Restaurant Month 2020
The Chef’s Table Event Series 

Discover culinary gold when Auckland’s city centre chefs recreate the dishes they have loved and been inspired by throughout their gastronomical journeys. 

This Restaurant Month, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary, features an all-new “Chef’s Table” event series where diners can feast on the dishes that have influenced some of our leading city centre restaurant heroes. Join the likes of Sid Sahrawat, Michael Dearth, Kyle Street and Jordan Macdonald as they introduce diners to an exclusive menu that will feature dishes that may have been masterminded in famous Michelin starred kitchens around the world as well as nostalgic local recipes that truly made their mark on these chefs. 

Taking place every Wednesday and Thursday night and held in a private dining section of the restaurants, no two events will be the same. Revel in the stories and experiences shared by the host chefs in one of these intimate evenings, long to be remembered. 

Restaurant Month is supported by Red & White Cellars, Negociants NZ and San Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

Baduzzi with Michael Dearth and Gideon Landman (5 Aug)

Expect innovative touches on the classic Italian dishes from head chef Gideon Landman, former head chef at the acclaimed French Café. Alongside Gideon for the evening, is owner Michael Dearth, who will host the evening’s culinary journey honouring his Italian American culture and passion for the perfect wine match to Baduzzi’s dishes.

5 courses with matched wines - $180 per person
Sharing style – guests will be provided their own set of serveware for shared plates

Ebisu with Yukio Ozeki (6 Aug) 

After cutting his teeth at highly regarded restaurants in Auckland, chef Yukio Ozeki became the driving force for Nikkei-inspired cuisine at Ponsonby hot spot, Azabu. Now at the helm of Ebisu, Yukio is preparing an amazing omakase experience in The Matisse Room (above Ebisu) that reflects his culinary journey with an exclusive group of diners.

Omakase menu with matched wines - $180 per person

Culprit. with Kyle Street and Jordan Macdonald (12 Aug)

Chefs Kyle Street and Jordan Macdonald are known for staging adventurous and often electrifying chef collaborations. This has helped to shape the Culprit. experience and their unique take on kiwi cuisine. Join them as they recreate their favourite dishes from their international collabs with a special Culprit twist. 

5 courses with matched wines - $160 per person

Ostro with Chris Rendell and Josh Shields (13 Aug)

This one is a luscious seafood extravaganza. Josh Shields, Ostro’s head chef presents New Zealand’s best, fresh and premium produce, especially seafood. For this very special evening, Josh will be joined by Savor Group’s executive chef Chris Rendell, who’s worked in restaurants from Australia, London and New York. Together, this duo will bring a sophisticated and contemporary flair to luxurious seafood and classic bistro dishes in The Matisse Room (Seafarers Building).

4 courses with matched wines - $180 per person

Ceviche Bar by Besos Latinos with Luis Cabrera (19 Aug)

With a career spanning 24 years across the globe, chef and owner, Luis Cabrera has designed an exclusive menu inspired by prehispanic Aztec and Mayan origins. Expect to learn about the history, techniques and fusion of ingredients that will elevate Latin American cuisine at this exclusive showcase of a taste of Mexico.

8 courses with 4 matched wines - $140 per person

Amano with Andrew Hanson (20 Aug)

Drawn from humble beginnings in rural Wairarapa-Manawatu, Amano’s head chef Andrew Hanson presents the best his culinary journey. From hunting, gardening and fishing with his grandparents to fostering relationships with our producers, savour an exclusive menu that honours the well-honed craft and magic of rural New Zealand accompanied by the best of the Amano experience. 

4 courses with matched wines - $160 per person

Huami with Raymond Xue (26 Aug)

Inspired by his travels, chef Raymond Xue focuses on bold flavours and seasonal ingredients, allowing them to shine through in dishes that pay homage to native China. Boasting an expansive career across luxury establishments in east Asia, join chef Raymond on a journey across Shanghai, Beijing and Yangzhou and discover the unique flavours of Chinese cuisine. 

4 courses with matched wines - $138 per person

Cassia with Sid Sahrawat (27 Aug)

Chef Sid Sahrawat invites guests to experience an exclusive dinner in Cassia’s private dining room. Guests will be treated to a series of 5 courses and snacks, some of which are inspired by dishes from Sid’s childhood as well as his dining experiences at international Michelin starred restaurants such as, Gaggan in Bangkok and Indian Accent in New Delhi. Expect a contemporary take on Indian cuisine.

5 courses with matched wines - $200 per person

Terms and Conditions
Strictly R18. Host responsibility limits apply.

Dietary Requirements: As this is an exclusive event menu, we are unable to cater for dietary requirements and there may be trace allergens present. For any queries, please email natalie@lemongrassproductions.co.nz 

Communal dining table: Please note that you will be seated alongside other guests in a private dining room or section of the restaurant.  This may also be as part of a shared table, depending on the capacities and configurations of specific venues.

Details are correct at the time of publishing – subject to change and availability. Event tickets are strictly limited and may sell out, see heartofthecity.co.nz for up to date information from 20 July.