This February, Kelmarna Farm Dinners return for their seventh year, offering a series of enchanting outdoor dining experiences. For those not familiar with the destination, the Kelmarna Organic Gardens in Herne Bay were established in 1981, and have run as a working model of sustainability in an urban setting since.
This February, seven nights of culinary artistry will see some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most celebrated chefs — along with a special out-of-town guest — create multi-course menus at the enchanting venue, inspired by the farm’s seasonal produce. Guests will dine at communal tables al fresco, surrounded by the very trees, plants, and flowers that provide the ingredients for their meals.
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The series opens with long-time supporter of the farm, Tom Hishon (Kingi, Daily Bread) and Giulio Sturla (Mapu), followed by Giulio’s solo night. Plabita Florence (Forest) continues the tradition with a menu highlighting rare farm ingredients. Newcomers include Georgia van Prehn (Mr Morris) and Michael Hanna (Project Hydrosol), as well as Jono Thevenard (Pici, Ooh-Fa) and Kia Kanuta (ex-Ada), who will present a modern Māori-inspired hangi.
Proceeds from the series will support Kelmarna’s community-focused educational and therapeutic initiatives, with 50% of proceeds from Farm Dinners going straight to the charitable trust.
Kelmarna Farm Dinners will run over seven nights in February on the following dates:
Friday 14th: Giulio Sturla and Tom Hishon (6—9pm, four courses)
Saturday 15th: Giulio Sturla (6—9pm, four courses)
Sunday 16th: Plabita Florence (5pm—9pm, five courses)
Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th: Georgia van Prehn (6pm—9pm, four courses)
Thursday 20th & Friday 21st: Jono Thevenard and Kia Kanuta (6—9pm, hangi. Format TBC)
