Auckland’s Restaurant Month is in full swing until 31 August, with this year’s programme including a stellar line up of events and menu offers that showcase the breadth of talent and diversity that can be found in the heart of the city.
Global culinary experiences are back on the menu with the return of The Chef Collab Series after a three-year hiatus.
Over a series of four dining events, international chefs are paired with the chefs of iconic Auckland city centre restaurants for one-off dining events. Celebrated Kiwi chefs Analiese Gregory and Justin North will return home for the series. Analiese will join Ben Bayly at Ahi to create a six-course menu blending her foraging ethos with Ben’s love of indigenous ingredients and Māori cooking techniques. While Justin will partner with Des Harris at FISH Restaurant to present a three-course seafood menu showcasing career highlights from his time at three beloved French establishments: Banc, Becasse and Le Manoir.
Memories will be the inspiration for Nelly Robinson from Sydney’s famed ‘Nel’ who will team up with Sid Sahrawat of the recently reopened Cassia Restaurant to create six courses of modern Indian dining.
The Flavours of the City series will celebrate eateries that are unique to the city centre over ten events. An amuse-bouche of what’s planned include a Dumpling and Noodle Crawl of local favourites on Lorne Street or a four-course dinner at Homeland by Peter Gordon celebrating local producers, including The Kai Ika Project who rescue and distribute excess kai moana through Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae in Mangere.
While those who are keen to learn about the rich history and tradition of some of the city centre’s eateries can book a Lincoln’s Table walking tour – they’ll check out everything from traditional Chinese hotpot in Guangzhou to Jungle 8, the newest addition to Elliott Stables.
Diners will also have the opportunity to connect with chefs from some of our city’s top restaurants through an exclusive evening of food and conversation through the Chef’s Table Series. A taste of what’s on offer for this annual favourite includes the opportunity to celebrate 20 years of MoVida with popular dishes prepared by Frank Camorra – or seven years of Culprit with Kyle Street. Along with seven of his chef friends – including Al Brown – they’re creating the quintessentially quirky dishes of this local institution. While plant-based diners can savour a modern-Asian menu courtesy of East Restaurant chefs Stuart Marsden and Vincent Yan.
Viv Beck, Heart of the City Chief Executive says: “Restaurant Month’s well-established as a city centre “must do” on people’s calendars. This year, there’s a fabulous mix of events, deals, local and international celebrity chefs that when combined, highlight how our dining scene continues to thrive. At the heart of the programme is a celebration of the diversity of cuisine and calibre of talent throughout the heart of the city. We can’t wait for foodies to experience what’s on offer this August.”
Every day in August, more than 100 specially created menus at three price points – $30, $45 and $55+ per person will be served across the city centre. The return of Social Hour sees over 15of the top bars and restaurants in the city centre pouring delicious cocktails paired with beautiful bites.
More information on Restaurant Month 2023 in the Heart of the City, including a full list of participating restaurants, is available to view at https://heartofthecity.co.nz/restaurant-month
Restaurant Month is brought to the city centre by Heart of the City – and has been bringing Restaurant Month to Auckland’s city centre since 2011. Lemongrass Productions is the Official Event Manager of Restaurant Month 2023
The event is supported by key event wine partner Procure Wine Merchants, water partner
Sanpellegrino and Acqua Panna and Social Hour is presented by Grey Goose Vodka, along with supporting brands Bombay Sapphire Gin, Bacardi Rum, and Patron Tequila.
Restaurant Month 2023 Event schedule – overview
Chef Collab Series:
Nelly Robinson of Nel Sydney and Sid Sahrawat Cassia – Wednesday 2 August and Thursday 3 August, 6 pm. $275 pp
Duncan Welgemoed of Africola and Jonah Huang Odettes Eatery – Wednesday, 16 August, 6 pm. $185 pp
Justin North and Des Harris FISH Restaurant – The Homecoming – Thursday, 17 August, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm and 7.30pm. $185 pp
Analiese Gregory and Ben Bayly Ahi Restaurant – Thursday, 24 August, 6 pm. $260 pp
Flavours of the City :
Old Favourites Not Forgotten at Ima Cuisine – 10,11 and 12 August, 5.30 pm – 9 pm. $65 pp via email: info@imacuisine.co.nz or 09 377 5252.
Dumplings on Lorne Street – Saturday, 12 August, 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm. $58 pp.
kingi Private – Wednesday, 16 August, 6. 30 pm – 10.30 pm. $185 pp via kingi’s website.
Taste of the City with Lincoln’s Table – Saturday 12 August and Saturday 26 August, 2 pm – 5 pm. $75 pp via Lincoln’s Table website.
Kai Tāmaki Makaurau with Homeland – Thursday, 17 August, 6 pm $195.
When France meets Mexico: Tapestry and La Fuente with Johnny Roullier and Edmundo Farrera – Thursday, 24 August, 6.30 pm. $190 pp.
Onemata presents Our Heritage Kitchen: A Global Fusion of Flavours – Thursday, 24 August, 7 pm. $185 pp via Tablecheck.
Bonfire at Esther – Thursday, 31 August, 6.30pm – 9.30pm (after party on the Rooftop, cash bar). $250 pp.
Kanpai! Tanuki Sake Tasting – Thursday, 31 August 6.30 pm. $90 pp via Tanuki’s Cave’s website.
Chef’s Table Series:
Chef’s Table at Culprit with Kyle Street and Friends – Wednesday, 9 August, 5. 30 pm and 8.15 pm.
$199 pp.
Chef’s Table at Harbourside with Anton Leyland and Kenji Yoshitsuka – Wednesday, 9 August and Wednesday 30 August, 6 pm. $215 pp.
Chef’s Table at BODA with Hyokeun Choi – Thursday, 10 August, 6 pm and 8 pm. $150 pp.
Chef’s Table at East with Stuart Marsden and Vincent Yan – Wednesday, 23 August, 6 pm. $169 pp.
