Serving up a Menu of New Events in the Heart of the City This August
Heart of the City announces new one-night-only culinary experiences as part of American Express Restaurant Month 2019
The city centre will host a series of six mouth-watering one-off dining experiences this August as part of American
Express Restaurant Month, led by Heart of the City.
Adding to an already packed calendar of events and offers, including special set-menus from more than 100 restaurants
and the return of the popular Chef Dining Series, the six new one-night-only events highlight the unique food
experiences that can only be had in the city centre.
Held on various dates throughout August, they range from an afternoon of craft beer and food matching in Federal Street
and a freshly foraged dinner at O’Connell Street Bistro to a metropolitan mid-winter barbecue with lively entertainment
and an extravagant seafood and rosé luncheon overlooking the sparkling Waitemata.
Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck says this year’s American Express Restaurant Month events are designed to
encourage people to discover what makes the city centre’s dining scene unique.
“The variety and caliber of the events on offer in August is a reflection of the city centre’s diverse dining scene.
Whether you’re a gourmet food connoisseur or simply curious about different cuisines, these special dining events are
the perfect excuse to get together with friends and experience new tastes, cooking techniques and international
flavours.”
Sweet Dreams
Friday 2 August 2019 - $55 per person
Kicking off August on a very sweet note is a dessert only, 6-course, decadent degustation menu. Think irresistible
velvety dark chocolate, melt in your mouth meringue, whipped and nutty nougat and delicate light mousse. Taking place at
DeBretts Kitchen, in celebration of their 10-year anniversary, this late supper dining event is serving up gastronomic
encounters of the sugary kind.
A Behemoth Day Out on Federal Street
Saturday 17 August 2019 - $65 per person
Three top eateries. Six great brews. It is going to be a behemoth day out on Federal Street. For one glorious winter
afternoon, experience sophisticated beer and food pairings designed by the kitchen teams at HUAMI, Gusto at the Grand
and Bellota by Peter Gordon. Meander between venues, savouring the hops and malty undertones of Behemoth beer whilst
being guided through each carefully curated Chinese, Italian and Spanish bar snack match. This is a chance to gain
insights into the art of beer and food matching while mingling with like-minded souls in the greatest of bar settings.
Foraged
Friday 23 August 2019 - $195 per person
Discover a new appreciation for the wild foods of Aotearoa at this unique dining experience. Seasoned forager Riki
Bennett of Te Arawa and Ngāti Porou descent brings his unique understanding of forest food and medicinal herbs (rongoā)
to the table. Collaborating with James Beck of Hawkes Bay’s two-hatted Bistronomy and Mark Southon of O’Connell Street
Bistro, this will be an exquisite 5-course dinner made with freshly foraged ingredients and expertly matched with an
award-winning selection of wines.
Fire Me Up
Saturday 24 August 2019 - $60 per person
Don’t let winter get you down. A mid-winter barbeque party taking place right in the heart of the city will fire up even
the coldest of winter evenings. Tucked away up a hidden flight of stairs off Federal Street, The Glass Goose is home to
a central city garden oasis that is the perfect setting for an evening of soul-warming barbecue food and live music. A
team of skilled chefs will be serving up a selection of flame grilled treats, while party-goers dance the night away.
In the Pink at Harbourside
Sunday 25 August 2019 - $95 per person
Pescatarians rejoice. One of the city’s favourite waterfront restaurants, Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill, is putting an
exciting twist on a luscious Sunday seafood lunch. While there are some classic white wine and fish pairings, this event
will instead see several exquisite varietals of wine of the moment, rosé, matched to each fresh seafood course. Explore
texture, taste and aroma with each delicious fusion, created by experts and perfectly complemented with stunning ocean
views.
#LuxeLife
Saturday 31 August 2019 - $160 per person
Step into Auckland’s most stylish and chic soiree for one night only. Start with the allure and elegance of Sofitel
Auckland Viaduct Hotel, indulging in Bollinger on arrival and an exquisite selection of hors d'oeuvres prepared by Lava
Dining in Sofitel’s Marina Terrace, before enjoying wine and canapés in more of The Sofitel’s exclusive settings. Then
in true 5-star style, chauffeured Aston Martins will transfer guests to SO/ Auckland Hotel to finish the decadent
evening with an arrival drink at MIXO, where you have the option to lounge and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere or head up
to the rooftop bar for its spectacular outlook over Auckland city. This really is the LuxeLife.
For more information on American Express Restaurant Month 2019 including a full list of participating restaurants,
menus, and calendar of events visit www.heartofthecity.co.nz
Tickets for American Express Restaurant Month events are available to purchase from iTICKET https://www.iticket.co.nz/go-to/american-express-restaurant-month-2019 .
- ENDS -