Appleton Estate Partners with Gareth Stewart

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Appleton Estate has partnered with Gareth Stewart and Mixologist Adam Neal to celebrate Jamaican Independence Day.

This August, Appleton Estate has invited Kiwis to experience a powerful celebration of culture, flavour  and heritage with an exclusive one-night-only event at Advieh Restaurant & Bar, in honour of  Jamaican Independence Day on 6th August. 

In partnership with renowned chef Gareth Stewart and award-winning mixologist Adam Neal  (Director of Parasol & Company), the event brings to life a bold, Jamaican-inspired menu and cocktail pairing. Hosted at Advieh Restaurant & Bar, which is usually known for its Middle Eastern flavours, the evening will reimagine the space for an immersive Jamaican celebration. 

Chef Gareth Stewart, whose roots trace back to Jamaica, has created a menu inspired by treasured  family recipes, including: 

  • Saltfish Fritters with Whipped Ackee – a refined twist on a traditional Jamaican breakfast  dish  
  • Escovitch Fish – lightly pickled and deboned for Kiwi palates 
  • Curry Goat with Rice & Peas – rich, spicy and cooked traditionally with ham hock and  finished with coconut butter 
  • “Auntie’s Jerk Spicy” Lamb Ribs – a fusion of recipes from Gareth’s Auntie Wendy and Auntie  Sonia 
  • Rum-Soaked Toto Cake – pan-fried and served with coconut crema and mango sorbet 

“Jamaican cuisine is about resilience, joy, community, it’s food with a story. If guests leave with full bellies and fuller hearts, feeling like they’ve been part of something soulful and genuine, then I’ve done my job,” said Stewart. 

Each course is paired with a custom cocktail by Adam Neal, designed to complement the heat and  depth of the menu, including: 

  • Bright, citrus-driven cocktails – crafted to balance and enhance the bold, spicy flavours of  the food 
  • The Blazer – a flaming showstopper made with Appleton Estate 15YO, overproof rum,  coffee, and mango; a fiery Jamaican twist on an Irish coffee served with dessert 

“Most people associate rum with mixers or tropical beach-style cocktails, but we’re challenging that stereotype. Our cocktails aim to highlight the depth, elegance, and adaptability of Appleton Estate,” said Neal.

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