More than 70 pop-up bars, eateries, gift stalls and entertainers are taking over The Cloud in Auckland on Saturday, 2nd and Sunday, 3rd December, for the inaugural 'A Very Tasty Christmas Market'.
This event borrows from the organisers' experience running other large-scale festivals, including Taste of Auckland, Winetopia and Street Eats.
“Inspired by the big Christmas events of Europe, we’ve been busy creating an environment that is perfect for end-of-year socialising and also an uplifting shopping experience. The event is perfect for people like me who will find Christmas shopping a lot more appealing with a drink in their hand, some activities to keep the kids entertained and delicious food to break things up,” Rob Eliott, Director of Lemongrass Productions.
Chef Luis Cabrera is running a garden bar over the weekend, serving his gold medal-winning Besos Margaritas. There is a mixture of local and international wines to be discovered, a Malfy Gin Bar led by mixologist James Millar and a range of craft spirits to act as mature stocking fillers. Artisanal gifts include gingerbread house kits from Olli & Otti, wellness teas from Smitea and 25-year-aged balsamic vinegar drizzles from Azzuro Epicurean. There are hand-crafted jewellery stalls, home aromatics, Karubuta Christmas Hams and even Christmas trees to be ordered from the event.
The “very tasty” part of the event features delicious dishes, including Pizza Fritta & Arancini from Passa Passa’s Dan Pinto, Wagyu beef brisket & pulled pork belly from chefs Varun Singhal and Anu Meesala at Smoking Shack, Ceviche with hot sauce from RocotoNZ and freshly shucked Mahurangi Oysters. Chef Adam Ricket (former head chef of Euro) will be serving up his ‘Ansum Pasties. Delicious Dosa, Bear Gelato, vegan cheeses and chocolate strawberries are all on the menu.
The event will take place on Queen's Wharf between 10 am and 6 pm on both days, with a $5 entry fee at the door.
