Winter is about to get a whole lot tastier with the launch of the sixth annual Great NZ Toastie Takeover! This year there are seven mouthwatering creations to try in the city centre where some of your favourite eateries have put their unique spin on the delicious Kiwi staple that is the not-so-humble toasted sandwich.
The competition rules remain the same as previous years. Each toastie must be sandwiched between two slices of bread and able to be eaten by hand if necessary. The toasted sandwich must also contain cheese (or an acceptable vegan substitute) and pickles from the McClure’s Pickles range. Everything else is up to the toastie maker’s imagination – and those imaginations have certainly been in overdrive this year.
With this year’s competition now officially underway, toastie fans can look forward to three glorious months of sizzling sandwich goodness and some fierce competition at the grill, as venues battle it out for the title of the nation’s top toasted sandwich between now and late June.
Check out the city centre the toasties below:
BROTHERS BEER & JUKE JOINT BBQ
Turducken Toastie: Buttermilk soaked & fried chicken, smoked turkey breast, duck bacon, housemade cornbread stuffing, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, McClure's Sweet & Spicy Pickles & housemade garlic aioli. Sandwiched between crispy buttered slabs of sourdough and served with a beer gravy for dunking (and extra pickles on the side of course - palate cleanser!)
PILKINGTONS
The Fried Chicken French Toastie: Fried Chicken, creamy mozzarella, slaw, chipotle mayo, McClure's Sweet and Spicy Pickles all sandwiched between savoury french toast, and served with fries.
SWINGS
Swinger Toastie: Bacon, egg, cheese, McClure's Pickles, cabbage and Swings spicy sauce!
TACO MEDIC
The Reuben Gordita: A Mexican twist on an all-time great, Toasted to perfection. Pastrami, McClure’s Sweet & Spicy Pickles, jalapeños, pickled cabbage, guajillo mayo & coriander.
THE BREWERS CO-OPERATIVE
Brewers Craft Beer Battered Monte Cristo Toastie and fries: Ham, melty cheese, McClure's Bread & Butter Pickles, homemade mustard sauce and beer-battered classic white bread make this grilled cheese toastie the ultimate comfort food.
WYNYARD PAVILION
Spicy & Smokie Pork Toastie: Spiced pulled pork, smoked cheddar, McClure's Sweet & Spicy Pickles with a dill creme fraiche.
LORD OF THE FRIES
The Toastie That Gives a F*ck: LOTF vegan mushroom patty diced (soy protein), cooked with diced onions, vegan cheese and McClure's Pickles, toasted between two slices of Freya white sourdough bread.
Be sure to try these toastie creations, then cast your vote for the People's Choice Award, here.
See the full list of participating venues by region here.
