All posts filed under: Events

Sawadee Kaaaaa – Zomato Meetup

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I have three food-related events on this week. On Sunday there was The Auckland Seafood Festival and on Tuesday I indulged in a night of tasty Thai food, kitschy cocktails, and foodie conversation. I have one more event up my sleeve this week. More on that later. My fellow reviewers, bloggers and the lovely ladies from Zomato converged on Sawadee, a Thai restaurant at the K’ Rd end of Ponsonby Road, across from the sunken buildings at Western Park. It’s been around for about 20 years so I was embarrassed to admit that while I love Thai food, I had never been to Sawadee before. Sawadee is much larger than you might expect from the street. The decor is inviting, well lit and flowers and electric candles set the scene. Sawadee’s special summer cocktail menu is all retro tiki-bar. I tried the Crying Tiger (brandy, Cointreau and lemon juice, rimmed with sugar). I picked this because it seemed like the sensible choice out of the very flamboyant list of cocktails. It was perfect. Not too sweet, no crazy colours or …

Auckland Seafood Festival 2015 – food porn and review

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My seafood gobbling friends and I descended on the Auckland Seafood Festival at midday today with hunger in our bellies and a readiness to partake. Being the middle of Auckland Anniversary weekend, the city was BUSY. There was plenty of atmosphere and things to do. There still are. The layout of the venue at Halsey Wharf was quite different this year and the areas felt a little less marked out. No restaurant alley this year, but it was easy to navigate. There was plenty of seating, though the limited shade was snapped up quickly. The lines were short all except for the line for the Oceanz’s crayfish (from $25 for half) which was so long (about 40 bellies deep) we didn’t bother. My favourite dish was one from NSIA a school for hospo students. Pulpo in honey and balsamic, gazpacho caviar, Spanish olive soil, capsicum sofrito ($8). Pulpo is spanish for octopus and this dish was filled with bite size octopi. Quite an adventurous and sophisticated dish, it really paid off. We also tried their …

Auckland Seafood Festival 2015 is almost here!

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Auckland Seafood Festival is on this long weekend and I am way too excited. While I have firm favourite seafoods that I eat during the year (salmon, prawn, squid, mussels), at the festival I prefer to eat foods that I have less often. I have a pretty adventurous palate, there’s nothing Auckland Seafood Festival could offer me that I wouldn’t try. This year I’m looking forward to: Scampi Clams Whitebait Kina Octopus …plus anything I haven’t tried before. My list might be a little ambitious, but I have The Koala and two friends coming along with me this year and they all know that I like to share 🙂 What seafoods do you always eat and are there seafoods you haven’t tried (but want to)? Menu If you’re anything like me, you might like to have a little read about what to expect.  The menu for each vendor can be found here. Oysters Just a little note, as wonderful as oysters are, most varieties of oyster are not in season. Frozen thawed oysters can be lacklustre, so buyer beware. (Thanks for the tip Easy Food Hacks.) Cashless …

Taste menu announced

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Taste of Auckland have announced their menus for the festival which starts next Thursday. There are 38 dishes to try this year including 5 limited edition icon dishes. I’ve had a quick squiz and it’s a little overwhelming, especially since it’s almost 2pm here and I haven’t eaten my lunch (yikes!) but here’s my first thoughts on what I might like to eat at the festival…

Street Eats 2014

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Street Eats was today and there’s still half an hour to get yourself down to Shed 10 at Queen’s Wharf if you’re wondering what to do for dinner today. I went early when there were no lines for food, though it filled out quickly and by noon, there were long quick moving lines snaking their way around Shed 10. Reports from my sister a few minutes ago confirmed that many of the prized dishes were sold out. The ambience was delicious chaos and the music was surprisingly good. There were many delicious things to eat. So many happy people tucking in to really good food. I kind of wished I could have fit more in my belly. I really wanted to fit in the Wagu Burger and duck fat fries (The Grill) but it was not to be. My friends and I managed to get through a few dishes and I ended up spending $21 on food and $6 on a beer. I spent more than last year but only by a fraction. With free entry, this …

Anticipating Street Eats 2014

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A highlight of Auckland Restaurant Month is Street Eats this Saturday. Once again in the covered Shed 10 on Queens Wharf, this is a free, family-friendly event. See my review of the first Street Eats last year here. Last year, my friend Coco and I sampled five different $5 dishes between us for $25 plus a $6 beer each making it less than $20 per person. Staying pretty true to street food, we ate deep fried food, food on sticks and pizza. This year I might splash out with $30 or $40 so I can try a few more dishes and perhaps another tipple. I hope they have the deep fried milk again (pictured top row, middle). It’s been a year since I had it and I’m hoping I can eat it again. If you have never tried deep fried milk, you are missing out. It’s like eating the silkiest deep fried custard. It’s magic. Worth burning your mouth for. Tips for Street Eats Bring an appetite Bring a friend to share dishes with Bring cash (the EFTPOS line …

The Cult of Foodies

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On Monday I went to Late at The Museum. It is the first in the series for this year and this month’s edition was The Cult of Food in conjunction with Auckland Restaurant Month. Located in Auckland Museum’s events centre on top of the museum, the space has 360° night views of the city and harbour. The night was hosted by Aucklander Jesse Mulligan who you might know from TV or radio or Metro magazine or his food blog which is generically cleverly named the Auckland Food Blog. Providing both comic relief and a relaxed tone for his guests and panelists: Professors Rod Jackson and Grant Schofield provided insightful academic banter while celebrity chefs Al Brown and Anne Thorp provided the foodie perspective. The panelists nominated 4 dishes to be voted on for New Zealand’s national dish. Each panelist gave their reasoning for their nomination. Nominations for New Zealand’s national dish: Al Brown: Fritters Grant Schofield: Lamb roast Anne Thorp: Fish and spuds Rod Jackson: Chicken and bread I found Rod Jackson’s reasoning very interesting. Of the meat …

Anticipating Wine AKL

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In the last year, a new phase in my wine drinking has developed. I don’t drink as much, but every time I take my first sip of wine, I sigh aloud: “I loooooove wine”. I can’t help it. A glass of wine is classy, relaxing, social and delicious. It demands to be appreciated. I used to drink red or white, but these days I am a staunch red wine drinker. I’ll always pass on the white but I’ll drink any red. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cab Sav, Syrah, Shiraz, Malbec. Oh yes. This weekend is Wine AKL. I’ve never been before but it looks a bit like Taste, except instead of a celebration of our loveliest restaurants, it is a celebration of our wine makers (and wine drinkers). As part of the Auckland Restaurant Month celebrations, the wine glitterati of NZ will be there talking all about wine. Over 60 of New Zealand’s wine makers will be represented. Entertainment provided by Base FM DJ Murry Sweetpants. Reasonably priced food provided by Euro’s pop-up restaurant. Pop Up Menu Can …

Late at the Museum: The Cult of Food

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In conjunction with Auckland Restaurant Month, Auckland Museum will be hosting LATE at the Museum: The Cult of Food on Monday 11 August from 6pm until late. Tickets $20, Members $10. Food and drink will be available for purchase. I have my ticket, currently going solo if anyone wants to join me. The ever-evolving Late is a series of curated evenings, which include special guests, live performances, drinks, food, and special late-night exhibition tours. Over the course of an evening we delve into the culture of food, past, present and beyond, we also look at local eating habits and attempt to answer the ever popular question: “What is New Zealand’s national dish?” If you are what you eat then who are we as New Zealanders? First up in the this year’s LATE series we take a bite out of the mouth-watering topic of food. Chaired by Jesse Mulligan your expert panel for the evening features chef and restaurateur Al Brown, AUT Professor of Public Health Grant Schofield, Anne Thorp from the popular TV series Kai Ora and Rod Jackson, Professor of Epidemiology …

Dinner and a Movie: NZIFF Food Matches

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The New Zealand International Film Festival is currently on in Auckland. Next week it will start in Wellington and Christchurch will follow that. The Koala and I LOVE watching movies. Like, love it to bits. We have varied tastes in what we look for in a movie but we can usually both recognise a good movie, even if it’s not our favourite genre. I like anything thought provoking or whimsical and The Koala likes anything with action. We both enjoy thrillers and scares. Recently, we invited a group of friends to watch the cult classic Tampopo. It is a 1985 Japanese film about a woman, her ramen (noodle) shop and her search to make the perfect bowl of ramen. A foodie action comedy with some very innocent characters who contrast with some freaky food erotica. Naturally, we followed the movie by feasting at our local ramen shop. Sorry, we didn’t partake in food erotica. That pairing may have been obvious, but I like to pair food with activities. It’s like wearing shoes that match your bag. A little bit fancy. …

Auckland Restaurant Month 2014 – top picks

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August is Auckland Restaurant Month and the menus for the 100 participating restaurants have been posted already. I know it’s a whole month away, but a month is good time to make dates with friends and tick off a few restaurants on the way. There are some fabulous specials and this is a great way to try out some of Auckland’s best restaurants on a range of budgets. It was hard (and hungry) work, but I’ve picked out 10 of my favourite specials which  range from $25 to $100 per person. Auckland Restaurant Month top 10 picks: (In order of budget) 1. Fukuko Britomart, Cocktail bar $25 for 2 snack courses and a shochu cocktail of your choice. Includes a steamed pork bun and 2 tacos (your choice of braised miso short rib, sticky pulled pork, spiced roast duck, sole tempura). http://www.fukuko.co.nz   2. Besos Latinos Elliot Stables, Latin American gourmet $25 for cornchips, your choice of taco and a classic margarita. Taco options: Pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian or fish. http://www.besoslatinos.com   3. Kushi Durham St West, Japanese …

The Last Summer Barbecue

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I have been meaning to share this post for a while. When I was first diagnosed with Graves’ Disease at the end of summer, I did a lot of reading about what to eat. Being able to take control of something, even if it’s just diet made me feel less helpless about my health issues. Eating whole foods has been one positive change I’ve been making, dining out I usually make an exception but at festivals, where things like hot dog on a stick and greasy chips rule, it can be difficult to find something suitable to eat. A bunch of friends and I went to see The Opensouls reunion show mid-March at Phoenix Fest at Nixon Park, Kingsland. Back in 2007 and 2008, Phoenix Fest was just around the corner from our flat and a group of us would shake our asses off at the park and return home for further festivities. Phoenix Fest was on hiatus for 6 or so years and came back this year with a reunion show. How fitting! A …

Tofu Tuesday: Splore Food Guide

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It is Splore this weekend! Splore is a 3-day music and art festival at Tapapakanga Regional Park on the outskirts of Auckland, New Zealand. Held every two years, Splore also happens to land on The Koala’s birthday. Now in it’s tenth edition, this year will be our sixth Splore. What makes Splore unique is it’s atmosphere and location. You can float in the sea while watching international and kiwi artists. If you like music, art and the beach, this is a winner. Each year there is a broad dress-up theme and this year’s theme (due to Valentine’s day) is “Spread the Love”. Our camp is dressing up with a hint of tribal and I have my feathers and fur all ready to go.  Tofu only needs feathers, the fur part of his costume was already supplied. 😉 Please note this is only for a photo and Tofu isn’t really going to the festival. Splore have strict “no pets policy” and we wouldn’t do that do our pet. We once brought our own food to the …

Auckland Seafood Feastival is upon us

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The Auckland Seafood Feastival is on this weekend. It’s long weekend here in Auckland and you can dine on kai moana (Māori for seafood) on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Every year I gaze upon the crayfish but never partake. I think this year will be my year! Find out more or purchase tickets here: www.aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz Some of my photos from previous festivals.      

Deep Fried Duck and wanky dumplings

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Please excuse me. I am fresh from an evening of fine booze and delicious, oh so delicious food. Quote of the night: When did we become so wanky?  Seriously. Between the “That’s not jam, that’s couli.” or trying to identify the six flavours of the Fisher & Paykel experience — which by the way, I tasted barley, marjoram, maple syrup, black garlic, coriander and black olive — it was sure as hell wanky but so much fun. I saw a few “World famous in New Zealand” food bloggers and food personalities walking about too. Taste of Auckland is like Disneyland for foodies. My friends Coco and Livvy, two fine foodies came with me on opening night (again) and we shared a bunch of dishes (again). I could visit Taste of Auckland every day (mentally, not economically). I’d go back or seconds, thirds even. The weather was divine, sunny, even warm at times and the 5.30pm to 9.30pm session a good amount of time to eat and drink your way through various restaurants, vineyards, liqueurs and food producers. …

Lovely little plates of yum

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Taste of Auckland is tomorrow! If I possessed a foodie calendar, Taste of Auckland would be the highlight of it. I have blogged about here and here and it’s a chance to enjoy lovely little plates of yum by many of Auckland’s best chefs. Taste is a global franchise and next year there will be eighteen Taste events worldwide. It is possible I am a little bias. I haven’t missed a Taste event yet. With that track record, they must be doing something very, VERY right. Call me an earnest fangirl. As part of Bunny Eats Design’s 3rd year anniversary celebrations I was delighted to give away 2 double passes to Taste of Auckland next week. But if you missed out, GA tickets are $25 but don’t forget to allocate some spending money too. Expect to spend between $30 and $60 depending on how much you like to eat and drink. The Menu Click to enlarge     I recommend 3 to 4 dishes per person, depending on how many free samples you try (and how much you drink). Take a foodie …

Ding Ding!

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We have 10 winners! Thanks for all the interesting entries to Bunny Eats Design’s third year anniversary. I enjoyed reading all your answers, especially the food related questions. Entries were sorted by date and drawn via random.org, a nifty, free online tool. And the winners are… 1. Bunny Eats Design Illustrated Card and Stickers Sofia, Anna Katten and Tracy Schalk 2. Giapo Golden Tickets Marnelli and Sue Ryan 3a. The Honesty Box F&V Small Box Gabrielle Johnson 3b. The Honesty Box Corporate Classic Box Meagan Kerr 4. Mood Indigo Movie Comps Ruby Huang 5. Taste of Auckland Tickets Sarah Young and Two Hones Truths Congratulations to you all…and for those who missed out, there’s always next year 🙂 Winners will be contacted via email for delivery instructions.