Taste of Auckland

One of the world’s most successful and sophisticated food festivals is coming to Auckland, as Taste of Auckland provides four days of unrivalled gourmet delight.

From Thursday 19 March to Sunday 22 March 2009, foodie heaven will descend on Ellerslie Racecourse, with a celebration of the best food and drink the city and its surrounding regions have to offer.

Taste of Auckland is the first New Zealand Taste festival. The international festival that began with Taste of London in 2004 and has since spread to other cities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Dubai. Next year the festivals will be held in 20 cities.

Visitors to Taste of Auckland will be indulged and entertained and their taste buds tickled by tasting menus from the city’s best restaurants – including Clooney, Euro, Prego and Mudbrick Restaurant. A full list of the restaurants, which have been chosen from among the city’s elite, will be available from January.

Each restaurant will produce a menu of three of its signature dishes, in tasting-sized portions. Also on offer will be fine wines, champagnes and speciality beers which will be available from a range of bars and quality beverage purveyors. Well known wine connoisseur, Bob Campbell, will be one of a number of experts at the event sharing their knowledge on food and wine.

“Aucklanders have never before had the opportunity to experience and compare in one place at one time the offerings from so many of our premier eateries,” says event director Michele Harrod of DMG World Media. “Over four days, the city’s finest restaurants will be offering their signature dishes to create what is effectively Auckland’s most tantalising degustation menu.”

But that is just the start of the experience. Visitors will also be encouraged to broaden their gastronomic horizons at the Fisher & Paykel Chef's Kitchen, educate their palate at Taste Wine, sample and buy authentic local produce from more than 80 fine food and beverage exhibitors at The Producers Market and discuss their culinary conundrums with Auckland’s best chefs at the Taste Magazine Chef's Table.

“This is more than just another food and wine festival,” says Harrod. “It’s a culinary occasion, revealing to Aucklanders just what fabulous, world-class food, wine and dining experiences are available right on their doorstep, and giving them the chance to sample and learn about new tastes and flavours at the same time.”

Visitors to Taste of Auckland can choose from among all the gastronomic delights on offer, purchasing their chosen dishes and drinks with Taste of Auckland Crowns, each equivalent to $1. The signature dishes from each restaurant will cost from 8-14 Crowns.

With each Tasting Session running for four to five hours, visitors can indulge in an afternoon or evening of exquisite tastes and sensations, as well as browse the Producers’ Market and come away with new, exciting ingredients to expand their culinary repertoire.

Participating restaurants: Clooney Restaurant, dine by Peter Gordon, Euro Restaurant and Bar, Harbourside Seafood Bar & Grill, Jervois Steak House & Saloon, Monsoon Poon, Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, Prego, Q Restaurant & Bar, The French Cafe.

Individual adult tickets range in price from $25 to $85, and corporate hospitality packages are available which include dedicated VIP hospitality enclosures, full bar and waiting staff services. Visit www.tasteofauckland.co.nz for further information.

Session Times:
Thursday 19 March 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Friday 20 March 12:00 - 4:00pm
Friday 20 March 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Saturday 21 March 12.00 - 4:00pm
Saturday 21 March 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Sunday 22 March 12:00 – 5:00pm

Event listed by Laura Mitchell

View their other events or contact promoter