What to Expect at Taste of Auckland 2016

The event touted as "the country's biggest food and wine celebration" is making its return to Auckland this November. Attracting over 25,000 people in previous years, Taste of Auckland showcases some of the best New Zealand made products and producers, chefs and restaurants, with a few internationals thrown in for good measure. If you've ever had dreams of a boundless food wonderland, this is the place for you.

Already announced for the 2016 programme includes two-time 'Best in Taste' award-winner Sergio Maglione of Farina. Last year the Italian chef impressed judges with his crab and mascarpone ravioli with tomato and lemon butter. Restaurants returning to try and strip him of the title include Southern America-influenced Miss Clawdy, FISH, Euro and The Culpeper headed by Gareth Stewart, Al Brown's Depot, Middle Eastern eatery Ima, and new openings: Paris Butter, Artwok and Tok Tok.

New for 2016 is a concept called Electrolux Chefs' Secrets. The initiative will give attendees the opportunity to cook and dine with professional chefs on a one-on-one basis. Already confirmed to spill their classified information are Kyle Street of contemporary yum-cha restaurant Culprit and Megan May of Little Bird Organics.

For those who can't tell the difference between a knife and fork, the Taste Theatre will be the home of live cooking demonstrations. Celebrated Australian dessert chef Adriano Zumbo is the main event. He's joined on the bill by: Peter Gordon, Sergio Maglione, Megan May, Nick Honeyman, Marco Edwards, Sachie's Kitchen and Neil Perry of Rockpool.

Brew Street will see a lineup of craft brewers showcasing their wares with cheese matches from Kapiti; The Producers Market will bring together over 14 artisan producers from across the country; The Champagne Lunch 
will see chefs serve their signature dishes alongside three different styles of champagne; and former Th' Dudes member Peter Urlich will curate a programme of live music.

Peter Gordon will mark the 30th anniversary of his original Wellington restaurant The Sugar Club with a dining collaboration. He will be joined in the kitchen by former chefs from the establishment's various NZ and UK incarnations: Che Barrington, Pip Wylie and Neil Brazier.

For more information about Taste of Auckland, visit, www.tasteofauckland.co.nz.