Summer dining is one of the best parts of the warmer season. Judging by the variety of enticing dishes, exciting events and tempting offers from many of our favourite eateries, they aren’t willing to say goodbye to that holiday feeling just yet — and neither should we. Here are the gastronomic highlights to look out for in February.
Lush lunch specials
Andiamo
Not that we needed another excuse to visit Andiamo, but the Jervois Road stalwart has re-launched its Locals Lunch. Featuring two delicious courses plus a glass of wine for the very reasonable price of $35, diners can expect the likes of arancini or bruschetta to start; followed by a choice of agnolotti, grilled market fish or a pork chop with nduja. Available Wednesday to Sunday from 12 – 4pm, this lush lunch offering is welcoming indeed.
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Culprit
Don’t sleep on this innovative Wyndham Street restaurant’s Trolley Derby lunch special. For $45, diners can expect a set menu starting with four tasty bites like First Light wagyu tataki and the popular Masa’s sweet corn toastie, followed by a main of John Dory, kimchi braised brisket or cornflake fried eggplant. Upgrades and sides are available, and we wouldn’t be able to resist a matcha soft serve to finish.
Crab Shack
Another lunch special that’s sure to sweeten the days of many-an inner city worker can be found harbourside at Crab Shack. Choose from seafood chowder, lettuce cup pork tacos or bang bang chicken salad for only $15, 12 – 3pm, Monday to Friday.
A delightful dessert
Round off a meal at Soul in the most delicious way possible with the waterfront eatery’s new frozen strawberry torte. This delightfully rose-hued, multi-layered dessert celebrates the scrumptious summer strawberry in all its glory. Using Clevedon strawberries, unparalleled in their flavour and quality, the torte features a bottom layer of almond dacquoise (similar in texture to an almond macaron), followed by house-made strawberry ice cream, strawberry sorbet and finished with Italian meringue. Served in a generously-sized wedge, this is one sweet treat to fully indulge in.
Events to book
Le Longue Table du Chef
Can’t travel? No worries. Le Longue Table du Chef is returning to Auckland this February, promising to bring tastes of both France and Italy to our shores with multiple nights of al fresco dining. Held at Upper Vulcan Lane, diners can expect a French-inspired five course menu by the team at Le Chef bistro, and Aperol Spritzes to sip on — Italian aperitivo-style. Live music and DJs will keep the mood pumping, so get your crew together and make a balmy late summer’s evening of it.
Le Longue Table du Chef, Upper Vulcan Lane. $115 per person. 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th & 21st of February 2021, from 7.30pm Tickets available here.
Everybody Eats at Auckland Live Fringe Town
Social enterprise Everybody Eats is aiming to host its largest event yet with a dinner for 1,000 people at Auckland Town Hall on Sunday 21st February. Lauded chefs Tom Hishon and Michael Meredith will be in charge of the pay-as-you-can menu, with 60-minute timeslots available to book. Find more information and book here.
Cocktails, Eats & Beats at Azabu Mission Bay
Keep the good times rollin’ with this summer series courtesy of Azabu Mission Bay, taking place every Saturday for the next six weeks. Presented by Roku Gin, the event series will provide revellers with great music courtesy of a roster of DJs, delicious food and moreish cocktails, all enjoyed in the eatery’s sundrenched courtyard.
Yotam Ottolenghi — Flavour of Life
Although it’s not until June, tickets are on sale now for Yotam Ottolenghi’s Flavour of Life tour at The Civic. The famed chef, restaurateur, author and TV personality will be sharing his beloved approach to food and cooking off the back of his popular new recipe book Ottolenghi Flavour, highlighting his innovative way with vegetables, sharing tips for great home cooking and expanding to leadership in hospitality. Find tickets here.
New openings to check out
Head to Britomart for a taste of Southern Spain courtesy of Alma, the highly-anticipated new restaurant from the team at Amano. If you’re craving fresh pasta, pocket-sized new K’ Road eatery Pici is churning out some of the best in town, while neighbourhood cutie Bar Martin is a great new watering hole for Mount Albert locals. A day of culture is sure to be rounded off nicely with a meal at Tuitui Museum Café & Bistro, Auckland War Memorial Museum’s brand new eatery.
Stock up on natural wine at this new wine shop
Having originated in Wellington and built a loyal following, independent organic wine store Everyday Wine has finally opened an Auckland outpost at 442 Karangahape Road. Looking for a pet nat, an orange wine or a chilled red to take to your next dinner party, or to stock up the cellar? These guys will have all you could want and more. Find their website here.
