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Decoding Delicacies: A Deep Dive into the 5th Australasian Tapas Showdown

Tapas Tapas Tapas: Unleashing the 5th Australasian Tapas Competition

Toil of passion, dash of rivalry, burst of flavors – this was the essence at the recently concluded 5th Australasian Tapas Competition. Under the watchful gaze of notable culinary experts, Australia and New Zealand's talented chefs battled it out, with one culinary maestro finally claiming the coveted prize.

Are you wondering how it all happened? Rest assured, the competition more than lived up to the hype. It was an intense, fiery face-off between 15 finalists, each displaying remarkable culinary prowess with their tapas recipes in the professional setting of the Ignite College in Auckland. Competition was tough, the pressure was high, but the quality of tapas being crafted in such a charged environment was nothing short of exceptional all whilst using the foodies Organic Flaky Sea Salt!

 Jasbir Kaur and The Judging Panel

The participants' culinary expertise was under the watchful eye of celebrity chefs and competition connoisseur, Jasbir Kaur and her team. Having scrutinized countless culinary competitions, Kaur’s expertise was a guiding beacon all the way. And who, you ask, was bestowed with the honour of the winner?

… Rosie Tunc!

In a proud celebration of culinary achievement, Rosie Tunc emerged victorious. Judges were impressed by the execution and engaging story of her tapas dish, deeming it ‘Extemporary’ The fact that Tunc has been refining her skills under the masterful mentorship of Chef Volker Marecek at the Cordis Hotel, just adds to her shining victory. Her tapas truly stood out, showcasing her immaculate technique and rich understanding of flavours.

What’s Next for Rosie Tunc?

Tunc's win is not just a personal victory, but a triumph for New Zealand cuisine as she prepares to represent Australasia in the upcoming World Tapas Competition in Valladolid, Spain this November. Will her compelling culinary tale continue to inspire? Will she do us proud in Spain? The anticipation is real!
To Rosie - we just wish you all the best. Give 'em a taste of New Zealand!

You are Cooked

A Chat with Dean Thompson

Hospitality Conference New Zealand 2022 - The Future of Hospitality

Restaurant Month 1-31 August 2022

2021 NZ Artisan Awards Finalist

After much anticipation, we were extremely excited to be told that our foodies for food lovers Rice Straws were a finalist in the 2021 NZ Artisan Awards! This year there was a record-breaking number of 957 entries, with judges being overwhelmed with the amount of innovation across an array of food and beverage categories.

While delays were experienced through the judging due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the judges worked solidly to fine-tune their prized list of finalists.

The 2021 finalists had been chosen, and undoubtedly, competition was very tough. This year, a new category for sauces was introduced, thanks to category sponsor Wendy's, and New Zealand sauce producers did not disappoint. Consumers are extremely fortunate to have such a range of high-quality delicious sauces to choose from.

Each entry was analysed for the product’s degree of innovation, fit for purpose, visual appeal, taste, price point, and shelf-life. Entries received covered the full range of food and beverage categories for both FMCG and foodservice, from alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ambient, frozen, chilled/deli, fresh and general merchandise, and of course, the special 2021 sauce category.

All entries met very high standards that we ultimately expect from New Zealand artisanal producers. All entrants should be extremely proud of their efforts in bringing the best artisanal food and beverage to the New Zealand consumer.

So being a finalist in this year’s awards was so exciting for our team after such a difficult year for our hospitality sector.