The Taste of Auckland is getting closer, with the November 1st kick-off looking more exciting by the day. The event is the country’s biggest celebration of food and drink, and will be even bigger given that it’s the tenth anniversary of the food lover’s paradise.
A crowd of 30,000 people is expected to flock Auckland’s waterfront next week to try everything the 120-plus artisan producers have to offer, from modern Kiwi yum-cha to slow-cooked meats and plant-based desserts. Over four days and nights, the festival is expected to push out 45,000 dishes.
Among the dishes sit a plethora of kai moana; due to the festival’s seaside location, participating restaurants will be paying homage to the sea with a sustainable seafood theme. A small selection of items on the menu includes: live shucked oysters from Shucker Brothers, chorizo XO clams with tuatua and friend noodles from Culprit, and soft shell crab gua bao with gochujang mao and pickled shallots from Xoong.
For the vegans and vegetarians, there will be plenty of plant-based delicacies to try: smoked watermelon sashimi, hemp tacos, and cashew blue cheese are just a few of them.
New Zealand’s best musical acts will also be present, including Hollie Smith – DUO, Hopetoun Brown, and Sola Rosa Sounds System among others.
The international guest chef this year is Lachlan Colwill, coming from Hentley Farm in South Australia. Joining Colwill in the live cooking demonstrations are Nic Watt from Masu and Josh Barlow from the Sugar Club, among many others.
The new CBD location will make transport and access easier for many attendees, who can make use the city’s growing public transport system. There will also be parking available in the Downtown and Britomart car parks.
Tickets will be available on the day or can be bought now via the Taste website. Tickets start at $30 for general admission. A multi-day pass is also available, with access to all six sections.
For more information head to the Taste website: www.tasteofauckland.co.nz
