Overview
From a semi-permanent mobile food court to a gathering of the East Coast's finest winemakers and the largest Italian festival to ever set foot in New Zealand, these are the best foodie events to get your fill (and more) this weekend.
Urban Street Fest
With a successful debut outing under their belt, street food gathering Urban Street Fest is taking things up a gear and moving to the one of the great culinary suburbs of Auckland: Ponsonby. The next edition will drop anchor at the new location of 49 Mackelvie Street in Ponsonby with a solid list of vendors hawking their wares. Expect: Judge Bao with their modern take on traditional Chinese dishes, Korean-Mexican fusion Coreano, made-to-order pasta makers Got Pasta, organic smoothie bar RAWE, authentic Dutch fry friers Double Dutch Fries, plus Temaki Truck, Lalele Organic, Lili Gourmet, Guerrilla Grill, The Brûlée Bike, The Rolling Pin and CheLucio BBQ.
Thursday 22 September // 49 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby // Free
Food Space
Having previously roamed the city's neighbourhoods and events with a bounty of delicious of street eats, mobile food court Food Space has set itself up in semi-permanent location for September. The food roundup will take place at new public space A4 Downtown with street food vendors serving up dishes from 11.30pm - til late. On board for the final outing this month are: Toro Churro, The White Lady, The Melt, The Rolling Pin, Sabores, Dip It, Stumpy's Woodfired Pizza, Puha & Pakeha, Lalele Organic, Go Go Mexico and Fritz's Wieners.
Friday 23 September // 1 - 21 Queen Street, CBD // Free
Hawke's Bay Wine Celebration
Close to 40 wineries from Hawke's Bay will take over Queen's Wharf this weekend. 200 A++ wines will be up for tasting at the free-pouring event including the region's flagship Syrah, several new releases and classic vintages. Those looking for a more nose-on approach have the option of attending food and wine masterclasses with credited Master of Wine Bob Campbell and the lady with the million dollar nostrils, Yvonne Lorkin. The classes will delve into the delicacies of chardonnay and classic reds.
September 24 - 25 // Shed 10 // $55
Festival Italiano
The largest Italian festival to ever set foot in New Zealand is back. Festival Italiano will take over Newmarket this weekend with a market boasting over 40 stalls, al fresco dining from the city's best Italian restaurants, live entertainment and cultural experiences showcasing the best of the old country. Showing off their prowess in the kitchen will be: Farina, Non Solo Pizza, Giapo, Gusto, Il Casaro, Lalele Organic, Napoli Central and plenty more.
Sunday 25 September // Osborne Street, Newmarket // Free