It's always a good day when we get to roll out all of the latest and greatest foodie news for you to soak in—we're talking all the new products, new menus and new openings around the city that are deliciously exciting. Feast your eyes on this line-up, it won’t disappoint.
Here's the latest foodie news you need to know.
Fancy Yourself As A Winemaker?
Well here’s your chance to prove it. Waimauku institution and fine wine purveyors The Hunting Lodge have thrown down the gauntlet to get involved and blend yourself up a new creation for their new Crowd blend wine, White Mischief. All you have to do is register now to receive your blending pack of three 375ml bottles of (mystery) white wines and send details your winning blend for a chance at winning the grand prize. You’d better get in quick though, registrations are limited and close on 16 September.
Smoky Chipotle Wraps Among The New Farrah's Line-Up
Wraps are what come to mind when thinking of quick and easy lunches and dinners. When the fridge isn’t looking too stocked up and you’ve got a bunch of miss-matched leftovers, the humble wrap can transform them into a tasty meal that takes no time to whip up. Farrah’s are the wrap champions and are back with some fresh new flavours to get amongst—smoky chipotle, Mediterranean tomato and chia, oats and hemp. What's more, you can score a years worth of wraps by snapping a photo of your creation, tagging @farrahsnz and #myfarrahs. Easy, tasty and wholesome? Yes please.
Happy Ten Years To Coco's Cantina
To celebrate a decade of Coco’s Cantina they are teaming up with La Valentina vineyard to bring a slice of Pescara to K’ Rd. The special three-course dinner will showcase the amazing La Valentina wines for a night of true Italian hospitality. Tickets are $90 per person and include drinks on arrival as well as the delicious three courses. Bookings are essential and can be made directly through Coco's Cantina.
Chia Sisters Launch Hemp Protein Smoothie
Hemp is a real buzz ingredient right now in the superfood world, packed full of protein it's a great option for plant-based people needing to fill up on the good stuff. The Chia Sisters are excited to launch their brand-new ready to drink hemp protein smoothie which boasts some pretty incredible health benefits. The smoothie comes in two flavours, Berry and Cacao and Banana which make the perfect on-the-go snack when you're out and about.
Allpress Coffee Host "Mornings With" Series
Allpress is combining a few of their favourite things, coffee and inspirational people, in their new series “Mornings With”. Their guest speakers are people who have positively shaped the Allpress community over the last 30 years including Dan Carter and Chloe Swarbrick. On Wednesday 4 September, Carter will speak on his career highlights, coaching his young son’s team and how he helped introduce Allpress coffee to France. On Saturday 7 September, Swarbrick will speak on how a passion for the accessibility and sustainability of Central Auckland’s arts and culture led her down a rabbit hole to Parliament. For all of the details on these two talks and the others in the series check here.
Get Your Hands On A Kiwiana Tote Bag
Reusable bags are the new norm for grocery shopping these days and we are all about it. There's no reason you have to settle for boring plain bags and so thanks to a collaboration with New Zealand illustrator Cathy Hansby, you can get your hands on a limited-edition tote bag from New World stores. The bags are made through an innovative manufacturing process that transforms recycled PET plastics found in public places or in the ocean, which helps reduce the impact on the landfill as well as on ocean life. Don't get caught out at the supermarket without your bags ever again with one of these stylish Kiwiana bags stashed about your person.
The Newest High Tea In Town
We love a high tea—there's something about small food that makes it seem okay to just keep on going back for more. Adding to Auckland’s list of incredible high teas is Milse, kicking off last week it is definitely one to check out. Expect blue cheese crème brulee tarts and scones with citrus marmalade and crème fraiche among the goodies served up. The high tea runs every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm till 5pm and bookings can be made here.
Introducing Empathy Wines
Empathy Wines is a new name on the wine scene here in New Zealand, coming all the way from California and a passion project of Gary Vaynerchuk. The leader in entrepreneurship started his career in wine and wanted to create a high-quality wine brand that is also affordable. Partnering with Vinomofo bought Empathy Wines into Australia and New Zealand and now you can try the bold and juicy blends for yourself.
Keen on some plant-based goodness? Here are Auckland's best vegan eats.
Image credit: Atikh Bana