The Feed | The New Zealand Food News You Need To Know

It's that time of the week again. Get ready to feast your eyes on all the hottest food news from around Aotearoa. We’ve got the inside scoop on all the latest and greatest openings, collabs, events, products and more so you can spend less time researching and more time munching (because priorities, people).

Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Aotearoa again—get us in your inbox here.

Prepare To Get Served At SkyCity

Image credit: SERVED SkyCity | Supplied

In case you missed it, SkyCity’s culinary series SERVED is making a grand return, bringing global flavours and exclusive culinary events to some of Auckland’s most celebrated restaurants. Think Pacific-inspired plates at Michael Meredith’s Metita, Diwali feasts at Sid Sahrawat’s Cassia, and the best of Aotearoa at The Grill. And that’s just the start—there’s also Japanese creations at MASU by Nic Watt, traditional Chinese at Huami, sky-high cocktails at SkyBar,  and NYC style chopped cheese sandos at Al Brown's Fed Deli. Basically, you’re about to embark on a round-the-world dining trip without leaving the city. Visit here for the full line-up and start plotting your next feast—because this is one culinary passport you’ll definitely want stamped. —Maisie Gray

Summer Is Kicking Off This Weekend And Here’s How To Celebrate 

To celebrate the long-awaited arrival of summer, Aperol Spritz is claiming Azabu Mission Bay this Saturday from 4–5pm to host an epic sunny season kick-off party. Think golden sunshine, seaside vibes, tunes on repeat, and spritzes that scream weekend mood. Grab your crew, stake your spot by the water, and soak up an afternoon that’s basically summer in a sip—good times, great drinks and zero stress. —Maisie Gray

Get Ready For The First Ever Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Celebration

Image credit: Giapo | Vicki Young

Giapo are bringing their ice cream wizardry to a nostalgic Kiwi scoop and creating Aotearoa’s very first (unofficial) Hokey Pokey Day this Thursday 2nd October. With their 18 year old golden caramel crunch made in-house (and having done a wee bit of work experience at their store many moons ago during my student patisserie days, I can confirm this is a top tier golden crunch) folded through golden syrup and vanilla-flavoured gelato. They’ll be slinging free scoops from 11.30am to 1pm on the day, with special offers afterwards. To redeem, download the GIAPO app and get to their Gore Street store (in Tāmaki Makaurau, sorry rest of Aotearoa), stat. 

Take a Break Up North, Go To This Month Long Food Festival

Image credit: Māha Restaurant Kerikeri | Instagram

Savour Northland is back this October, with a month-long festival celebrating Northland produce, wines and the hospitality scene. From Mangawhai to Cape Reinga—feast on lazy long lunches, nourish the mind with an exhibition on kūmara, jump on a catamaran with a wine in hand, feast on native Northland forest ingredients at Māha, or head out for a forage at the beach and cook by the sea with Chef Anna Valentine. The festival kicks off from this Wednesday 1st October, until the end of the month. Jump on the website to check out all the exciting events happening across the region.

This Much-Loved Bakery From Tāmaki Makaurau Is Popping Up For One Week 

Image credit: Mibo | Instagram

If you’ve had your fair share of pastries from Mibo (hello black sesame croissant and char siu puff) you’ll know they make the good stuff—that will have you covered in pastry flakes and with no regrets. With spots at both O.G. Mount Eden and Wynyard, they’re opening a week-long pop-up with Maru Matcha on Broadway in Newmarket from Wednesday 1st October to Sunday 5th October. Check out their socials for more details and to drool over picks for that next pastry run. 

This Massive Wine Event Is Celebrating 10 Years With Food, Comedy and Rugby Legends

Image credit: Winetopia | Supplied

Fifty winery teams from across the motu and overseas are making their way to Tāmaki Makaurau this Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th October for the 10th Winetopia at the Viaduct Events Centre. From renowned winemakers going head to head at the ‘Wine Battle’ arena (hosted by MC Ben Hurley), to exclusive wine masterclasses from wine writer Joelle Thomson (featuring aged wines from Winetopia’s first year of 2016). Culinary legend Josh Emmett (Gilt, Onslow, The Oyster Inn) and Sir John Kirwan (with his very own JK14 wine range) will also be on the main stage, sharing their favourite sips. Tāmaki’s very own Tacoteca, The Wine Room and Tempero will be running exclusive food pairing classes, and the incredibly talented chefs Kārena and Kasey Bird will also be running a kaimoana and Tohu wine masterclass. Food offerings from Spiga, Hazy Tiger, Nanam and Chef Kyle Street from Culprit are on the eats list—plus a boogie from Too Many Chiefs and Mischief The Band playing live jams so you can work it all off (and then do it all over again). Check out the full schedule and get your tickets here.

Make Your Way To Queenstown For Schnitzels, Bratwurst and Pickles 

Image credit: Pavilion | Supplied (Jono Parker)

Mark your calendars, it’s Oktoberfest over at The Pavilion in Queenstown this Sunday 5th October. With live music from The Little Oompah Band, prizes for best dressed, all the Oktoberfest snacks, plus a special brew by Arrowtown Brewing Co. (plus a souvenir stein with your $30 ticket), spend your weekend by the mountains with a stein in hand. Bliss. 

Head South For A Wine and Food Riverside Dining Experience

Image credit: Wine + Food Experience Marlborough | Supplied

While down south, extend the trip to Marlborough where Marlborough’s Wine + Food Experience has just opened in Blenheim’s riverside precinct. With more than 50 local wineries and food producers under one roof, around a stunning copper and stainless steel grape vine sculpture commissioned by Ōtautahi-based artists Steve Trevella and Rose McKenzie, the fit out is lush and an exciting way to experience a literal taste of Marlborough. Spend the day (or night, with the space open from 11am-10pm) cellar door-hopping and experiencing personalised wine tastings (with Wine Emotion dispensers) and snacking on artisan Marlborough produce. We’re talking Little River Estate cheese, Premium Game charcuterie, Mills Bay mussels, Cloudy Bay clams, and Marlborough oysters and smoked salmon just to name a few—all while looking over at the Taylor river and Richmond ranges. Having just been to Marlborough recently, I’m looking forward to heading back and checking this space out. 

Add This Vibrant Daschund-Inspired Bubbly To Your Next Sip List

Image credit: Swift Wines NZ | Supplied

I first discovered Swift Wines on my visit to The Chef’s Table at Blue Duck Station earlier this year, where Sommelier Clover poured us a glass of the Marceline bubbly—it was the first drink that set the scene, and made quite the impression on what would be a very memorable degustation dinner that night. Named after their very excitable sausage dog Marceline, I’ve been trying to find it in Tāmaki Makaurau since my Ruapehu adventures. After spotting it at truth/dare months later, I found out Lauren and Henry from Swift were also working on another bubbly number—a sparkling Albariño called Pipi (named after their other sausage dog). I’ve had a sip and can confirm it’s zesty and ready for Spring—launching this October 1st. Sign up to their mailing list to be in the know on where you can get your glass of sunshine. 

Roll’d Brings Fresh Vietnamese Street Eats To Aotearoa (And Free Food To Sylvia Park)

Image Credit: Roll’d | Website

Phở fans, your cravings just got a serious upgrade. Roll’d—the cult-fave Vietnamese street food chain with over 125 stores in Australia—has finally landed in Aotearoa, opening its very first spot at Sylvia Park on Friday 19 September. 

To celebrate, they’re serving up a 'Free Food Day' you’ll want to mark in your calendar: grab a free Bun Bowl between 11am–2pm, then come back for a free Phở from 5–8pm. On Saturday 20 September, the full Roll'd menu launches with everything from phở to bánh mì to their famous fresh rolls. 

Founded in Melbourne back in 2012, Roll’d has built its name on authentic family recipes made fresh to order—think steaming bowls of phở, crunchy bánh mì, zingy gỏi and those famous fresh rolls. The Sylvia Park store seats 40 for dine-in, with more Auckland spots (including Westfield St Lukes and the airport) set to open soon. We'll keep you updated here first, as always.—Maisie Gray

Pinkies Up, This Cafe Known For Their Cinnamon Buns Has Launched Next Level High Tea

Image credit: Farm House Cafe | Supplied (Red Photography)

If you’ve mished it to the stunning grounds of Hill House Cafe (or their sister spot Farmhouse Cafe), for a bite of their famous cinnamon-spiced buns, a.k.a. the controversial and delicious sin-in-a-bun (love it), then you’ll know the hype. If you’ve been lucky enough to go to Farmhouse Cafe for their high tea weekends on the beautiful grounds, you’ll also be excited to know that Hill House are now launching High Tea weekends, from Saturday 13th September onwards. Note that isn’t just any ordinary three-tiered situation—they’re bringing a trio of scones, sweet and savoury courses, and a house-made gelato or sorbet for a palette cleanser. Along with barista made coffee and bottomless cups of tea, their signature high tea starts at $79.90 per person (plus you can also upgrade to bottomless matcha, Prosecco or champagne if you’re feeling fancy). Get ready for the ultimate weekend treat and make a booking, stat.

Hungry for more? Check out the hottest new openings you need to know about here. 

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Main Image Credit: Swift Wines NZ | Supplied