Seafood fest gets foodies out of their shell

Chef Jim Taua is ready for the festival. Photo / Andrew Warner

The organiser of Rotorua's inaugural seafood festival, Shane Heremaia of Te Kotahitanga O Te Arawa Waka Fisheries Trust, is confident ticket sales will reach the high tide mark.

VIP tickets were reeled in by the public weeks ago which was a good sign for organisers and gives them confidence the festival is just what locals are after.

And there will be plenty to like as local chefs have pushed the boat out to conjure up some mouth-watering morsels for the event.

The seafood temptations include scallops, mussels, kina, paua, whitebait, crayfish and salmon presented in a variety of ways.

And as well as this, a range of liquid refreshments will be for sale, including healthy fresh fruit smoothies, and kawakawa juices.

"If you love seafood, you are going to love this festival - thai lobster salad, scampi tails, seafood paella, creamed paua, kina shots - it's all on offer.

"Perfect with a nice glass of Toi Toi Reserve Riesling or Lawn Ranger Radler while listening to our exciting local entertainers," said Mr Heremaia.

The day will be hosted by MKR celebrity chefs Jay and Sarah, who are giving a cooking demonstration at 1pm and will also be available to get to know the locals with a Q&A at 12.20pm.

Local musician Stella Maris will take centre stage with some musical magic at 11.30am, then at 12.40pm, paddlers from Te Arawa Waka Taua will impress with their skills.

The winners of last year's Rotorua Smokefree Pacifica Beats Competition, Kapiolani Kihi-Waikato will be performing at 12.55pm and at 1.55pm, Native Nations' Katerina Pihera and Marcus Ridge will be performing their indigenous sound while promoting positive connections.

Some locals might like to sharpen their skills as the title for the inaugural mussel shelling king or queen is up for grabs and starts at 3pm.

"We are looking forward to an amazing day," said Mr Heremaia.

Details:

* What: Rotorua Summer Seafood Festival.

* When: Tomorrow, 11am-4pm.

* Where: Soundshell and Village Green.

* Tickets: General admission $20.