Line-up for Taste of Auckland announced

Media Release

15 September 2016

Taste of Auckland is serving up impressive plate of culinary delights

Line-up for country’s biggest food and wine celebration announced

Taste of Auckland 2016, in partnership with Electrolux, is expected to be the biggest and best Taste event yet with an exciting line-up of world-class chefs and restaurants, live cooking demonstrations from culinary superstars, one-on-one chef experiences and special VIP and hospitality experiences. The event has previously attracted over 25,000 people and will showcase the best New Zealand made products from over 100 fine food producers, wine makers, distilleries and craft brewers.

Top Auckland restaurants and chefs will bring together international flavours from around the world, with the 2016 program including:

•Traditional Italian favourite and two-time ‘Best in Taste’ award - Farina (Sergio Maglione)

•French delicacies at Paris Butter (Nick Honeyman)

•Hearty flavours of Southern America provided by Miss Clawdy

•Authentic oriental cuisine from new Artwok (Jason Zhang) and Tok Tok (Cameron Knox)

•Delicious BBQ delights from The Culpeper

•Fresh seafood from FISH (Gareth Stewart)

•Mouth-watering New Zealand dishes from Euro (Gareth Stewart) and Al Brown’s Eatery (Al Brown’s Depot Eatery)

•Unique Middle Eastern and North African flavours of Ima (Yael Shochat)

According to Rob Elliot, Director of Lemongrass Productions, Taste of Auckland “brings together the best of New Zealand food and beverage in one place with a lively festival atmosphere that can be rivalled with any of its international Taste counterparts.”

“We are dedicated to making Taste of Auckland in partnership with Electrolux the best celebration of food and wine in the country so we’re very excited to showcase such a high calibre of restaurants, chefs and exhibitors at the festival this year. Taste is all about celebrating the people who make our restaurant and wine industry such a success; from large, well-known establishments to small artisan producers - our guests get the best of both worlds! Paired with fantastic live music and a bustling festival atmosphere, there really is nothing like a good day or night at Taste of Auckland.” Eliott said.

New for 2016, the Electrolux Chefs’ Secrets will give restaurant aficionados the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the country’s top chefs such as Kyle Street (of the soon to be opened, Culprit) and Megan May (Little Bird Organics). Here, food lovers will have the chance to cook and dine with their favourite chefs in an intimate setting and learn how to recreate some of the country’s most loved dishes.

For aspiring chefs wanting to learn the tricks of the trade, the Electrolux Taste Theatre will host free live cooking demonstrations from leading chefs including Peter Gordon, Sergio Maglione, Megan May, Nick Honeyman, Marco Edwards (Te Whau), Sachie’s Kitchen and a special appearance from acclaimed Australian chef Neil Perry’s Rockpool team at Qantas. These culinary stars will cook their favourite recipes on the latest Electrolux induction cooktops and steam ovens, transforming everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

New Zealand’s Electrolux Director, Malcolm Bain said: “As a brand that designs both professional and household appliances, we are pleased to be involved in an event that supports and celebrates the professional chefs who are leading the way when it comes to the future of New Zealand cooking and dining experiences.

“Our partnership with Taste of Auckland is an extension of Electrolux’s global alignment with Taste Events around the globe including Sydney, London, Milan, Amsterdam and Stockholm, just to name a few.”

For those wanting a premium Taste of Auckland experience, the Qantas VIP lounge will be the place to be for first-class service and quality comfort in the heart of the festival. Here, the Qantas Rockpool Team will be running the ‘Rockpool Grill’, providing guests with gourmet treats and delicious cocktails. Guests will also be treated to fine wine tastings from Babich Wines who are celebrating 100 years of family wine making.

Other key features of 2016 Taste of Auckland in partnership with Electrolux include:

Brew Street with award winning cheese maker Kapiti Cheese
Brew Street with Kapiti Cheese will include a line-up of craft brewers offering a selection of beer and cider drops, with beers matched with delicious Kapiti cheese. There will also be a series of ‘Meet the Brewer’ talks throughout the festival.

The TSB Bank Producers Market
Bringing together over 14 artisan producers from across New Zealand, the TSB Bank’s Producers Market showcases luscious pickles, spreads, fine pressed oil, and so much more. It’s all about helping local, 100% NZ owned producers shine, and proving that the most passionate artisans don’t have to be the biggest.

Revel in the atmosphere at the Magners Cider Bandstand
Iconic musician Peter Urlich will curate a live music line-up at the Magners Cider Bandstand that will add to the lively festival atmosphere – timetable coming soon.

The Taste Hospitality Marquee is the perfect place to host and entertain corporate guests. The marquee will feature a series of unique gastronomic experiences with chefs such as Peter Gordon, Nic and Kelly Watt and Qantas’s Rockpool in a private and premium setting. Events such as the ‘Culinary and Innovation’ themed Opening Night Gala, the Viva Champagne Lunch and A Celebration of 30 Years of The Sugar Club will provide the ultimate epicurean culinary experience for guests.

The special 30th anniversary of the original restaurant The Sugar Club opening in Wellington will see Gordon joined in the kitchen by former chefs from the establishment’s various NZ and UK incarnations: Che Barrington (Blue Breeze Inn and Woodpecker Hill) and Pip Wylie (Onslow Bar & Eatery), Neil Brazier (The Sugar Club, SKYCITY Auckland).

Tickets to 2016 Taste of Auckland in partnership with Electrolux are on sale now.

ENDS

Sponsors include: Electrolux, TSB Bank, Qantas, Viva, Food TV, Kapiti, Ayala, ATEED, Babich, Waiheke Water, Kronenberg, and Magners Cider.

Tickets:

Qantas VIP tickets: $110 (includes priority entry to one session + access to Qantas VIP Lounge, $30 TSB Bank Crown card, gourmet treat and cocktail from the ‘Rockpool Grill’, fine wine tastings, festival glass, VIP parking, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks)

Premium ticket: $60 (includes festival entry and a $40 TSB Bank Crown Card) General admission: $25 (entry only)
Seniors 65+ (with Gold Card): $15 (entry only)
Juniors under 15 accompanied by an adult: $15 (entry only)

Door sales if available $35 (entry only)
Tickets can be purchased through www.tasteofauckland.co.nz

More information on the Taste Hospitality Marquee events: Opening Night Gala: Culinary Innovation with Rockpool bought to you by Qantas The opening night’s dinner theme is ‘Culinary Innovation’ and we welcome a collaboration of leading chefs and wine makers. This includes guests from the iconic Australian Restaurant group Rockpool thanks to Taste sponsor Qantas. A splendid evening to launch New Zealand’s largest restaurant festival.

Viva Champagne Lunch An annual highlight. Talented chefs including Nic & Kelli Watt of True Food & Yoga and Nick Honeyman of Paris Butter serve their signature dishes alongside three different styles of Champagne AYALA. Each guest will also receive a generous gift bag at this most fashionable of summer lunches.

A Celebration of 30 Years of The Sugar Club We celebrate the New Zealand legend that is Peter Gordon on the 30th anniversary of the original restaurant The Sugar Club opening in Wellington. Peter will be joined in the kitchen by former chefs from the establishment’s various NZ and UK incarnations: Che Barrington (Blue Breeze Inn and Woodpecker Hill) and Pip Wylie (Onslow Bar & Eatery), Neil Brazier (The Sugar Club, SKYCITY Auckland).
Taste of Auckland is operated Lemongrass Productions under license from Taste Festivals Ltd, an IMG company.

About Electrolux:

A name synonymous with premium household and professional appliances, Electrolux has more than 90 years of experience servicing fine European homes, kitchens and restaurants. With a comprehensive range of products for both homes and restaurant kitchens, Electrolux is renowned for forward thinking innovations designed to meet the real needs of home cooks and professional chefs.

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