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With their knives and forks at the ready, Claire Cowan and Kiri Schumacher prepare for a mouth-watering weekend at the Wellington On a Plate culinary festival.

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Let the salivation celebration begin!

As I chow into my decidedly average, limp and gluggy vege stir fry for lunch, I ponder the polarity of my upcoming dining experience. This prime example of lacklustre Asian fusion is not a usual lunchtime effort. Usually the Schumacher and I prepare quite delectable day-time dining experiences - but there comes a point mid-afternoon when eating something, anything, becomes suddenly of the utmost importance, as 'hangriness' sets in.

So, it is with great anticipation that we look forward to our weekend at Wellington On a Plate festival, devouring all the sights and smells of the very best Wellington's restaurants have to offer. Wellington has long held the title of artsy-pants capital of NZ. Now it’s carving out a name for itself as the go-to city of cuisine. And not just your everyday fodder, but culinary arts, darling.

Many have opposed attempts to acknowledge the art of eating as worthy of a valid philosophical rant. But we couldn’t be more convinced of it’s place at the table of pure arts. Wellington On a Plate joyously celebrates food as an art unto itself, and goes one step further to dish up performing arts alongside. The festival also presents master classes and promotes discussions on trends and developments in the science of tastiness.

From the safety of the wintery capital, your taste buds can traverse the world's greatest cuisines. It's time to douse yourself in brandy and flambe those winter blues away with a flourish of food-related festivities. What about Beef and Burlesque - an interactive performance which is "woven into the fabric of the dining experience."  Or Fiesta de la Familia - a feel good family style Mexican feast at Mirimar's La Boca Loca restaurant. For those with a sweet tooth, Wellington also hosts the NZ Chocolate Festival - with events such as a "Five course chocolate degustation dinner" at Chameleon Restaurant.

O. M. Fricking G. Winter doesn't get any better than this NZ.

Taste Testers:

Art within Artisan - Rita Angus
Bolton Hotel’s restaurant presents a Rita Angus inspired menu. Each course has been inspired by one of her paintings, there are original artworks to peruse and you can even sit back and listen to stories of Rita’s life.

Wai-ella - Paella
A pop-up affair, this event offers some of the delights of the rural Wairarapa in a busy urban setting….actually…a car park.  Sculptor Ian Hornblow is the local Wairarapa expert in all things Paella. As well as manning the mammoth pan he also presents locally foraged appetizers. His sculptures are on display as well. Is this man single?

Tale of Terroir – local vs global
One of Le Cordon Bleu’s ‘Culinary Exchange’ panel discussions. Tale of Terroir addresses our relationship with the global trading of food. Eating local is all the rage, but what would it be like to lose our coveted coffee beans or favourite spices?

Lunar Degustation - Taste the Influence of the Moon
A six course degustation menu set at a long table (dining a-la-long table is particularly popular at this year’s festival). A bio-dynamic approach means food is eaten in season and organic, regional produce is celebrated (as is planting your root veges in the 3rd quarter of a lunar cycle).

Eat your Words
A poetry competition, a book launch, and cake eating combo! The event even promises a 'mystery iconic Wellington writer' will be in attendance! Fingers crossed it's Katherine Mansfield. 

Foodie Family Steam Excursion
One to take the kids to - a five hour steam train trip to Fielding, whilst enjoying a Spanish themed lunch from local artisan food suppliers. Wander around the town and hop back on board for churros on your way home.  

Dickens at Hawthorn Lounge
From parchment to parched lips -this evening takes inspiration from Charles Dickens writing and letters - apparently a dedicated punch maker. Accompanied by dramatic readings, you'll be sipping away the night entranced by the charm of the drinks such as the ''Smoking Bishop'' and the ''Sherry Cobbler''.  

Julie and Julia
Watch the movie, then enjoy the cuisine actually featured in it, at Elements Cafe in Lyall Bay. With a glass of bubbly and canapes to start, you can spend the whole film drooling over the food with the quiet smugness you'll soon be consuming it.

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So, if you haven't drowned in a puddle of your own drool by now, get down to Welly to experience it for yourselves. Or enjoy vicariously through us - our greasy fingers will be tweeting up a storm between meals. Follow us @nzcomposer and @kirischumacher #wellingtononaplate