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).
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Get Your Glass Of Milk Ready—This Sellout Cookie Pie Is Back
Image credit: Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar | Supplied (Craving NZ @cravingnz)
Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar are bringing back their most sold moustache cookie pie from 2024. Fresh out of the oven from Monday 25th August and for three weeks only—The Mo-rrero Rocher Cookie Pie will be available from all three stores across Tāmaki Makaurau (and available to the rest of Aotearoa via online order). Signature Moustache cookie dough is filled with hazelnut chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and a crunchy milk chocolate coat (see cover image for full visuals). Can confirm it’s addictively good and you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a six pack. Pro tip: these cookie pies freeze well, so stash some in the freezer for later—if there's any left.
Hit That Lunchtime Craving With KFC’s Limited Edition Katsu Bowls
Image credit: KFC New Zealand | Supplied
Transport yourself to Japan-inspired KFC vibes with KFC's limited edition KFC Katsu Bowls. Choose from a spicy-sweet chilli Zinger, or a savoury teriyaki drizzle on the O.G. secret recipe fillet (my fave)—all bowled up with crunchy slaw, kewpie mayo and steamed jasmine rice. We were the lucky first ones in the country to taste test–can confirm they’re a great light lunch for just $12.99 (and still with the KFC twist). Plus you can customise your bowl by swapping the sauces around (cue the teriyaki zinger, you can thank us later). Dropping storewide from tomorrow, Tuesday 26th August for seven weeks only.
Head To This Cosy Wine Bar For An Italian Cooking Demo Over Dinner
Image credit: Pici Wine Bar | Supplied
Pici’s Head Chef Jono and Richard from Artigiano Imports are bringing the second instalment of their Italian Wine & Food event this Tuesday 26th August. Spend your Tuesday evening sipping on hand-picked Italian wines from Richard, to match five dishes from Chef Jono—made right in front of you with a live cooking demo at Pici Wine Bar (next door to Pici). Plus you’ll get the recipe cards to recreate the dishes at home too. With only 10 seats at the table, make sure you book your spot here.
Skip The Queues—Get This Famous Hot Chicken Delivered
Image credit: Peach’s Hot Chicken x DoorDash NZ | Vicki Young
Ever since Tennessee-born Alex and his Kiwi wife Olivia brought their much-loved Southern-style chicken—Peach’s Hot Chicken—to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2017, they’ve gained a huge fan following across Tāmaki. Having just partnered up with DoorDash NZ, Peach’s are now slinging the goods to Central and East Auckland from their pink-hued diner in Panmure. From Wednesday 27th August you can get your hot chicken fix from the comfort of your own home, plus an exclusive delivery-only item—the sweet and spicy Aloha burger. Complete with Peach’s signature fried chicken, pickled pineapple, crunchy radish salad and a candied chilli sauce—we confirm it slaps. Don’t forget the bangin’ sides (an essential pimento mac n cheese and that hashbrown bake). Oh and if you’re game, a dozen of the spiciest wings in town.
Townhouse Ramen Are In Tāmaki Makaurau For A Month Long Pop-Up
Image credit: Townhouse Ramen | Supplied
Back in 2019, Townhouse Ramen held secret suppers in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara that were only available by DM. I remember sitting in their townhouse, having my first sip of their tonkotsu broth with strangers slurping homemade ramen around me. Since that day, I’ve been following them across Pōneke for that jammy egg and blowtorched chashu fix—with the bouncy bite of ramen. After a brief ramen hiatus, they’re back slingin’ the good stuff at Little Culprit’s Thursdays pop-up. From the signature Tori Paitan (a creamy chicken and corn number—Townhouse Ramen Chef Kev’s fave) to a chilli oil-slicked Tantamen, their menu is a surprise flavour each week. Townhouse Ramen will be serving duck shoyu ramen for their last pop-up this Thursday. Inspired by their travels to Tokyo where Kev had his first duck ramen, their version will have toasted buckwheat noodles and seared duck breast, shoyu-style. Don’t forget to save room for dessert—we hear there’s a lychee and raspberry tiramisu from Louise.
Celebrate The Love Of Cakes With Aotearoa’s First Caker’s Picnic
Image credit: NZ Culinary Connect | Supplied (Arnold Aaron)
Inspired by the San Francisco Cake Picnic, two pastry chefs in Tāmaki Makaurau have come together to create an Aotearoa caker’s picnic. Anushka and Shalvi are the duo behind NZ Culinary Connect—a community for chefs, home bakers and self-confessed foodies—and are celebrating their first ever event with all things cake. Registered participants will be coming together this Saturday 30th August to taste one another’s cake creations, at this now sold-out event. Keep an eye on their socials for the next one.
Head To Ōtautahi This Weekend For Food And Fire
Image credit: Fire On High | Supplied (Samuel Galloway)
Fire On High is back for another year in Ōtautahi this Saturday 30th August—a free, family and pet-friendly community street party from 12-8pm. There’s face-painting, The Dog Box Barbershop’s ‘Shave for a Cure’ pop-up barber chair, and things are heating up (literally) with 16 of the city’s best chefs coming together to cook a feast over fire. Eat your way up and down High Street—with elevated bacon butties from Crisp & Vale Catering ft. their very own smoked bacon, and woodfire grilled oysters bubbling with cheesy sauce from Gatherings to name a few tasty snacks on offer. Don’t leave without a sizzling crème brûlée from pastry chef wizard Corentin from Butter (they’re back after popular demand from last year), as well as giant toasted marshmallows over an open fire.
Shake Off The Winter Chill With Mai Tai Day In Tāmaki’s Top Bars
Image credit: Bar Mea | Supplied
In case no one told you, it’s officially Mai Tai Day this Saturday 30th August. Appleton Estate are shaking things up (of the cocktail variety) with Bar Mea, Captain’s Bar in Park Hyatt and Deadshot this Saturday 30th August, bringing their own spin on the classic tiki cocktail. Expect a tribute to the O.G. Trader Vic, a fresh Aotearoa spin and luxe orange blossom orgeat additions—to summon all the tropical vibes on your tiki bar crawl this weekend.
Spend Your Sunday Devouring This Massive Brazilian-Style Burger
Image credit: Ponsonby Social Club | Supplied (Jaime Robertson @ithinkcreative)
Make your way to Ponsonby Social Club this Sunday 31st August for the return of Xis gaúcho, an 18cm Brazilian-style pressed burger filled with your choice of meats—from frango catupiry (shredded cheesy chicken) to coração (chicken hearts, if you’re game). Plus all the veggie trimmings and an essential fried egg in a green mayo sauce. Brazilian musician Miguel BD will be jamming live tunes too, so roll up (and roll out) from 1pm.
Guess The Flavour And Win With Mystery Gelato Month
Image credit: Little ‘Lato | Supplied
The team at Little ‘Lato are bringing a playful twist to their scoops this month—in the form of grey, activated-charcoal coloured, mystery gelato. With four different flavours to puzzle over (including vegan and gluten-free options), have a taste and take a guess at what the mysterious grey scoops could be (you’ll be surprised at how the flavours taste differently in grey). Pop into their Ponsonby or Hamilton store for a taste (or buy a scoop) and submit your guess of flavours, to win a free scoop for every correct guess.
Transport Yourself to Lyon With Bare Wine’s Takeover
Image credit: Bare Wine | Vicki Young
Cosy up with all the wine, cheese and carbs at Bare Wine’s Lyonnaise Bistro pop-up. Les, Max and Mo from Apéro are taking a well-deserved break in France—while their mates Bertrand and Romain from Bare Wine are keeping the restaurant warm for the month. Expect potatoes and onions the Lyonnaise way—indulgently baked in the form of tartiflette (complete with half a wheel of cheese baked on top), luxurious bone marrow with sourdough—and if you’re game, melt-in-your-mouth escargots by the dozen, swimming in parsley and shallot butter. Park up with a glass of French wine and a couple of pillowy gougères to start, while you watch the world pass by.
Get Your Korean Soul Food Fix With This Hot New Takeout Spot
Image credit: Double Dog | Website
After five years of feeding Tāmaki Makaurau with their punchy Korean soul food flavours at Ockhee, the team closed up shop in June and we honestly didn’t know what to do with ourselves. But then they announced their new concept—Double Dog Takeaways—and we’re so stoked they’re back. Same crew, same good vibes, just in a different format that works better with the times. Hats off to you guys—can’t wait for those Ockhee faves (hello, japchae) alongside a next level, gochujang-loaded hotdog next takeaway night.
Indulge Your Inner Diva with Late Night Tuesdays At Auckland Museum
Image credit: Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café | Vicki Young
If you haven’t been to the immersive glam and star-studded Diva exhibition at Auckland Museum, then this is your sign to go. Even better, go on late night (date night) Tuesdays and treat your inner diva with the Diva-themed high tea beforehand at Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café inside the museum. Enjoy three tiers of treats, with our fave bite from Chef Billy and the team being their super soft, eggy truffle mushroom roll—plus a tipple of choice, like house bubbles or a classic cocktail (say less). Bring yourself and the bestie, it’s $89 for two people (excluding your Diva exhibition ticket). Book here.
And It's That Time Again, Auckland—Restaurant Month
Image credit: Heart Of The City | Website
And finally, in case you hadn't already heard, August is also Restaurant Month here in Auckland. In foodie speak, that means a whole lot of exclusive events to sink your teeth into along with menus at three price points ($30, $45, or $55+), each designed to deliver serious bang for your buck. As usual, eateries around the city are pulling out all the stops, with some of my fave offerings including a noodle crawl (why hasn't anyone thought of this sooner?), a 1920's speakeasy-style takeover of La Zeppa, and a collab between SOUL and Aussie Restaurant Bar of the Year 2024, Icebergs. —Kathryn Steane
What else is new? Here are the best new openings in Auckland you need to check out.
Main Image Credit: Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar | Supplied (Craving NZ @cravingnz)