Hunter Culinary Association (HCA) is marking its 10-year anniversary in 2016 with a bumper crop of events designed to showcase the Hunter as a premier food and wine destination.
As Chairman Ben Neil explains, this not-for-profit membership based organisation, originally formed by a group of industry professionals, promotes the diverse produce, culinary scene and talented hospitality individuals the region has to offer.
“Here in the Hunter we are lucky to have so many wonderful chefs, restaurants, wineries and gourmet experiences, and it has been our pleasure to develop national and international awareness of this region over the last 10 years,” Ben said. “Our current committee of industry pros generously volunteer their time and expertise to drive awareness of the region to secure its prominence and longevity well into the future.
“Our association also builds on the education and training of current Hunter hospitality professionals and fosters new talent in the industry through a number of scholarships in collaboration with our stakeholders.”
Throughout the year HCA also holds a number of seasonal and educational lunches, produce tours and networking events for its growing membership base. One of the most anticipated events in the diary is the Annual Food Fight.
“In 2015 the event was hosted by celebrity chef Matt Kemp and included some of the best Hunter chefs going head-to-head with a team from Canberra and the Southern Highlands,” Ben continued.
“Every year the competition for our Hunter team gets stiffer as diners are treated to worldclass dishes from some of Australia’s best chefs. This year’s event will be on Monday, 6 June 2016 at Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley.”
Image | HCA Food Fight 2015
