Taste of Auckland Announces Big, Bold And Tasty Line-up

Taste of Auckland Announces Big, Bold And Tasty Line-up for 2014

It’s time to prepare your taste buds for NZ’s most exciting foodie festival – Taste of Auckland 2014. Settling into its new home of Western Springs, this year’s line-up is set to be the best yet, as it welcomes ten of Auckland’s finest restaurants, plus a who’s who of chefs, winemakers and NZ’s best producers.

First up, organisers are pleased to be celebrating Aucklanders’ favourite spot for a long lunch, Waiheke Island, by welcoming three of its most iconic eateries; The Oyster Inn, Cable Bay, and Poderi Crisci.

Showcasing the diversity of the island, The Oyster Inn and Cable Bay will serve up their signature dishes for the first time; while owner of Poderi Crisci, Antonio Crisci, is no stranger to the festival and looks forward to adding some Italian flair to the four-day festival.

Building on the Italian offering, Taste of Auckland is pleased to welcome one of Ponsonby’s latest additions,Farina, delivering the very best simple and fresh Italian fare. Representing the East is Auckland Central’siVillage, who will create delicious Indian treats in their Tandoori oven, made with their special homemade spices and masalas.

And the festival would not be complete without crowd favourite, Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar, who will present a new pop-up concept – The Depot Raw Bar. Foodies can stop by for oyster shucking, Virgin Mary Oyster shots and copies of Al Brown’s new book ‘Depot: Biography of a Restaurant’.

For innovative cuisine with a French influence the festival welcomes Sofitel’s Lava Dining, headed up by Chef, Nick Honeyman; the Good Group’s inspired and redesigned Harbourside will ensure seafood lovers are well and truly sated, and Takapuna’s flagship restaurant The Commons returns, this time with Chef James Pask at the helm. To round off the offering, direct from the Simunovich Olive Estate in Bombay, Chef Mikey Newlands brings a refined taste of the country with Bracu.

The Fisher & Paykel Chef's Kitchen has been a festival favourite since day one, as the chefs of Taste share with you their favourite recipes and kitchen secrets. For 2014, Taste of Auckland is thrilled to announce self-confessed food addict, Delaney Mes in the coveted role of MC at the Fisher & Paykel Chef’s Kitchen.

The Fisher & Paykel Chef's Kitchen will boast a not-be-missed line-up with demonstrations by NZ’s most well-loved chefs and restaurateurs – including Ben Bayly and Michael Dearth of The Grove and Baduzzi, Kyle Street of Depot, Masu’s Nic Watt (partnering with Kenwood), Lewisham Award winner Ganesh Raj from The Tasting Shed in Kumeu, Geoff Scott from Vinnies, and many more to be announced.

Taste of Auckland regulars will know to look out for BMW, again working with Josh Emett on an experience which promises to inspire both palates and minds.

A much-loved entertainment venue, Western Springs has played host to many great performers but this will be the first time that the park has a gourmet feast such as Taste. The bigger venue has allowed Taste of Auckland to spread its wings, expanding into the surroundings with lots of new and exciting features. Alongside the small producers and gourmet treats that you love, this year the festival has some fabulous new attractions including the G.H.Mumm Champagne Bar, the Dilmah Tea Garden and NZ Avocado Urban Garden Experience.

Festival Music Director Peter Urlich is yet to announce the music line-up for the Magners Cider Bandstand soon but hints at returning favourites the Baby Shakes and a 12-piece Wellingtonian band, the Clazzmatic Boogie Orchestra playing on the Sunday.

Taste of Auckland will also welcome seven brewers and over 20 wineries from all over the country, in addition to the ever-popular Plumm Wine Theatre with Australian star sommelier, Matt Skinner.

Advance GA Tickets are available from $25, as well as VIP Tickets from $99.

In addition, the Carlton Party Hire Hospitality Marquee is hosting special ticketed events honouring our most accomplished restaurants, a Saturday Soiree and the sold out ‘Taste Ladies Lunch’.

Visit www.tasteofauckland.co.nz for tickets and more details

2013 Festival Imagery can be downloaded here

ENDS

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