F.A.W.C! - One Big Tasty Night

An intimate and sophisticated celebration of the very best of Hawke’s Bay food and wine.

Guests will be treated to a fifteen course degustation menu designed by Chef James Beck, in consultation with Sommelier Chris Smythe. This uniquely themed menu will take you on a virtual culinary journey through the exciting array of contrasting food producing areas within the Hawkes Bay. Starting off with a 'champagne breakfast' on the foreshore in Ahuriri, you will taste the flavours and textures of the beach, before exploring the delicacies of our winding river systems. From there, you will enjoy the flora and fauna of the Heretaunga Plains; the fruitbowl of New Zealand.
A sojourn into the Interior to experience the delights of high country farming, then leads you full circle, back to town where we finish with a selection of sweet indulgences.

The evening will be hosted by Ray McVinnie, and promises to be a legendary event
for the true Gourmand. Those with an absolute passion for food and wine can look forward to a progression of ever increasing highs of sensory stimulation, enjoying a style of food seldom seen or eaten in New Zealand.

James set up Cornucopia in 2009, with the aim of bringing flavoursome, fresh & approachable organic food to Hastings.
Prior to this he spent eight years cooking in top restaurants in Europe including the Savoy Hotel, Quiqui da Costa, Pastorale and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck. During this time he developed a deep understanding and respect for the integrity of every ingredient. He learnt to work in harmony with nature to ensure the best quality produce and to apply a rigorous technique to its preparation, in order to preserve the essence of each flavour. Whilst honing his own personal philosophy of food and gaining impressive technical skill, he was exposed to some of the most innovative and original
ideas in modern cookery. Returning to New Zealand and setting up his own kitchen has allowed James to fully express his unique creativity and passion for food. His style is an effortless blend of disciplined, classical technique, together with an earthy and wholesome sensitivity to the produce, seasons and bounty of his home - here in the beautiful Hawkes Bay.

Chris was seduced into Hospitality whilst studying Law & Economics at the University of Auckland. Over the years he has been continually drawn back to the industry by his love of great food & wine and his natural flair for sharing his knowledge and insights into both. He is renowned for his natural warmth and generosity as a host, having spent time in legendary restaurants such as Cin Cin, Vinnies, Bracu, The Bach, Craggy Range, & most recently Molten.
He views the sharing of kai as a conduit for connecting people and is humbled to be an ambassador for the finest traditions of Maori hospitality. Many of you will recognise Chris from his years as Sommelier & front of house personality at Pacifica Restaurant in Napier. Chris is of Ngai Tai & Ngati Tama Te Ra descent.

One Big Tasty Night is part of F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic. F.A.W.C! is a series of “out of the box” unique food and wine experiences set in stunning locations in Hawke’s Bay. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with chefs and food producers, wine makers and all the other clever people that make up the national and regional food and wine scene. www.fawc.co.nz