Emporium Eatery and Bar. Photo / File
June heralds the beginning of winter but that's no reason to stay indoors.
Because Winter F.A.W.C! is back and, along with it, F.A.W.C! by 5.
Until July 9 you can dine your way around Hawke's Bay with spectacular deals from some of the region's top restaurants, cafes and bars.
FAWC! by 5 is all about food, wine and excellent value for money with menu selections in $5 offerings.
So grab some friends and make a date to enjoy some delicious food, wine and beer at one of the participating venues.
I will be previewing some of the meals so you know what you have to look forward to.
Emporium Eatery and Bar
2 Tennyson St, Napier South
Buffalo Jerky and glass of bourbon, $15
Emporium's executive chef Damon McGinniss wanted his F.A.W.C! by 5 dish to be fun, quirky and a little bit different.
He certainly nailed his own brief with this salty snack and delicious drink.
The Buffalo Jerky tasted fresh and delicious.
Damon said he chose buffalo because it was a nice fresh product.
"I played around with it, trying it in different ways," Damon said.
"I wanted to create a nice tasty bar snack with a difference. Something you can share with your friends at a really good price.
"Our bar and beverage manager, Shaye Bird, came up with the bourbon which goes perfectly with the jerky."
Damon said he loved being involved with Winter F.A.W.C! and F.A.W.C! by 5.
"It promotes the region and brings people in from out of town. It also gives staff a vehicle to do something different.
"And it's not just about food and wine. Accommodation providers get a boost as does the retail section with more people in town."
He said he found diners were a lot more adventurous these days.
"People like to try something they don't normally have.
"They still go for the primal cuts like steak but there is also high interest in secondary cuts cooked in interesting ways. They need to be thoughtfully created and presented to diners. People like to be surprised when dining out."
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