Taste of New Zealand Press Release

“Surf City” A Taste of New Zealand

The City of Huntington Beach is proud to present “Surf City” A Taste of New Zealand on December 1st and 2nd on Main Street in the downtown area. The event is presented in conjunction with the City of Waitakere, New Zealand, the Downtown Business Improvement District, the Huntington Beach Restaurant Association, HB Sister City Association, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, HB Conference & Visitor’s Bureau, Navigator Tours, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the New Zealand Consulate General.

The event will feature live performances by “Te Manawa Maori of Southern California”, four short films from New Zealand shown outdoors on plasma screens, and local musicians.

Both days will also feature 10 prominent New Zealand chefs with food tasting on Main Street (chefs’ bios available online). Food stations will offer meats and seafood prepared in Hangi cookers, mussels prepared in Woks, and cold tapas. Throughout the weekend participating downtown restaurants will offer meals created by the visiting chefs, as well as a selection of New Zealand’s wines. On Saturday evening, the chefs will also be on hand to provide insight into the cuisine in participating restaurants.

Saturday night will also include a screening of the film “World’s Fastest Indian” featuring film Director Roger Donaldson at the Pierside Pavilion Surf City 6 Cinemas. Sunday will be highlighted by the “Light a Light of Love” parade, presented in partnership with the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. There will be an opportunity drawing for a trip for two to New Zealand with proceeds benefiting a local charity.

The Delegation coming from New Zealand will include Mayor Bob Harvey of the City of Waitakere.

The Taste of New Zealand will take place Saturday 11am - 7 pm, and Sunday 11am – 3:30 pm, with the “Light a Light of Love” parade at 4:00 on Sunday. For additional details, visit www.surfcity-hb.org or www.hbdowntown.com, or call Huntington Beach’s Economic Development Department at (714) 536-5542.