Avenues Eats: Wāhine Toa

Join us for another unforgettable Avenues Eats event – a culinary journey celebrating the diversity of wāhine in the food industry. This bespoke ticketed long lunch will showcase the creativity and skill of these talented women. 

Hosted by Avenues’ food editor, Sam Parish, at Earl Restaurant on Sunday, 26 May, from 1–3pm, this exclusive long lunch promises an intimate culinary experience. Limited to just 80 tickets, the menu will tantalise your taste buds with a showcase dish from each participating chef, comprising a delectable six-course meal. 

While you eat and engage with fellow foodies, Sam Parish will host a Q&A session between courses. Additionally, indulge in a taste-and-talk session with Jasmine Black from Greystone Wines, featuring their exquisite rosé. 

Your ticket gets you a glass of rosé from Greystone Wines, a six-course degustation long lunch, a Q&A with Jasmine Black from Greystone Wines, and a conversation with each of the chefs, hosted by Sam Parish. 

Seven talented women are presenting dishes at this Avenues Eats event. 

Courtney Rotherham, a culinary powerhouse at Earl restaurant, boasts experience from global award-winning kitchens. Her passion for pasta and family led her back to Christchurch, where she refined her craft and delighted the city with her culinary expertise. 

Anna Victoria is a private chef who started out as a kitchenhand. She fell in love with the heat and pressure of the kitchen, so she trained in pastry and has worked all over the city; currently at Mandeville Street Kitchen. 

Sachiko Shimamoto, founder of Kai Connoisseurs, honed her culinary skills on the marae. From humble origins cooking dumplings with her brother, her business has thrived over five years, evolving into a social enterprise dedicated to community empowerment. 

Chadi Coira has worked all over New Zealand, from Wellington to Dunedin, but is now settled and happy at the Christchurch institution 5th Street as chef-de-partie. Working there, she’s had the opportunity to see an array of food styles and menus and loves the environment it allows her as a chef to innovate and create delicious food. 

Stacey Newfield is the owner/operator of the newest (pinkest) food van in the city. Roma sells modern flavour-packed ‘Mexican’ inspired food. Formerly a skilled duty manager and cocktail connoisseur, her new venture has quickly gained popularity, showcasing her knack for flavour and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Kayleigh Jukes is a trained pastry chef who brings her expertise to Earl’s culinary team, skillfully crafting delectable desserts. Amidst raising four children and pursuing a degree in biochemistry, she thrives in high-pressure environments, showcasing her talent for flavour and technique. 

Gina Park returned to Christchurch after spending years working in fashion magazines like Paris and Korean Vogue. Leveraging her love for beautiful things and her self-taught pastry skills, she now owns Pebbles, a bespoke boutique dessert shop based in Riccarton, and is creating some of the best pastries in the city. 

Sunday 26 May 1pm–3pm, Earl Restaurant, 128 Lichfield Street 

Tickets are $85, available at avenues.net.nz/avenues-eats

Liam Stretch