Tasters spicing up the Horowhenua food trail

Jade Waculicz enjoying a plate of raw veges from Woodhaven Gardens during last year's Horowhenua Taste Trail.

Get your taste buds ready as tickets are now on sale for the Horowhenua Taste Trail, an adventure through Horowhenua specialist food producers showcasing eight producers and a dairy farm.

Last year's inaugural event was a huge hit, and this year, organisers have added to the offering with a series of event "tasters" that include an Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class, and a Little White Rabbit champagne breakfast in the Tendertips Asparagus Packhouse.

To start the trail off with something a bit special, The Horowhenua Food Story is a cocktail party being held the night before, November 24, catered for by Ruth Pretty - the first event to be held at Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom to showcase the finest and freshest Horowhenua produce.

Events co-ordinator Kristy McGregor says the events are designed to create a festival-like atmosphere over the week of the Trail.

"We are trying to offer experiences that you wouldn't get otherwise, from in-depth, hands on workshops using the produce, to food experiences that devour the taste buds.

"Each experience tells a little more about the produce and brings people closer to where their food comes from. And learning how to cook a new recipe is always lots of fun," she said.

With only limited numbers of tickets available for the taster events, they are expected to sell out quickly.

Horowhenua Taste Trail

Saturday November 25, 10am - 4pm

Early Bird Tickets - Buy your tickets online before November 24 to save!
• 12 years and under - Free
• Over 12 - $10
Buy on the day - on the day tickets can be purchased at any of the sites.
• 12 years and under - $5
• Over 12 - $15

The Horowhenua Food Story

Friday November 24, 6pm - 9pm

Get your glad rags on and celebrate the Horowhenua Food Story. An evening celebration where you will hear the stories of the Horowhenua producers early days starting out, to where they have come to now.

Tickets $50 - glass of bubbles on arrival, and canapes featuring the produce of local producers, whipped up by acclaimed foodie Ruth Pretty.

Tendertips Asparagus Champagne Breakfast by Little White Rabbit

Saturday November 25, 9am - 10am

Kick start your Taste Trail experience in style with a special breakfast at the Tendertips Asparagus Packhouse. The Little White Rabbit pop-up café will be serving Tendertips Juicy Jumbos with Levin free-range poached eggs, hollandaise, toasted sourdough and prosciutto.

Tickets $35 includes breakfast and a glass of bubbles (or coffee, tea or juice).

Uma's Vegetarian Cooking Class with Woodhaven Gardens

Wednesday November 22, 6pm - 9pm

Learn how to make authentic Indian dishes with Uma. On the menu are vegetarian dishes featuring the freshest produce from Woodhaven Gardens. After watching a demonstration and learning how to make the dish you will enjoy the meal as a group.

Tickets $55, includes all ingredients to cook with, and dinner you created to enjoy.