Marcel's Great Pancake Race

This year Kiwis are getting a little taste of what the rest of the world has been celebrating for 500 years - Pancake Racing on Pancake Day, Tuesday the 21st of February.

Marcel’s is a small company with a big heart and a passion for pancakes. Owned and run by Belgium-born Marcel Naenen and his wife Inge Vercammen, they set up the company, now under Van Dyck Fine Foods, in New Plymouth 12 years ago. The pair use authentic Belgian recipes with New Zealand ingredients to create perfect ready-made pancakes with a homemade taste. These days, Marcel’s home-grown pancakes, crepes and blinis are sold in the bakery section of most New Zealand supermarkets.

To celebrate their success and an international tradition, Marcel’s is holding New Zealand’s first Pancake Day and Race. The event, entitled ‘Marcel’s Great Pancake Race’, is open to all and will feature races and a free breakfast to anyone attending in Auckland.

The event will take place on International Pancake Day, when anybody and everybody can visit Auckland’s No 1. Queen Street Café to take part in flipping, running, eating and generally celebrating pancakes. A $500 prize is up for grabs for teams and individuals participating in the race. Everyone who joins in will be treated to a delicious breakfast of Marcel’s pancakes and toppings completely free of charge.