘Can do’ and ‘Make things happen’ attitude
• Work within and manage budgets
• Previous Sponsorship or Marketing experience within a not-for-profit organization (1 x member to be strong in this field)
• Work well with others in a small committee with a common goal
• Affinity with the goals of the Culinary Arts Development Trust
If any of these things sound like you and you really want to help the hospitality sector grow and retain amazing young staff, then please get off your butt and apply for this role. Again, it is voluntary, but the rewards are endless.
The Trusts new committee (some past members will be applying and possibly retained) will have the scope to understand, develop and grow these events (and possibly more) to a new level of engagement. Exciting times are ahead and the current format is ready to explode.
The time is now.
Applications for these roles close 31st January 2023. The trust looks forward to receiving your application. Please email your application (covering letter and small hospitality CV) to [email protected] – If you have any questions about the role, please contact Glenn on 027 640 0127.