It took the smell of freshly baked bread to pierce through the pea-soup fog blanketing Masterton yesterday morning.
A dozen loaves of Cottage Lane demi-baguettes were delivered via a 1948 Hillman Minx van to The Grill restaurant, to celebrate the opening today of the annual Wellington on a Plate food festival.
Breadcraft owner and baker John Cockburn handed the loaves over to The Grill's executive chef Paul Condron - the first of many being supplied free to 12 Wairarapa and Wellington restaurants during the course of the 16-day festival.
Mr Cockburn said his grandfather, Harold, started Breadcraft in Queen St in 1942, which made John the third generation of bakers to work at the company. He said the company was using Wellington on a Plate to promote its artisan bread range.
Now in its third year, Wellington on a Plate is a regional festival celebrating all things food and wine, with an emphasis on quality local cuisine and affordability.
As well as The Grill, Greytown restaurant Salute, Cafe Mirabelle in Carterton, and the Gladstone Vineyard Cafe will also be providing special menus between today and August 21.
Six food and drink events will also be held in the region, including a wine-making course at Matahiwi Estate, a Pies and Pinot event at Wairarapa Wine Cellar in Greytown, and a hummus festival at the Parehua Estate in Martinborough.
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