The Hot Chick burger from t bay cafe; and, from left, Visa Wellington On a Plate’s Sarah Meikle, t bay cafe owners Anna Doyle and Jeff Goldsbury, and Garage Project’s Pete Gillespie, with the best Porirua burger award.
Thousands of burgers were consumed in Porirua during Burger Wellington’s scrumptious competition last month, providing a welcome boost for local eateries.
Eleven venues across the city were among more than 200 that took part in the two-week long Visa Wellington On a Plate promotion, supported by Garage Project. This gave many of our local chefs the chance to go big on the ingredients, creating some mouth-watering winter burger options.
While Wellington’s One80 Restaurant took out the overall award, the winning Porirua burger, decided by public vote, was t bay café’s The Hot Chick. It featured honey-fried chicken, jalapeno slaw, sweet and spicy pickles, pickled red onions and house-made aioli. Hungry yet? It had a beer match with Garage Project’s T Sauce beer.
All up, thousands of burgers were sold across the city, some eateries managing to make more than 1000 on their own.
Jeff Goldsbury, t bay café co-owner, said they were incredibly busy over Thursday to Saturday nights during Burger Welly.
“Our head chef Dale had free reign in creating The Hot Chick and it’s to his credit and our team’s hard work that we were able to take out the Porirua award.
“It feels like Porirua is going from strength to strength with our cafés and outlets taking part, and we’re looking forward to doing it all again next year!”
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker hoped residents got out and about to sample some amazing burgers and loved that people came from Kāpiti, Wellington and the Hutt Valley to try somewhere new.
“These are challenging times economically, so a popular event like Burger Welly is a great chance to support local and bring in new visitors.
“It’s great t bay café was recognised for their delicious burger, but well done to all the other venues for taking part and giving it your all.”
We hope you’ve kept room, because ChoctoberFest isn’t far away…
12 Sep 2023
