A Mouthwatering Program Has Been Announced for Taste of Auckland 2017
Enter a dreamy world where your tastebuds are the only concern.
We know, it's only August — we shouldn't tease you with the juicy details about Auckland's premier food festival. Alas, Taste of Auckland has announced its return to Western Springs this November – and you might just need to start preparing your palate now for what promises to be the biggest and best celebration of flavour the city has seen.
Immersive, delicious and doubtless to deliver inspiration, eat your way around the festival where dollars don't matter (the currency here is 'crowns') and the soundtrack promises soul, jazz and funky blues.
A direct reflection of our city's phenomenal food culture, this year's Taste boasts an unrivalled lineup of events, tastings and participating restaurants — good enough to entice Australian Masterchef judge George Calombaris across the ditch for his first New Zealand food festival appearance.
Calombaris joins a veritable lineup of New Zealand's foodie A-list including Ben Bayly of North Wharf's Baduzzi, Gareth Stewart from Princes Wharf stalwart Euro and Cameron Knox from new favourite Tok Tok as they serve up the world (Kiwi style) on a plate.
We're already looking forward to the north Thailand cuisine served by Lek Trirattanavatin of Saan and Russian-inspired delights from the Vodka Room's Murray Wiblin, as well as the return of Baduzzi's famed meatballs following a four-year hiatus. Ryan Clarke of wood-smoked barbecue joint Miss Moonshines will be serving up a mouth-watering Argentinian style open-fire barbecue, while Ben Bayly and Kyle Street of Culprit will work with hāngi master Rewi Spraggon to offer guests a contemporary take on the traditional Maori feast.
The Taste Theatre will return, this year hosted by food writer Delaney Mes as she's joined by local culinary heroes in three, free-to-attend demonstrations each day.
Perhaps most enticing is the chance to share a meal with your favourite chefs at the Chef's Secrets sessions. This year Jacob Kear from Clooney and Fraser Shenton from FISH will share their best tips and techniques for creating gourmet food at home.
With every element of flavour accounted for, Brew Street offers the chance to whet your whistle bringing together local boutiques breweries, including Good George, Cassels Brewery, Birkenhead Brewery, Tuatara and Liberty Brewing. But fear not blue bloods, there's a swathe of fantastic wineries and multiple cocktail bars coming to the party as well.
Taste of Auckland returns to Western Springs Park from November 16-19. Stay tuned for further festival announcements.
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