Rotorua's eateries pass the taste test

Rotorua restaurants, breweries and bakeries are becoming nationally and internationally recognised as they become more creative with their delicious fare.

Rotorua's Croucher Brewing has picked up another international award for its Croucher Pilsner at the Australian International Beer Awards this year - the largest annual beer competition in the world.

It won the gold medal and the Spieglau Trophy for best Pilsner. Brewers Nigel Gregory and Paul Croucher say the judges are starting to embrace the styles coming out of New Zealand, whereas previously their beers were described as not ''Czech'' or ''English'' enough.

There is now an understanding of the Kiwi style, where New Zealand hops are developed into classic styles of beer.

The company also opened up its own bar last year called Brew and with an enthusiastic chef on board, launched a new menu this winter which incorporates the craft beers in every dish.

Meals include Croucher Patriot braised shanks, Pilsner marinated plum slowcooked ribs, Pale Ale apricot chicken drumsticks with hops, Ethiopian Espresso Stout and chocolate brownie, as well as a fascinating option: the trio of beer sorbet.

Brew is also developing a Patriot sausage with the local butcher and a Pale Ale bread with the bakery down the road as it keeps developing the menu.

Visitors to Rotorua are also clamouring to buy one artisan bakery's ciabatta products. Swiss-born baker Alex Bürge opened the Ciabatta Bakery and produces what is believed to be the world's longest ciabatta bread - the ''Long Dog'' - a whopping 43 centimetres in length.

All Ciabatta Bakery breads, Streusels and Berliners (donuts) are made using traditional methods and Bürge's factory operates around the clock, closing for just two days a year.

The bakery has also developed its own line of Swiss dressings and a Swiss seasoning. ''All Ciabatta Bakery breads, Streusels and Berliners (donuts) are made using traditional methods and Bürge's factory operates around the clock.''

And let's not forget the humble pie and chips...

Patrick Lam's Gold Star bakery was in the spotlight again this year, winning the best Chicken and Vegetable pie in the Bakel's Pie Awards. The bakery has also won Supreme Pie of the Year an exceptional four times with Mince and Cheese (2003), Gourmet Meat (2004 and 2009) and Bacon and Egg (2010).

Down the road Oppies Fish and Chips was also named New Zealand's top chip shop for 2011. So for Kiwi favourites, Rotorua offers the best.