With residents of Tāmaki Makaurau enjoying increasingly social outdoor gatherings over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been enjoying the chance to explore some of our favourite eateries in a more casual, al fresco fashion with friends and family. As we eagerly await the return to restaurants in-person, we’ve become aware that several local hospitality businesses who have tweaked their offering to include picnic-specific packs and selections will be stopping these when we move to the new traffic light system. This is your last weekend to enjoy our pick(nic) of the bunch below, and for other special takeaway options see our very extensive level 3 takeaways guide.
Savor Goods
With its varied and extensive stable of eateries, Savor has a whole host of picnic packs to order online. Curated by its chefs at Amano, Ostro, Lobster & Tap, NSP and Oji sushi, these picnic boxes take the hard work out of picnic planning, with an assortment of treats for the ultimate al fresco feast. From Amano‘s bakery, find varying boxes of sweet and savoury selections, filled with its famous pastries, sandwiches and Kumeu orange juice. Oji Sushi has a fresh spin on a sandwich lunch available with its family pack of Japanese-style sandos that includes a katsu chicken, katsu prawn, spicy lobster and Japanese egg rendition. Oji also has large sushi platters on offer. NSP will bring Italian flair to any sit-down session with its aperitivo picnic box, and Ostro is very appealing indeed with its picnic roast (including organic, free-range roasted chicken, baguettes, potato salad and more), its seafood platter or takeaway high tea. See Savor’s website for pick-up or delivery options.
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Andiamo
Linger even longer at a beachside lunch with Herne Bay Italian staple Andiamo’s picnic boxes that contain a generous selection of goodies. Expect the likes of housemade focaccia; fresh crostini with whipped cannellini beans, preserved lemon and roasted garlic; chicken liver pâté, pickled cherries and pistachio tuille; an antipasti selection; Ceasar salad; fresh cannoli — and more. Order by phone on 09-378 7811 or email [email protected]. Contactless collection times are Monday to Thursday, 4pm – 8pm and Friday to Sunday, 12pm – 8pm.
Park Hyatt Auckland
For a truly next level al fresco experience, we suggest ordering one of Park Hyatt’s afternoon tea boxes — with sizes available for small to large groups. Available every weekend, Friday to Sunday, each box contains a scrumptious selection of sweet and savoury treats, similar to what would be served for Park Hyatt’s famous Afternoon Tea in non-lockdown times. Order a box per person, or there are more decadent options — the ‘luxe picnic’ for four includes a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne while the ‘extravaganza picnic’ for 10 comprises a truly indulgent selection of treats — plus two bottles of Champagne to really take things up a notch. In both boxes, expect the likes of parmesan éclairs and bacon & egg quiche; salmon & dill sandwiches and ham brie & chutney rolls; strawberry shortcake, dulcey honey petit gateaux; salted caramel chocolate tart… and more. Find all ordering details here.
Côte
The bespoke caterer has a delicious selection of platter boxes to perk up any picnic, available for delivery Auckland-wide. Choose from the Luxury Charcuterie Platter Box, featuring a host of lip smacking snacks including artisan cheeses and Cote’s popular seeded crackers; the Mānuka Smoked NZ King Salmon Platter Box with cashew caper cream, house-made pickles, seeded crackers and caper berries; or the new Champagne and Oysters Platter Box, which is deliciously self-explanatory. With all boxes feeding eight to ten people, orders must be placed at leat 48 hours in advance. Email [email protected] to secure your platter box.
Bar Céleste
Each weekend, Bar Céleste has conjured up seasonal specialties to enjoy with our nearest and dearest. This weekend, the delectable range includes a freshly baked baguette with seaweed butter, saucisson, porchetta with salsa verde and relish, and a pithivier pie with jambon blanc and gruyère. If this wasn’t enough of a feast for the senses, you can also add freshly shucked oysters, prawn cocktails, and a fresh strawberry and almond tart to your picnic scene. Did we mention, Bar Céleste’s sommelier will pair a bottle of exquisite wine with your selection?
Orphans Kitchen
The Orphans picnic box is sure to have you feeling sunny even if the clouds are blocking out those rays. It’s a make-your-own-sandwich kind of a situation, with a very enviable selection of Orphans favourites including nasturtium pesto, red lentil hummus, pickled egg with aioli, Mt Cook salmon gravlax and more — all on Daily Bread’s famous baguette. Pick up is from the Ponsonby Road cafe window, between 10am and 2pm, 7 days a week.
The Poni Room
Those of us who have missed the fun, fusion flavours of Commercial Bay eatery The Poni Room now have the opportunity to serve up a different kind of picnic. Feeding six to eight people, Poni Picnic comes ready to eat in steam baskets that you can take home for good and comprises twice-cooked duck breast, duck legs, bao buns, pancakes, hoisin sauce, chilli dressing, pickles and lettuce cups. See The Poni Room’s website for pick-up details.
