Calling All Chefs & Restaurateurs!

a seal of approval on products distinguished by their excellence. With the unveiling of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, a diverse array of artisanal products will be in the spotlight, showcasing innovation, quality, and creativity. For chefs and restaurateurs, this presents an excellent opportunity to explore new and enticing flavours that will delight your discerning diners.

producers, exploring potential collaborations and partnerships. Embrace the chance to introduce your patrons to remarkable flavours and experiences, demonstrating not only your unwavering commitment to culinary excellence but also supporting our local industry.

Caitlan Mitchell Editor caitlan@reviewmags.com

If you're seeking to enhance your culinary creations with exceptional and inventive products, the New Zealand Artisan Awards is the event to focus on. This national food and beverage awards program is exclusively tailored to honour artisanal producers, celebrating excellence within the local culinary industry. Led by head judge and founder of the New Zealand Artisan Awards, Tania Walters, the judging panel ensures that the awards bestow

At the New Zealand Artisan Awards, you'll discover unique ingredients that add an extra dimension to your dishes and innovative food service solutions, setting your culinary offerings apart. Keeping a close eye on the results of this year's awards will keep you at the forefront of the culinary scene, keeping you informed about the latest trends and developments in the artisanal realm.

As the winners are announced, seize the opportunity to connect with the award-winning caitlan@reviewmags.com

So, mark your calendars and anticipate the results of this year's New Zealand Artisan Awards. Uncover unique and inventive elements that will invigorate your culinary creations. Let the awards be a source of inspiration for you and your kitchen, propelling you to new heights as you incorporate the best of New Zealand's artisanal products into your menus.

Publisher: Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com

General Manager: Kieran Mitchell, kieran@reviewmags.com

Group Managing Editor: Sarah Mitchell, sarah@reviewmags.com

Editor: Caitlan Mitchell, caitlan@reviewmags.com

Editorial Associate: Sam Francks, sam@reviewmags.com

Annabel Maasdam, annabel@reviewmags.com

Advertising: Caroline Boe, caroline@reviewmags.com

Senior Designer: Raymund Sarmiento

DOMINO’S LAUNCH CUSTOM PROMOTION DEAL

Domino’s has launched a new pizza and side combination, offering customers a quick and easy meal for only $10.

The new offer, My Domino’s, allows customers to pick from one of 10 different pizzas, such as ham and cheese, Hawaiian, or Supreme, and two of eight sides, such as southern fried chicken bites, potato wedges, and churros.

Domino’s Australia and New Zealand chief marketing officer, Allan Collins said that My Domino’s gives customers more flexibility to cater for their own individual tastes.

“When every dollar counts, many people feel forced to choose between value or versatility. My Domino’s brings all the options to the table, so our customers can bring all the options to their tables, at an incredibly great price. Perfect as an individual meal for one, or shared in large groups with friends and family, My Domino’s allows customers more choice, and more personalisation, than ever before,” said Collins.

Collins said that the most appalling part of the new promotion is for customers to choose the meal they prefer themself.

The My Domino’s promotion is available at all New Zealand Domino’s stores.

Taco Bell Announces New Ceo

Sean Tresvant has been confirmed as the next CEO of QSR company, Taco Bell, upon the announcement that current CEO, Mark King, would be retiring at the end of the year.

Taco Bell’s parent company, Yum Brand, said that Tresvant’s position will be effective from the 1st of January 2024. Tresvant will also be responsible for Taco Bell’s growth strategies, franchise operations, and overall performance.

After joining the company in 2022, Tresvant has been the global chief brand officer. Earlier in 2023, He was promoted and gained the strategy officer role., which allowed him to focus on developing perspective and ambition for long-term global growth.

Worlds Top 50 Vineyards Announced

Rippon Vineyard in Wanaka has been named the best vineyard in Australasia at the 2023 World’s Best Vineyards competition held in Rioja, Spain.

Rippon was in 11th place among the list of top 50 vineyards from around the world, which was heavily populated by Argentina, with Catena Zapata taking out the top spot. Rippon was the only vineyard on the list located in New Zealand.

William Reed managing director of wine and exhibitions, William Read, said that the World’s Best Vineyards continues to highlight wine tourism destinations around the globe, and that there was an impressive list of new entries this year.

“We’ve found that local and international tourists are looking for experiences that offer a whole host of activities, and our host Rioja truly fits the bill with stunning scenery, delicious food and, of course, amazing wines,” said Reed.

France had the most Vineyards within the top 50, claiming nine places, and entrants from Hungary, Georgia, and Lebanon were eligible to enter for the first time. Chilean vineyard VIK jumped one place to third, and Creation in South Africa took fourth place and was named the overall African winner.

President of Denominacion de Origen Calidicada Rioja, Fernando Ezquerro, said that it was an honour to host the prestigious event, and it was an excellent opportunity to show the world why Rioja is the finest wine region in Spain.

“Rioja’s history and traditions have led it to establish itself not only as the leading winemaking region in Spain, but also as the country’s go-to destination for wine tourism, which has had a driving effect on the seasonality and diversification of tourism in Spain. Our passion for hospitality and wine-making makes Rioja such a special place to visit,” said Ezquerro.

The Top 50 list was announced at an event attended by media from all over the world at Bodegas Beronia in the heart of Rioja Alta, which is recognised as one of the most sustainable wineries in Europe.

In the role of strategy officer, Tresvant oversaw Taco Bell’s strategy regarding food innovation, architecture, and design, as well as Taco Bell's international business and global communications.

During his time with Taco Bell, Tresvant has set a robust strategic framework that has created iconic moments within the culture and driven massive awareness and buzz for the brand, including several high-profile celebrity partnerships and the return of the fan-favourite Mexican Pizza. Prior to joining Taco Bell, Tresvant spent more than 15 years in leadership roles at Nike, including as Chief Marketing Officer of the Jordan Brand.

Tresvant has set a strategic framework and driven awareness for the brand during his time at the company, including several high-profile celebrity partnerships and the return of the fan-favourite Mexican Pizza.

Before his time at Taco Bell, Tresvant worked in leadership roles at Nike for 15 years, including as chief marketing officer of the Jordan Brand.

Vietnamese Cuisine Set To Shape Region

Aproject is underway to redefine preconceived ideas about Vietnamese food, drink and hospitality in central Vietnam’s heritage city of Hoi An.

Owners of the Wafaifo Resort, Hoi An, which is under construction, have appointed former international celebrity chef and food and beverage concept creator, Andrew Joyce of B&B Ideas Group, and international Vietnamese designer, Le Ha Hoang, of Shape Us, to create a unique series of contemporary food, beverage and lifestyle experiences for the 134-key boutique urban resort.

Managing director of Wafaifo Hospitality, Pieter van der Hoeven, said that the creative brief is to deliver a contemporary Vietnamese take that will make eating, drinking and relaxing at Wafaifo not just the talk of the town, but of central Vietnam.

“We are a proud, modern Hoi An community brand that strongly believes in the de-commodification of the hotel sector. What Andrew and Le Ha are hatching is, I’d say, revolutionary in terms of hospitality in central Vietnam.”

Joyce and Le Ha will give central Vietnamese motifs, products, designs, menus and service standards a contemporary Vietnamese twist and place them at the forefront of the resort’s outlets. These include the Swim City pool bar, the DJ booth and all-day dining long bar, the lobby coffee and retail area, the signature Vietnamese restaurant, plus meeting and event spaces.

“While Wafaifo’s restaurant and bars are technically in the hotel, they are being independently designed and attractively priced as unique standalone leisure experiences,” said Joyce.

His company, B&B Ideas, was established in Danang in 2020, drawing on his 18 years and six positions of international F&B leadership and creativity in the Middle East.

“The unique outlets at the

Revolutionising Pacific Flavour In New Zealand

Richard Seldon, SkyCity Executive Manager, Food and Beverage, said Michael was a chef who took customers on a journey with his food, values, and vision.

"This restaurant will elevate how we perceive Pacific food in New Zealand,' continued Seldon.

Meredith hoped to create new memories of what Pacific food feels like, reimagining traditional classic flavours for contemporary tastes.

Wafaifo will have a design and feel wow factor unlike anything else between Saigon and Hanoi.”

In addition, local products and flavours from central Vietnam will be showcased, such as Vietnamese robusta and arabica coffees from supplier Folliet, chocolates and bonbonniere from Savall’s in Danang, Dong Gia Chinaware, and locally designed and made staff uniforms.

In Le Ha Hoang, Joyce has collaborated with one of Vietnam’s most acclaimed architects. Le Ha will combine over 15 years of lighting design, architectural study and practice in Germany and the United Kingdom with homegrown experience in Vietnam. His recent projects include interior design for the Vietage Vietnamese luxury train carriage, and the Yugen Japanese cocktail bar and Hanoia concept store, both in Saigon.

The Wafaifo Resort, Hoi An, is due to open in July 2024. The resort is a five-minute walk from the UNESCO heritage attractions in the city. Danang international airport is 30 minutes away by car.

Vietnam attracted 3.6 million international tourists in 2022, which is 20 percent of 2019’s levels. The government is expecting at least eight million international visitors by the end of 2023.

SkyCity proudly announced that award-winning chef Michael Meredith will join the Auckland dining precinct with a new Pacific-inspired restaurant, Metita, opening in October 2023.

The much-anticipated restaurant will draw inspiration from Michael's upbringing in Samoa. Its menu has been crafted to highlight sustainably caught seafood and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

"Metita is a coming together of my Pacific heritage, my food journey and my passion for fresh and seasonal flavours", said Meredith.

Metita will hold a special place in Michael's heart, having been named after his late mother. Meredith continued that he had always wanted to name a restaurant after his mum.

"She introduced me to cooking and gave me a passion that shaped my path in life."

"Metita will be quite dynamic. I don't think people will have had Pacific food like it before. I aim for people to walk away having had a memorable experience," explained Meredith.

Metita will be the third new hospitality opening for SkyCity Auckland this year. Award-winning Indian restaurant Cassia, and a new opulent Champagne bar, SkyBar, have recently opened in the precinct.

Metita will be in The Grand by SkyCity, in the space formerly housed by Gusto at the Grand.

Michael Meredith joins chefs Sid Sahrawat, Nic Watt and Al Brown in the kitchen tomorrow for the sold-out SkyCity Matariki Feast event, which sees all four chefs collaborating on a six-course menu.

Doordash Opens In Auckland

DoorDash has officially launched in Auckland, marking the third New Zealand service to have the service in just over a year.

Beginning in May 2022, Doordash started up in Wellington before swiftly moving to Christchurch, and is now in New Zealand's largest City. Auckland is set to be the biggest launch for the on-demand delivery service in any city around the world, with over 1000 merchants signing up to the platform before opening day.

DoorDash general manager for Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, Rebecca Burrows, said it was not a small launch by any stretch.

"Our New Zealand business has been hugely successful in terms of international expansion. We are seeing the ability to bring new customers to restaurants. We will definitely be bringing new business to the service, and bringing new cases and incrementality to each of the brands,” said Burrows.

The new service branches across the Auckland region, from Drury to the North Shore and from East to West. Burrows said it was a reasonably broad launch, which allows for a much wider customer base.

The expansion to Auckland has always been on the cards. Burrows said that when first launching in New Zealand, Auckland was too big of a market to test the waters, with Wellington being the perfect size market. With a focus on New Zealand businesses and local cuisine, it was important for DoorDash to form a base before branching out further.

DoorDash has a merchant-first strategy in place, which assists merchants who sell through the platform. The programme is aimed at continuing relationships between DoorDash and merchants and showcasing what the service can do for restaurants and why it could be an integral part of operating in the future.

There was also a support element of the merchant-first strategy, which provides merchants with all the tools to thrive on the platform. This can range from exploring different shift times, which results in optimal capacity, to crafting new menu options that would be specific

AUCKLAND’S RESTAURANT MONTH RETURNS

Auckland’s Restaurant Month is back from the 1st until 31st of August, 2023. This year’s programme includes a stellar lineup of events and menu offers that showcase the breadth of talent and diversity of offerings that can only be found in the heart of the city.

Global culinary experiences are back on the menu with the return of The Chef Collab Series, after a three-year hiatus. Over a series of four dining events, international chefs are paired with the chefs of iconic Auckland city centre restaurants for one-off dining events. Celebrated Kiwi chefs Analiese Gregory and Justin North will return home for the series. Gregory will join Ben Bayly at Ahi to create a six-course menu blending her foraging ethos with Bayly’s love of indigenous ingredients and Māori cooking techniques. While North will partner with Des Harris at FISH Restaurant to present a three-course seafood menu showcasing career highlights from his time at three beloved French establishments: Banc, Becasse and Le Manoir. Memories will be the inspiration for Nelly Robinson from Sydney’s famed ‘Nel’, who will team up with Sid Sahrawat of the recently reopened Cassia Restaurant to create six courses of modern Indian dining.

The Flavours of the City series will celebrate eateries unique to the to consumer needs. Burrows said it is an understanding necessary for merchants to come on board.

"It's about what is important to you and what is important to us. Having brands that consumers love and can discover and enjoy, but make sure that there is more than one structure for merchants to adapt to. We understand the different needs of every merchant."

Burrows added that some merchants might be looking for growth while some could be struggling with capacity needs. The merchant-first strategy was one of the core values of the business.

Mitchell Baker, the director spokesperson for vegan burger company, Wise Boys, said they were stoked to be part of DoorDash's highly anticipated launch into Auckland. city centre over ten events. An amuse-bouche of what’s planned includes a Dumpling and Noodle Crawl of local favourites on Lorne Street, and a four-course dinner at Homeland by Peter Gordon celebrating local producers, including The Kai Ika Project, who rescue and distribute excess kai moana through Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae in Mangere.

"By joining forces with DoorDash, we can get our delicious vegan burgers into the hands of even more people, furthering our mission to promote animal and planet-friendly food options," said Baker.

The merchant first strategy offers a point of difference in the competitive food delivery service market, with DoorDash opting for a localised approach, hence setting up a local account management team in New Zealand and being more accessible for merchants.

DoorDash has a wide range of options for consumers in Auckland, from local restaurants and small cafes to fast food giants like McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

While those who are keen to learn about the rich history and tradition of some of the city centre’s eateries can book a Lincoln’s Table walking tour, they’ll check out everything from traditional Chinese hotpot in Guangzhou to Jungle 8, the newest addition to Elliott Stables.

Diners will also have the opportunity to connect with chefs from some of our city’s top restaurants through an exclusive evening of food and conversation through the Chef’s Table Series. A taste of what’s on offer for this annual favourite includes the opportunity to celebrate 20 years of MoVida with popular dishes prepared by Frank Camorra – or seven years of Culprit with Kyle Street. Along with seven of his chef friends –including Al Brown – they’re creating the quintessentially quirky dishes of this local institution. While plant-based diners can savour a modern-Asian menu courtesy of East Restaurant chefs Stuart Marsden and Vincent Yan.

Viv Beck, Heart of the City Chief Executive, said that Restaurant Month is well-established as a city centre “must do” on people’s calendars. “This year, there’s a fabulous mix of events, deals, local and international celebrity chefs that when combined, highlight how our dining scene continues to thrive. At the heart of the programme is a celebration of the diversity of cuisine and calibre of talent throughout the heart of the city. We can’t wait for foodies to experience what’s on offer this August,” said Beck.

Every day in August, more than 100 specially created menus at three price points - $30, $45 and $55+ per person will be served across the city centre. The return of Social Hour sees over 15 of the top bars and restaurants in the city centre pouring delicious cocktails paired with beautiful bites.

New Plymouth

Monday 10th July 1-5pm

TSB Stadium, Pukekura Raceway, Rogan Street

Palmerston North

Tuesday 11th July 1-5pm

Barber Hall, Arena Manawatu, Waldegrave Street

Hawke's Bay

Wednesday 12th July 1-5pm

Hastings Sports Centre, 503 Railway Road, Hastings Nelson

Tuesday 15th August 12-4pm

Trafalgar Centre, Paru Paru Road

Greymouth

Wednesday 16th August 1-5pm

Boys Brigade Hall, Hokitika Racecourse, 1 Hau Hau Road, Hokitika

Whangarei

Tuesday 22nd August 12 -4pm

McKay Stadium, 97 Western Hills Drive, Kensington

Auckland North

Wednesday 23rd August 12 -4pm

Eventfinda Stadium, 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley

Uber Eats Rides On Two Wheels

Uber Eats is introducing a new range of free personal protective equipment in an effort to bolster safety for all new and active delivery people who use bicycles, scooters or motorbikes to deliver using the Uber Eats app.

The safety gear has been codesigned in consultation with delivery people and industry experts. It aims to raise awareness of PPE usage and encourage other two-wheel users to embrace safety equipment themselves.

A new survey commissioned by Uber Eats revealed that 45 percent of New Zealanders feel unsafe whilst riding a bicycle. However, over a third (37 percent) said that wearing more protective equipment would make them feel safer on the road, especially equipment for low-light riding.

importance of high quality and high visibility fit-for-purpose safety equipment in helping Kiwis feel confident to use their bikes more regularly.”

Those surveyed also showed low awareness of cycle safety and rules, with only 37 percent knowing about the New Zealand cycling road code, and even fewer (30 percent) knowing the code rules. Identifying the broader need for safety education, Uber Eats has also partnered with Love to Ride to share safety cycling tips for all Kiwis.

Regional Manager of Love to Ride Asia and Pacific, Christina Sorbella, said that safety is incredibly important for anyone on two wheels.

Christchurch

Wednesday 13th September

1-5pm Christchurch Arena, 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington

Timaru

Thursday 14th September

12-4pm Southern Trusts Events Centre, 70 Morgans Road, Glenwood

Auckland South

Tuesday 19th September 12-4pm

Ellerslie Event Centre, Newmarket Room, 100 Ascot Avenue, Ellerslie

Hamilton

Wednesday 20th September 12-4pm Claudelands Event Centre, cnr Brooklyn Road & Heaphy Terrace, Claudelands

Dunedin

Tuesday 26th September 1-5pm

More FM Arena, Edgar Centre, cnr Portsmouth Drive & Teviot Street lnvercargill

Wednesday 27th September 12 -4pm

ILT Stadium Southland, Surrey Park Sports Centre, Isabella Street

In a step to address these concerns, Uber Eats enlisted the help of 40 delivery people who use the platform to co-design the gear over six months, and consulted with industry experts. The gear is designed to be fit-forpurpose and effective, so delivery people nationwide will feel safe and comfortable wearing them. The newly redesigned personal protective equipment is also tested and certified to ensure certification for New Zealand standards are met. The set includes highquality safety vests, rain jackets, delivery bags and bike kits (lights, reflectives, phone holder).

General Manager of Uber New Zealand, Emma Foley, said that safety is a critical priority.

“We want to ensure that delivery people who make use of the Uber Eats platform for earning opportunities can do so safely. This gear will help play a crucial role in enhancing safety for existing delivery people and others looking to join the platform. We hope this initiative goes some way to helping our two-wheeled delivery people feel safer on the road,” said Foley.

“With Kiwis wanting to see more uptake in cycling, we hope this will also raise awareness of the

"When you know how to ride safely on the road, you feel more confident and comfortable on bike and you can experience more enjoyment from riding. Riding a bike brings us so many benefits, both to us individually in terms of health and happiness, but it also brings benefits for our society and planet. By improving rider safety with tips and advice on the right gear like lights, a helmet, bright and high vis clothing, we can help more people gain the skills to feel confident and comfortable while getting around by bike."

In the last 12 months, Uber Eats has also launched various safety features, including ‘Don’t Type and Ride’, where in-app messaging is disabled while a delivery person is in motion, and Hold Notifications to pause any in-app notifications when a delivery person is in motion. Other safety features include helmet detection technology and a bicycle safety checklist that all two-wheel delivery people must complete before accepting trips on the Uber Eats app.

The ordering of this new protective gear will roll out in phases starting from the 6th of July, and will be made available to all new and active two-wheel delivery people delivering with Uber Eats by the end of July 2023.