Ask Aucklander's what their city 'tastes' like, and chances are you'll find no two identical views. From the traditional kitchens that define some suburbs, to the morphing foodie trends and discerning heights of exquisite cuisine, Auckland enjoys an ever-changing relationship with food. LATE: Auckland Eats Itself examines the cross-section of flavours, cuisine and kitchens which runs throughout the city and reflects our diverse cultural landscape and assimilated tastes.
Panel moderator Noelle McCarthy will be joined by Connie Clarkson, distinguished contributor to the Auckland dining scene with an intricate knowledge of the best foodie haunts; Te Kohe Tuhaka, leading Maori actor and presenter of Maori Television's Marae Kai Masters; Benjamin Bayly, executive chef at Baduzzi and The Grove and holder of two consecutive Cuisine NZ Chef of the Year titles, and Paul Spoonley, Massey University Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, who is currently investigating the impacts of cultural super-diversity on Auckland.
Following the discussion, K'Rd's culinary rock stars Coco's Cantina will illustrate their style of rustic Italian food, drawing on influences from across the Mediterranean. With the Coco's team having just returned from a staff vacation around Italy, expect sisters Renee and Damaris Coulter, chef Guiherme Bezerra and bar manager Petaia Unoi to give a lively demonstration brimming with fresh inspiration.