Meet the People - 11

Photo by Dominion Post, Wellington; Supplied by Zest
Another in the Series Meet the People - Ordinary and Extraordinary New Zealanders doing Interesting Things - Susan McLeary and Catherine Cordwell are both dedicated food lovers passionate about the great food, wine and coffee experiences that Wellington has to offer, so it made sense for them to join forces and start Zest Food Tours. That was back in 2004 and leaving their respective marketing and public relations consultancy businesses behind, they have since introduced thousands of people to the capital’s hidden food treasures. They delight in showing visitors “the real Wellington that locals know” – hard-to-find places easily missed if you’re not familiar with the city. “We felt Wellington’s vibrancy as a culinary centre was under-rated and we wanted to change that.” They’ve been so successful they’ve since expanded their food tours to include the Wairarapa region. Their tours are a must for all food lovers. www.zestfoodtours.co.nz

"Eat, Explore, Indulge, Relish"

Photos Supplied by Zest

That’s the motto at Wellington’s Zest Food Tours and it’s easy to do when you end up at places like Mojo Coffee Cartel (top).This is where Zest gives you an introduction to the capital’s buzzing coffee culture. You get to roast the coffee with staff and taste the different local coffee styles. Mojo’s owner, Steve Gianoutsos is a second-generation café owner and his father, Lambros, is Mojo’s chief coffee roaster and blender. Another of Zest’s tricky-to-find food gems is Moore Wilson Fresh Market, which is a regular highlight on all their Wellington food tours. Here (bottom photo) visitors from England and America are tasting a range of regional cheeses, apple juices and seasonal fruits and vegetables. One of the best things about a Zest tour – their Walking Gourmet Tour at least – is that by walking the streets, you get an up close and personal feel for the city. It’s a feast for all the senses! http://www.zestfoodtours.co.nz/