Ballarat hospitality venues are taking on a new challenge to create the most delicious pasta dishes for residents to takeaway, as they re-adjust to changes in COVID-19 restrictions.
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Plate Up Ballarat in partnership with Commerce Ballarat launched the Ballarat Pasta Challenge on Monday.
Twenty-two restaurants, pubs and cafes will offer a special pasta dish on their takeaway menus for the next three weeks.
Commerce Ballarat chief executive Jodie Gillett said there had never been a more important time to support the hospitality industry.
"The longer there are restricted numbers and restricted trade, the harder it is to keep the doors open," she said. "Supporting the hospitality industry will then support our local producers, growers and makers."
The Ballarat Pasta Challenge follows the success of Plate Up Ballarat's National Burger Day promotion in May.
Plate Up Ballarat director Kate Davis said the burger challenge encouraged people to buy takeaway from venues, resulting in $32,000 worth of sales.
"Plate Up Ballarat enables everyone to come together in a really fun way," she said.
"It is a way the hospitality industry can work together, community can support them and it also gives them that opportunity to test the boundaries.
"I encourage everybody to take another look and see who is around. You might find another venue you didn't know about.
"Right now it is so important we do become our city's ambassadors and we get behind and share how amazing our city is."
Ms Gillett encouraged people to order food at home and share a meal with friends and family via video call services or to order a pasta lunch to the home office or workplace.
"We are all going to need to get our walking shoes on and burn off some of the carbs, but what a great way to spend a winter's evening or lunch in Ballarat," she said.
The Ballarat Pasta Challenge runs from August 10 to August 30.
Visit plateupballarat.com.au/pasta-challenge-entries to see the pastas on offer.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
