Dish 2013: Local mushroom the hero

Head chef at Columbus Mega Cafe in Hastings, Stacey Smith, with his Signature Dish Creamy Mushroom, Organic Steak Stack. Photo / Duncan Brown

Having the second largest mushroom producer in New Zealand on our back doorstep was motivation for chef Stacey Smith's Creamy Mushroom, Organic Steak Stack.

The impressive offering was already a hit, with 250 Signature Dishes sold since it was added to the menu at Columbus Mega Cafe in Hastings on September 12.

"The whole idea of the competition is to try and showcase Hawke's Bay produce so that's where Te Mata Mushrooms comes in, they are the second largest producer in the country," Cafe manager Carl Tregurtha said.

"Mushrooms and steak go well together so we brought in that organic rump from Ti Kouka Farm, they grow their own and have been going for 10 years this month."

Entered in the cafe category, Columbus has a fighting chance at winning the title with positive feedback flowing.

"We have had people use words such as 'spectacular,' when it comes out."

Creamy mushrooms are seasoned with garlic, while a side of home made verjus and honey onion jam add a unique twist.

It is the second year they have entered the competition which pits local chefs against one another across three categories.

A winner for each category will be decided by a panel of mystery judges and a People's Choice vote.