Annual Waikato Culinary Fare

The annual Waikato Culinary Fare is an event not to be missed. Showcasing talent from across the Waikato, the culinary fare has sparked passion in many for the hospitality industry and celebrates the creativity and hard work of those who enter. It’s a competition to inspire, teach, and challenge hospitality lovers to showcase their best, and each year the competition uncovers brilliant up and coming stars, and celebrates the incredible current talent in the industry.

With a mixture of nerves and excitement, the air was buzzing as the competitors planned, prepped, cooked, and baked up a storm over the two-day competition. Cater Plus’s very own Dianna Lee and Meghan Nicholls were competing, with challenges such as the magic box, where they were given a box of ingredients from which they had to plan, cook, and serve a three-course meal from. A big congratulations to Dianna and Meghan, who took out the silver award in the team competition. It is a wonderful achievement and a testament to their hard work and passion.

Paul Hodge co-founded the Waikato Culinary Fare with the vision to give back to the hospitality industry by creating opportunities and celebrating the talent within the industry. 17 years later he has not only achieved this vision but has inspired those within Cater Plus and the wider industry. The culinary fare hosts those in secondary school, right through to those working in the industry. With classes ranging from main meals in a live kitchen, desserts, cocktail making, barista skills, and table setting, the culinary fare provides a platform to demonstrate the wide range of skills within hospitality. Familiar Cater Plus faces involved in the culinary fare this year were Phisan from DB who was a judge, Rachel who was a star roll checking all the competitors, and Kelly taking photographs, along with many more supporting Dianna and Meghan.

Congratulations again to Dianna and Meghan, we look forward to seeing what the next year brings for you and supporting you in the Waikato Culinary Fare next year.