A display of locally-sourced products at the Fiji Beach Resort and Spa managed by Hilton’s Festival of Food. Photo: LITIA MATHEWSELL
Taste buds were heightened yesterday when the Fiji Beach Resort and Spa managed by Hilton hosted its inaugural Festival of Food at their Denarau property.
Gourmet cheese and ice-cream, South East Asian delights, Brazilian barbeque, New Zealand seafood and local herbs and spices were one of the many enticing displays showcased along a line of cabanas.
Resort executive chef Clinton Webber admitted that Fiji was not widely regarded as an exciting culinary destination.
He said they hoped to change this perception by showcasing some of the more exquisite cuisine available, most of which is sourced through local ingredients.
“A lot of people think Fiji is not a culinary destination. But if you really scratch the surface and see what we do, we are definitely on par with a lot of mainstream destinations,” Mr Webber said.
“Month by month, new things are coming into Fiji and suppliers are getting more innovative.”
Yesterday’s festival followed a cheese and wine tasting night on Friday to showcase their Kapiti brand of wine and cheese, which is distributed by Punjas.
Director of Operations, Rodney Samuels, said such a platform gave their suppliers a chance to shine and exhibit their goods. Organisers hope to make this an annual event.