FAWC: Food Alley ready to get cooking

Havelock North Business Association president Sam Jackman says the heart of the Village will become the ultimate Food Alley on Thursday. Photo / Paul Taylor

The penultimate weekend of F.A.W.C!'s winter series starts on Thursday, with Havelock North's heart transformed into a "Food Alley."

Everything is designed to be eaten on the street, there will be DJ entertainment all evening and a cooking demonstration by Farmhouse Kitchen.

Napier Rd is closed from 3pm to 9pm, with food available from 3pm to 8pm, Havelock North Business Association president Sam Jackman says.

"It came about with the marketing team, we wanted to get involved with winter F.A.W.C! and showcase our restaurants and food people," he said.

The concept is simple - a range of hot fare to combat cool temperatures, with prices going up in multiples of $5, making it a cheap and cheerful outing for the whole family.

"There is no booze allowed, it's going to be a fun affair - we have got about 17 stallholders ranging from barbecue to pizza, hot soups and coffee - all sorts of goodies."

Foodies hail from the Village, except for the Paella A Go Go man who makes the trip from Hastings because, "everyone loves hot paella on a cold evening", Mr Jackman says.

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas says there are barely any tickets left for the second to last weekend, but people should look out for F.A.W.C! by 5 offerings at the Hawke's Bay Farmers Market.

Friday marks the Helicopter Trust Cocktail Party at Lindisfarne College. For more than 23 years, the Hastings Karamu Rotary Club has run this glitzy fundraiser for the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust and is giving it a "F.A.W.C!-over" this year.

Te Awa is celebrating the re-launch of its Left Field range, cabaret style. Think Moulin Rouge meets wine-making with a cabaret performance, burlesque dancers and live music. Ticket includes the entertainment, canapes, wine tastings and a mini platter dinner selection, but with only four spots left it will be a sell-out.

Tuatara breweries has been recognised for bringing flavour and individuality to the world's pre-eminent refreshment and that is something to celebrate.

The Westshore Beach Inn will do just that with Tuatara II on Sunday - there are only a few tickets remaining - it pays to get in quick.

This week's festivities follow a jam-packed second weekend - marking a halfway point of the winter series.

Hawke's Bay turned on the weather for Sunday's Bollinger Brunch at Millar Road - where chef James Beck took guests on a gastronomic journey through six courses. A highlight was a full English breakfast - mushroom, egg yolk, truffle mousse and bacon - all encased in the shell of a humble egg.

Jam on toast was served "like never before", says Beck, in an appetiser literally bursting with flavour - toasted brioche croutons were complemented by a "sphere" of jam which exploded on the tongue.

With clear skies - the view from Millar Road luxury accommodation stretched out to Mahia Peninsula, while inside a roaring fire kept diners toasty warm.

Ms Dundas was pleased the weather held out for what resulted in an "amazing" few days in the Bay.

-For ticket prices and more information, visit: fawc.co.nz