As the weekend rolls around again and we are left wondering how exactly to get the most out of our days off, it is to Auckland’s vast and varied dining scene that we turn, sure to find something convivial or delicious in which to indulge. From celebratory parties to wine pop-ups to chefs in residence, here are all the best foodie happenings to know about (and book into) over the weekend ahead.
Party at Soul Bar & Bistro on Friday and Saturday
Viaduct Harbour stalwart Soul Bar & Bistro is marking its milestone 21st birthday with an all-week party that kicked off on Monday and runs until this weekend. Inviting everyone to come down and celebrate with them, on Friday, Soul will be upgrading bottles of Mumm Champagne to magnums (although only 21 magnums are available, so don’t miss out), while on Saturday, it’s bottles of Mt Difficulty’s Roaring Meg rosé that will be given the upgrade treatment.
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Imbibe the best at Ashleigh Barrowman’s takeover at Roses Dining Room
For its inaugural Winemaker In Residence event, Roses Dining Room has called on Ashleigh Barrowman (of Wine Diamonds and Still Life Wine) to curate a dining event anchored by a dream wine list full of her favourite tipples. Set to take place this Sunday (for one night only), Bowerman’s delectable wine list (which even includes some of her own bottles from her now sold-out new release) will be perfectly accompanied by a selection of tasty plates whipped up by Roses Co-Owner and Chef, Karl Bayly. Walk-ins are welcome from 4:30pm, but bookings are recommended (here).
Enjoy a taste sensation at Pickled Plates’ pop-up at Annabel’s Wine Bar
This Saturday (26th November), renowned food writer, author, cook, and preserver Kylie Newton (@themodernpreserver) will be taking over Annabel’s Wine Bar for another round of her popular series, Pickled Plates. Here, she will be creating a variety of delicious small bites based around pickled or fermented ingredients, which will be served alongside Bare Wines’ best new Beaujolais of the season, from sparkling varietals to reds. And with Newton recently releasing an early teaser of what to expect on the menu (think home-cured salmon with pickled pea potato salad, and charred pickled beetroot carpaccio with horseradish rare beef), we couldn’t be more excited for this gastronomic affair. Note, there will be two seatings available, one at 5pm, and the other at 7:30 — bookings are strongly recommended and can be made by emailing Annabel’s here.
Indulge in Jervois Steak House’s new summer menu
One of our most beloved restaurants has just given its menu a seasonal shake-up, with Jervois Steak House adding a raft of fresh, enticing fare to its already-lauded offering. From Skull Island prawns with n’duja butter, lime salt and soft house-made bread to Free range chicken schnitzel with whipped feta, zucchini, peas, lemon and anchovy butter and dill, the new dishes are utterly mouth-watering and perfect for the season ahead. And if that wasn’t enough, we are giving one lucky Denizen the chance to win dinner for four. See here to read more and to enter.
Try something new at one of Auckland’s newest openings
Switch up your weekend routine by paying a visit to one of Auckland’s new openings. For a flavour sensation and some seriously moreish noodles, head to David Lee’s Aigo on Ponsonby Road. For casual but delicious cafe fare and perfectly elevated Bruch, drop into Huddle in Glen Innes. For an intimate but bustling vibe, great drinks and tasty, seafood-centric food, try Underground Bistro — the new restaurant and bar that has just opened in K’Road’s St Kevin’s Arcade. For comforting Italian (just like Nonna makes) be one of the first to book a table at Bossi — which officially opens next Friday (we are also giving away two tickets to its opening party, see here). Or, for a fun atmosphere, a spectacular view, flowing drinks and a selection of relaxed Italian bites and mouthwatering, made-to-share dishes, look no further than Bivacco — the epic new opening in Viaduct Harbour.
