It promises to be the longest dinner in Wanganui for a long while, not so much for the time it will take but rather the number of people who will sit down to eat. The Boundless Banquet is part of the Vintage Weekend of activities being held in Wanganui on anniversary weekend (January 18-20).
Elise Goodge, Mainstreet Wanganui marketing manager, said "cars are out, diners are in" with this particular event.
Ms Goodge said on Saturday, January 18, the bottom block of Victoria Ave will be closed to cars and given over to diners who will enjoy the best cuisine Wanganui has to offer the communal dinner.
She said the dinner stemmed from discussions about a food festival for Wanganui and while the food festival concept was "still on the boil" the idea of an event to complement an existing festival seemed an achievable short-term goal.
A call went out to all Mainstreet Wanganui members and four businesses put their hands up and began working to achieve "a long dinner".
"Those four are Element Cafe and Bistro, Jolt Cafe, Ambrosia Delicatessen, and Delicious Cafe and Wine Bar. All four wanted an opportunity to show off just how good eating out in Wanganui can be as well as the variety of outstanding talent we have in the local hospitality industry," Ms Goodge said.
They have created a three-course set menu featuring local produce such as Windermere Berries and Lonely Goat cheese. The entree and main are wine matched with New Zealand wines and the dessert will be matched with a coffee. A vegetarian option is available upon prior request.
Tickets cost $80 each and will be limited to 72. Diners will sit down at tables on the Avenue outside Element.
Ms Goodge said the theme for the evening was "Steam Punk", which is a mixture of Victoriana and science fiction with a hint of steam technology nostalgia. "Diners are encouraged to dress up for the occasion and really get into the spirit of the meal." Tickets are available from Ambrosia Delicatessen, Element Cafe and Bistro and Delicious Cafe and Wine Bar.