1Mokotahi Bach
153 Newcastle Street, Mahia
This region attracts passionate producers, artisans and restaurateurs who deliver New Zealand’s foremost array of provenance-led culinary experiences, while the region’s unrivalled bounty ensures visitors experience the full gamut of paddock to plate, grape to glass and tree to table feasting. But with so much to devour, where do you start?
Award-winning chef James Beck is taking foodies behind the scenes of Hawke’s Bay in a new series that brings together Food and Wine Country’s best ingredients. James will show you how to make truly delicious dishes featuring produce from across the region, and get to know some of the people preparing our incredible bounty.
Whether it be pāua, kina, crayfish, filleted tarakihi or kingfish ceviche, there’s nothing better than kaimoana fresh from the ocean.
Now, just in time for summer, award-winning chef James Beck showcases a handful of simple, quick recipes, filled with delicious ingredients from Wairoa in northern Hawke’s Bay – perfect for the beach, bach, boat and beyond.
Grilled Crayfish with Saffron Aioli
153 Newcastle Street, Mahia
Foraged with locals
116 Marine Parade, Wairoa
State Highway 2, Wairoa District
1/165 Glendining Road, Wairoa
Available via supermarkets
And at the hands of renowned chef James Beck, the township’s fresh olives, squash and beef, and boutique cheese and lime products are elevated once again to create an incredible dish that can be served at any time of the year.
Team with a smooth Hawke’s Bay Syrah and a warm autumn evening for perfection.
Chilli and Lime Glazed Beef Short Rib
But in the heart of winter, one ingredient shines brighter than most – the elusive truffle. Join award-winning chef James Beck as he delivers a decadent three-course meal, where truffle is the hero of every dish.
Looking for a recipe outside of truffle season? These dishes are just as tasty without!
Baked Potato Soup with Truffles
Chicken Braised with Wine and Black Truffle
via supermarkets
via supermarkets
via Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
via Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
It’s little wonder why acclaimed chef James Beck chose to create spring recipes in this bountiful district.
From succulent Waipawa Butchery lamb to the season’s first strawberries and some of the country’s leading hemp products, Central Hawke’s Bay delivers above and beyond for this tasty meal.
Hawke’s Bay Asparagus with Sauce Gribiche
Roast Lamb Rump with Hemp Seed Crust on Beetroot & Grain Risotto
via Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
via Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
286 Te Aute Road, Havelock North
When sourcing ingredients from this compact, coastal city, renowned chef James Beck headed to both the sea and CBD to create an aromatic and succulent taste of Napier.
Three courses and a bounty of fresh produce. Paired well with a Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay!
via Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
via Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
via stockists, see website
Known as ‘black diamonds’, truffles are incredibly tricky to produce but can be found at Hawke’s Bay’s hidden truffières each winter as chefs, nationwide, wait with bated breath to get their hands on the elusive ingredient.
Renowned for their earthy, musty and pungent taste and aroma, truffles are typically found by truffle dogs, trained to sniff out – but not eat! – the truffle. Traditionally used in pasta, egg, potato and poultry dishes, truffles are now used across a wide range of meals and mealtimes, with shaved truffles an incredibly versatile garnish.
A number of Hawke’s Bay operators run truffle events each winter, but keep an eye out for Wallingford and The Manse, who team truffle hunts with truffle degustation dinners.
The region not only has the largest amount of trees in the country, but also the two largest individual, commercial groves are based in the region as well.
This attracts innovative producers, such as Telegraph Hill, who have been producing award winning olives, olive oil and hand crafting innovative condiments, sauces and drizzles since starting out in 2001.
Telegraph Hill Olivery and Tasting Room is open Monday-Friday all year round, and on Saturdays during warmer months. Otherwise, visit the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market to taste test both Telegraph Hill and Aquiferra olive oils.
Home to both the country’s oldest winery – Mission Estate – and leading winery – Craggy Range (as judged in World's Best Vineyards 2022) – Hawke’s Bay’s varied terrior and Mediterranean-like climate has long ripened even the heaviest of Bordeaux varietals and now produces silky Syrah, full-bodied reds and innovative Chardonnay, among much, much more.
With more than 35 cellar doors and over 70 wineries, check out our Cellar Doors Guide for more inspiration.
Sold throughout New Zealand, Hands Down Tortillas have shaken up the Aotearoa tortilla scene using quality maize from Hawke’s Bay to deliver light, fluffy and deliciously tasty corn tortillas.
What’s more, Hands Down Tortillas bring the party to the Napier CBD with their regular Carpark Taco Parties.
Operating for more than 20 years, the market is one of the oldest and largest in New Zealand and, as Hawke’s Bay’s most delicious Sunday service, is a must-do for visitors to the region.
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market runs from 8.30am-12.30pm at the Waikoko Gardens in Hastings' Tomoana Showgrounds, and effortlessly encapsulates the region’s vast and sumptuous offering of tasty bites and divine drinks.
The region’s light soils and dry climate have attracted a wealth of growers investing time and energy into innovative techniques, ensuring blueberries can be purchased in Hawke’s Bay, from early November and through until the end of April.
At Bay Blue in Hastings, the Hirst Family and their team have been growing and picking thousands of berries every year since 2005.
Their fresh fruit can be found at the Hawke’s Bay Famers’ Market in Hastings on Sundays, at the Napier Urban Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and at their Orchard Gate in Hastings from the start of December.
And while blueberries themselves are showstoppers, don’t miss the chance to try Bay Blue’s premium natural ice cream and delicious natural sorbet as well.
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