Taste of Auckland celebrates 10th birthday with big names added to waterfront line-up.
Over four delicious days and nights from 1-4 November, the annual festival is for the first time being held on Queen’s Wharf on Auckland’s waterfront, incorporating The Cloud, Shed 10 and surrounding outdoor spaces.
Announcing more Auckland restaurants set to take part in this year’s festival, newcomers include Parnell favourite Gerome offering Greek-inspired fare, Culprit with modern Kiwi yum cha and little sister eatery Lowbrow with its take on contemporary fast food, as well as Smoko Room from Matakana bringing its infamous slow-cooked meats. Also new to the festival are Xoong with its take on North East Asian cuisine, a much anticipated new dinner offering by vegan and plant-based favourite Little Bird Organics, and for an after-dinner treat, dessert specialists Miann.
Rounding out the line-up are festival favourites Baduzzi, promising to bring back its signature ½ Karitane crayfish, a crowd favourite at last year’s event; French bistro Paris Butter; Italian eatery Farina; and the Russian-inspired Vodka Room.
With schedules now taking shape, a host of big names are confirmed to take to the big stage in the Electrolux Taste Theatre, with free live cooking demonstrations from Nic Watt of Masu, Kira Ghidoni from The Grove, Juan Balsani of Baduzzi, Josh Barlow of the Sugar Club, Megan May from Little Bird, wholefood writer Kelly Gibney, former Masterchef finalist Vanessa Baxter, Marco Edwardes of Waiheke’s Alibi Brewers Lounge, and Neil Brazier, ex Sugar Club.
For a more intimate experience, organisers have also confirmed Nobu Lee from Clooney, Gareth Stewart from Euro, Dariush Lolaiy from Cazador, Neil Brazier former head chef at the Sugar Club and Man Mohan Singh from 1947 Eatery to host hands-on masterclasses in this year’s Electrolux Chefs’ Secrets. Limited to only 16 spots per session, be sure to arrive early to secure your place.
Some of the country’s top music acts including Tami Neilson, Barnaby Weir & Friends, Hollie Smith - DUO, Sola Rosa Sound System, Hopetoun Brown, Laughton Kora and Omega Levine are also added to the line-up, the new venue allowing for live music to be enjoyed alfresco against a picturesque harbour backdrop.
A food lovers paradise - inspire your palate with a smorgasbord of delicious offerings from more than 120 artisan producers including ribs from Texas BBQ Foods, premium meat cuts from Paddock to Plate Butchery, hot sauce from Fire Dragon Chillies, honey from Rawhiti Manuka Honi, olive oil from Two Dogs, pâté from L’authentique and sweet treats from Petal Cupcakes.
Head to the new Good Taste Zone for healthy offerings from the likes of Little Bird Organics and organic and biodynamic wine specialists Churton Wines.
Sample top drops from 20 of the country’s leading wineries, take part in a new Radio Hauraki Craft Beer Trail running through the festival involving breweries including Laughing Bones, Good George, Lakeman, Harrington’s, Black Dog, Tuatara and Lagunitas, and be part of a special Italian celebration of Vespa’s 50th anniversary of the first Primavera created in Italy.
Those lucky enough to secure a seat at exclusive dining events on the Thursday or Friday will enjoy choice wines from No. 1 Family Estate and exquisite menus designed by some of the biggest chef names in Auckland.
Out-of-towners pondering a weekend in the big city should check out YOU Travel’s range of travel packages including tickets, accommodation and transport. Package options include multi day or VIP passes, and exclusive food and wine tastings available only to YOU Travel clients. For more information, visit your nearest YOU Travel store or head to: Youtravel.co.nz/deals/tasteofauckland
Partnering with Air New Zealand and the South Australian Tourism Commission, YOU Travel is also offering festival goers the chance to win a trip for two to South Australia, with a leading South Australian chef also scheduled to appear at the festival. More details to be announced soon.
With the new CBD location providing much improved access to trains, buses, taxis and ferries, organisers Lemongrass Productions is working with Fullers Ferries to ensure an easy boat ride to and from the festival from the North Shore, Waiheke, Gulf Harbour and Half Moon Bay.
Tickets are on sale now with General Admission starting from just $25, VIP Tickets from $95 and new multi day passes which include access to all six sessions from $120. Corporate Hospitality packages are also available. For more information head to the Taste website www.tasteofauckland.co.nz
Taste of Auckland is sponsored by Electrolux, Auckland Live, VIVA, No. 1 Family Estate, Puhoi Valley Cheese, Deer Industry NZ and
YOU Travel.