From tomorrow, 16 November until the 19th, Taste of Auckland at Western Springs will become a food lover’s paradise with free live cooking demonstrations, intimate chef experiences, a gourmet hāngi, artisan food and beverage producers, wineries, craft brewers, cocktail bars and of course a smorgasbord of delicious food, plus a whole lot more.
With top Auckland restaurants serving dishes at the event already including Baduzzi, Euro Bar & Restaurant, Tok Tok, Saan, Vodka Room and Miss Moonshines, new names rounding out this year’s line-up include acclaimed French eatery Paris Butter, modern Chinese favourite ARTWOK, new contemporary Indian restaurant 1947 Eatery and a special Eat NZ collaborative kitchen headed up by the Cult Project.
A jam-packed line-up of leading culinary stars will take to the big stage at the ever-popular Electrolux Taste Theatre, with free live cooking demonstrations from Simon Gault of Giraffe, The Tasting Shed’s Ganesh Raj and Saan’s Lek Trirattanavatin. They join Cazador chef Dariush Lolaiy, Cameron Knox from Tok Tok and acclaimed Australian chef and Masterchef co-judge George Calombaris who is also making appearances on Saturday November 18.
A must see for anyone with even a passing interest in healthy eating, Good Taste sees Buffy Ellen from Be Good Organics, Megan May from Little Bird Organics, Lauren Glucina from Ascension Kitchen and Masterchef winner Aaron Brunet join previously announced Art Green, Matilda Rice and Kelly Gibney in the Electrolux Taste Theatre.
For a contemporary take on traditional Māori cuisine, check out the Gourmet Hāngi. Hosted by hāngi masters Rewi Spraggon and Riki Bennett, guest chefs including newly announced food writers and former Masterchef winners Karena and Casey Bird, Sergio Maglione of Farina, Kyle Street of Culprit and Ben Bayly’s team at The Grove, will each offer festival goers their own unique contemporary gourmet take on a Māori hāngi in different sessions.
“With only 16 places available for each class at a value-packed price of $15 demand for the Electrolux Chefs’ Secrets is expected to be fierce,” says Festival Director Rob Eliott, who suggests checking the website for more information and arriving early ahead of your preferred session to acquire a place.
Other key features of this year’s festival include:
- More than 100 artisan producers showcasing the best of New Zealand fine food and drink including award-winning Hogarth Craft Chocolate, Dunedin’s Harpoon Cold Brew Coffee, Mama’s Brew Shop Kombucha, Scratch Bakers and Soda Press Co
- New Zealand’s best boutique breweries including Good George, Cassels & Son Brewing Co, Birkenhead Brewery, Tuatara, Ora Craft Brewery and Liberty Brewing at Brew Street
- Wine tastings with top vineyards from around the country including No 1 Family Estate, Crafters Union, Man O’ War Vineyards, and brands like Lawson’s Dry Hills, Seresin and Tohu in the Wine Marlborough Marquee
- A souped-up music line-up curated by Taste Music Director Peter Urlich, including Too Many Chiefs on opening night, Nathan Haines Band on the Saturday afternoon and a DJ Set by Peter Urlich himself on Saturday evening
- The very best of best of food, drink and hospitality in the luxuriously appointed Qantas Hospitality Marquee. A base for VIP Ticket holders at the weekend, guests will enjoy the spacious covered lounge, bar and additional conveniences, and a flute of the finest quality Methode Traditionelle from No 1 Family Estate on arrival
- Very special dining events for corporate supporters in the Qantas Hospitality Marquee including a night with George Calombaris, Ben Bayly and Gareth Stewart on the Thursday evening and the Luxurious Long Lunch on Friday November 17.
For more information visit www.tasteofauckland.co.nz
