As the crispness of autumn settles in, SkyCity is inviting us to lean into the warmth of shared culinary experiences with ‘Delish’ — a seasonal celebration of dining that brings the skill and storied histories of some of the city’s top chefs to the fore.
At the heart of this three-month-long event is ‘A Chef’s Story’ — an evocative new series that sees some of Auckland’s most celebrated head chefs turning memory into menu. Each dish is a chapter drawn from the past — a beloved childhood comfort, reimagined with the innovation and spirit that defines SkyCity’s award-winning restaurants today.
Jack Stott at Depot pays homage to the Sunday roasts of his youth with slow-cooked lamb neck, creamed cavolo nero, and Yorkshire pudding — soulful, hearty, and unpretentious. At Masu, Jun Bae takes a more ethereal route, blending smoky octopus with miso dashi mash and the lively zest of kim-chimishuri in a tribute to the rich, layered flavours of his Korean upbringing.
Meanwhile, Metita’s Arinut Sachdeva captures the essence of the Pacific with a bright, salt-cured kingfish dish, where fermented chilli and tipolo citrus dance on the plate. Over at The Grill, Shiva Kudav draws from his southern Indian roots to pair tender lamb noisette with smoked kumara and mangosteen jus — a soulful expression of old-world tradition meeting new-world technique.
Cassia’s Ketan Joshi and Federal Delicatessen’s Megan Cruickshank round out the series with their own delicious memories — from Joshi’s black sesame-slicked chicken to Cruikshank’s deli-style meatloaf drenched in rich, dripping gravy.
Beyond these deeply personal plates, which are available across the entire celebration, Delish offers even more reasons to gather. Under the Gather & Toast banner, groups of four or more dining at The Grill, Metita, Cassia or Masu can enjoy specially curated seasonal menus, paired with a glass of Nautilus wine (or a considered non-alcoholic alternative). Whether you’re toasting a birthday, a midwinter milestone, or simply looking for an excuse to get out and about across the cooler months, SkyCity sets the scene with generous tables and intimate private dining spaces.
There is also an events programme running across the three months, with Nic Watt firing up the robata grill to host the Counter Dining Experience at Masu every Thursday in June, Chefs Patrick Ikinofo and Kia Kanuta joining forces to host an illuminating Matariki event at The Grill on June 18th, and on 30th July, Sid and Chand Sahrawat will bring together Cassia chefs from the past and present for the Cassia Full Circle Feast.
Adding even more allure to the winter calendar, guests can enjoy free parking when dining between May and July — a thoughtful gesture that ensures every visit is effortlessly inviting.
This season, SkyCity’s Delish presents a host of reasons to step out of your culinary comfort zone and try something new. Whether its immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of one of the precinct’s lauded chef’s homelands through their nostalgic creations, or gathering a group for a convivial meal to celebrate the year’s mid-point, you’ll find it all — and more — at SkyCity.
