More than 70 pop-up bars, eateries, gift stalls and entertainers are taking over The Cloud over this weekend [ December 2 & 3 ] for a new Christmas event: A Very Tasty Christmas Market.
The event borrows from the organiser’s experience running other large scale festivals including Taste of Auckland, Winetopia and Street Eats.
Rob Eliott, Director of Lemongrass Productions says, “Inspired by the big Christmas events of Europe, we’ve been busy creating an environment that is perfect for end of year socialising and also an uplifting shopping experience.
“The event is perfect for people like me who will find Christmas shopping a lot more appealing with a drink in their hand, some activities to keep the kids entertained and delicious food to break things up.”
Chef Luis Cabrera is running a garden bar over the weekend serving his gold medal winning Besos Margaritas. There is a mixture of local and international wines to be discovered, a Malfy Gin Bar led by mixologist James Millar and a range of craft spirits to act as mature stocking fillers.
Artisanal gifts include gingerbread house kits from Olli & Otti, wellness teas from Smitea and 25-year-aged balsamic vinegar drizzles from Azzuro Epicurean. There are hand-crafted jewellery stalls, home aromatics, Karubuta Christmas Hams and even Christmas trees to be ordered from the event.
Entertainment ranges from live music and giant games to axe throwing with the NZ Stage & Screen Combat School and a Story Corner for children. There will be face painting for the young and young at heart.
The “very tasty” part of the event features delicious dishes including Pizza Fritta and Arancini from Passa Passa’s Dan Pinto, Wagyu beef brisket and pulled pork-belly from chefs Varun Singhal and Anu Meesala at Smoking Shack, Ceviche with hot sauce from RocotoNZ and freshly shucked Mahurangi Oysters. Chef Adam Ricket (former head chef of Euro) will be serving up his ‘Ansum Pasties. Delicious Dosa, Bear Gelato, vegan cheeses and chocolate strawberries are all on the menu.
Hours of the event are 10am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Aiming to be accessible at a difficult time for many, entry is just $5 at the door (and children under 12 can enter free with a paying adult). A Giving Tree will collect gifts and koha for the less privileged in our community.
Full details and entertainment schedules will be updated at: www.tastychristmas.co.nz
