With the removal of public parking on Eastern Viaduct, a dining table almost twice the length of a cricket pitch was erected to create a public space and encourage open-air dining along the city's waterfront.
New Zealand's longest table will come in handy this month as the Eastern Viaduct hosts a Māori-themed food gathering in celebration of Matariki. Puna Kai will take place from 12-4pm on Saturday 30 June featuring eight of Auckland's top food trucks. Instead of offering traditional fare, each vendor will put a twist on existing menu items by introducing Māori and native ingredients.
Lalele Organic will be whipping up a fresh kawakawa sorbet; Langos will enhance its ever-popular Hungarian fried bread puffs with watercress pesto and golden syrup; CheLucio BBQ will stack its Argentinean grill with manuka; Temaki Truck will load fresh kai moana into its giant sushi cones; Crepes Creations will serve manuka-smoked salmon crepes with traditional herbs; Black Stag Deli will crank up the wood fire to barbecue green lipped mussels with watercress chimichurri; and The Rolling Pin will serve its dumplings with manuka-smoked chilli tuile.
Those looking to continue the festivities at home will have the option of attending a food-related workshop. A range of free cultural activities will tie in the celebration of Māori New Year, while DJ Kinas Cuts will provide the soundtrack.
Image: Langos.