Dishing up tasty treats all in a day’s work

Our new kitchen and contracted catering team have been dishing up delicious snacks, lunches and dinners every day.  Dish Catering, one of Hawke’s Bay’s most prestigious catering companies, operates onsite at the Napier Conference Centre, working hard behind the scenes to provide innovative cuisine.

Rachel Lyons from Dish Catering, gives her perspective on things and talks about the latest food trends.

How has the business been going since the opening of the Napier Conference Centre?

Business has been great, it is really motivating and invigorating to be part of a new venture.  We’ve taken on a number of new staff and really enjoy being part of the flourishing business community in Napier.  The Conference Centre has been quite busy and has a full calendar for the next six months, which is very exciting.  

Are there any particular food trends that you’ve noticed?

These days people realise that catering is more than just offering a cup of tea and a biscuit at the conclusion of the event.  Event catering allows us the opportunity to work with the client to help reinforce their message, for example, sustainability, innovation, originality, using local produce, and so on.  I would say that clients are looking for more healthy options and modern ways of serving, such as using food stations.  We always have fresh fruit on offer, and often get requests to supply health tonics such as turmeric and ginger, and a variety of fruit smoothies.  

What are your top highlights so far?

The view! It’s a joy to come to work in this beautiful building. And being so proud of where we work and the top notch service and product we provide. We know what we do is really important.  

How is it working with the Napier Conference Centre team?

We love working with them, it feels really good to be building the business together. We have a good laugh too!

What do you think makes the Napier Conference Centre unique?

Clients and guests LOVE coming to the Napier Conference Centre. Out of town guests in particular are really blown away by the quality of the facility and the unique positioning right on the ocean front.

7 February 2018

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