A Budget-Friendly Guide To WOAP
Words by Beth Brash (she/her)
As the Programme Manager of Visa Wellington On a Plate, I’m often asked by friends and family for my picks of the festival. I get it, there’s a lot going on, but we do that for a reason. It’s important that there is something for everyone in the programme.
So here are my picks for students and anyone wanting to experience Visa Wellington On a Plate on a budget. There’s so much to do and eat from some of Wellington’s, and the world’s, greatest chefs. Let’s tuck in shall we…
WORLD CLASS CHEFS
You don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to experience food from international chefs and NZ’s best culinary talent.
The Sea Breeze Inn
NZ born and international renowned chef Morgan McGlone is heading a team of national favourites Kasey and Kārena (Masterchef winners) and Otis Schapiro (Lilian, Auckland) with a nod to nostalgic childhood family restaurants. Expect classics reinterpreted for today’s palate and tomorrow’s world, using only the most sustainably-sourced catches.
29-31 July from 4pm till late
Pop-up is at 6 College St, Te Aro
Boon-tiful Larder at Myrtle
Palisa Anderson from Boon Luck Farms and iconic Chat Thai from over the ditch in Sydney collaborate with Wellington favourite The Larder in this noodle pop up. Think big, bold, vibrant Thai flavours, perfect for a mid-winter pep up. We’re told Palisa’s one of the best in Sydney right now, so best you get along to this one!
6 August at11am-2:30pm and 7 August at 5pm-8pm
Next Gen Cook Off at LTD
Three courses cooked by rising stars in Wellington’s hospo scene. There’s no set price, you can pay what you feel, and it all goes to charity. Food never tasted this good.
Every Monday in August from 6pm
ALL YOU CAN EAT EVENTS
Nothing says value for money like all you can eat. There are two fun events this year where you can get your fill.
Fry Fest at Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina - $35
An all you can eat spud extravaganza, serving up every iteration of fried potato from all over the world.
3 August at 5:30pm-6:30pm or 7:15pm-8:15pm
Pie Day Friday at The Cooked Elm - $45
All you can eat pies from a pub that’s famous for them.
5 August from 12pm-2pm
POP UPS
Pop ups aren’t ticketed, you just turn up on the night. It’s a great chance to check out fancy restaurants trying something new or soak up the atmosphere of an event without the ticket price.
Lost in Space: From Hong Kong to Xi’an
Atlas is one of Wellington’s top fine dining restaurants, but they’re completely changing their menu and vibe in August to bring you a tasty menu. You’ll get bold flavour profiles and a fast, fun, casual canteen-style dining experience.
On at various times 3-13 August, check out the website for more details.
Tory Yaki
Chow opened when I was at Vic Uni 21 years ago and they’re celebrating with cocktails at 2001 prices.
Join the party on 4 August from 11:30am till late
Plant Power By Bangs
Another throwback with a modern twist. Burger Liquor and Bangs are celebrating peace and love with this plant based 60’s party.
9-10 August from 5pm till late
FREE
Here are a few great ways to get involved without any cost.
Beervana
Volunteer at NZ’s biggest celebration of great beer! Help set up or help breweries out on the day and we will hook you up with a free ticket to come along to another session.
Beervana is on 19-20 August, get involved!
Wellington Food Stories
Hear from four immigrant communities that have shaped Wellington's food scene. It’s a chance to hear about different histories of Wellington’s food scene and what has shaped us into being the culinary capital.
These are on the first four Tuesdays of August at Te Papa from 5:15-5:45pm, come along and get your cultural fill!