Over 50 cafes and restaurants have submitted their gourmet creations into the second annual Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover. The Mount’s The General is among 13 finalists!
Throughout July participants of the Great NZ Toastie Takeover served their unique sandwiches to customers all over the country. The competition criteria left them a lot of room for imagination and creativity – the only rule was they had to have two slices of bread, cheese and McClure’s pickles. The rest of the recipe was entirely up to the cafes! New Zealand foodies definitely appreciated the efforts as a massive 10,000 toasties were served up by the participating establishments.
‘The Kiwi toastie is no longer simply comfort food – it’s become a thing of culinary art,’ says head judge Kerry Tyack. ‘Consumers are more discerning and demand a high standard of toastie preparation. Out is the fatty, greasy, under-seasoned stodge of old and in is the artfully layered, beautifully presented and multi-textural sandwich, especially one that pays homage to local and regional produce.’
The General’s toastie features Golden Harvest Organic Sourdough and 12-hour braised brisket along with many other yummy ingredients. Not surprisingly, it has found its way into the finals!
Among other finalists are Hayes Common in Hamilton (smoked kahawai, creamy mustard bechamel, smoked and vintage Meye cheeses, hot sauce, potato sourdough and a fried pickle), Kuncheonette by Culprit in Auckland (macaroni and brisket burnt end toastie), Replete Cafe in Taupo (ham, pulled pork, habanero mustard and Swiss cheese on Vogel’s bread) and other cafes from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hokitika and Marlborough.
The final round of judging happens mid-August and Joe McClure of McClure’s Pickles is coming all the way from Detroit (USA) to join the team of culinary experts! The winner will be announced on 26th August. We wish The General all the best in this tough competition!
The General photos: James Hunter
