Late start whets appetite of dining visitors
Hawke's Bay turned on the warm weather to launch the new format for the 13th annual Pask Winery Great Late Long Lunch held in Marine Parade in Napier at the weekend.
Organisers decided on a break from the usual early-afternoon kick-off and instead opted to hold the culinary soiree later in the day, around 5.30pm.
The event was also staged on a Saturday, taking a break from what had been a Sunday event.
The new time, and some changes to the format, gave the event a wider appeal, and attracted more dining visitors from outside the region.
The new-look twilight event was held on the lawn and walking paths between the Napier Soundshell and the Napier War Memorial and Conference Centre, showcasing views out to sea and Hawke's Bay's cuisine and wines.
Visitors enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal created and prepared by Dish Catering, wines from Pask Winery and a variety of live entertainment.
Napier Inner City Marketing manager Meg Rodel said there were about 700 guests, enjoying the event until about 10.30pm just after a band concluded its musical performance. "The weather was awesome - could not have wished for a better evening. After two years of holding the event indoors it was nice to have the co-operation of the weather.
"The informal feedback we have is that we've got the winning formula now but we have to survey everyone to be able to make a decision about continuing to hold the event during the late afternoon and into the evening."
