Crème de la crème

Wednesday night saw the crème de la crème (as it were) of the food industry at the Hilton in Auckland to celebrate The Food Show’s Auckland opening. Here’s what they wore at cocktails for the national event for food and wine lovers everywhere…

Wednesday night saw the crème de la crème (as it were) of the food industry at the Hilton in Auckland to celebrate The Food Show’s Auckland opening.

It is of course a national event for food and wine lovers everywhere, held in Wellington earlier this year, Christchurch, and Auckland on 28th to 31st July. It has been running for the last 10 years and has definitely become a highlight of the foodie calendar.

They took the opportunity of announcing the re-launch of The Food Show website, www.thefoodshow.co.nz, with lots of information about the coming events. It looks like a great way to see some of the 300 contributors and what they have to offer, as well as the Master classes that are available. The Master classes are $35 each and come with an exclusive gift. Places are limited to 50 per class.

Also with Alison Gofton, Ray McVinnie, Simon Gault, Julie LeClerc and both winner and runner up of Masterchef 2011 – Nadia Lim and Jax Hamilton – cooking their favourite recipes at the Electrolux Cooking Theatre, there is so much to choose from. The Electrolux Cooking Theatre is included in the ticket price, but seating is on a first come first served basis.

Sarah Jane Gillies, Julie LeClerc and Louise Richardson.

The food on the evening was of course divine with the most amazing paella being cooked all through the evening. Below: ice sculptures at the party.

We got to meet the charming Nadia Lim from Masterchef who is really as gracious and sweet as you might imagine – she was wearing a gorgeous colourful silk dress from Vanilla Ink, which one was of the standout dresses of the evening.

Below: Nadia Lim, Colin Mathura-Jeffree, and Jax Hamilton from Masterchef.

The other dress we loved was the Trelise Cooper dress worn by the ever-lovely Petra Bagust. I know it is a food event, but we can’t go and not notice the fashion, now can we?

Amanda Lyne, Petra Bagust and Judi Bagust.

Most of the cast of The Almighty Johnsons were there, all looking rather dapper also. A very pleasant evening was had by all, and we even got to take home a bag of brownies from Loaf. It was a perfect way to end the evening.

Below: Colin and Jared Turner from The Almighty Johnsons.

The Food Show is at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland from the 28th July to the 31st July. A word to the wise – if you are able to get to the preview day on the 28th, it is slightly more expensive at $40 gate sales as opposed to $25 for the following two days, but it is quieter, and it is easier to see everything on offer… just a thought… also check the website for advanced sales as it is also a cheaper way of doing it. Bon appetit!

Book now at www.eventfinder.co.nz

More details at: www.foodshow.co.nz

The Food Show Auckland: 28 – 31 July at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane.

Photography and story by Anya Brighouse 21 July 2011