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Everything from foraged wild foods to a five-course truffle-themed dinner are being included in a two-week celebration of local food producers, makers, winemakers and brewers this month.
Matakana Coast Feast runs from July 14 to 31 and features a range of events and experiences at restaurants, wineries and special venues throughout the region.
The fortnight is part of Elemental AKL, the annual winter festival celebrating Auckland’s culture, cuisine and creativity, and is designed to offer locals and visitors the chance to learn more about the vibrant local food and drink scene.
One of the highlights will be a day-long foodie tour with food writer, author and Mahurangi Matters columnist Lauraine Jacobs. Guests will visit her Omaha Beach home to meet producers featured in her latest book, It Takes a Village, as well as calling in at Honest Chocolat, Sawmill Brewery and Charlie’s Gelato.
“Matakana Coast Feast is a wonderful celebration of the incredible produce and world-class creativity of the region’s food and beverage scene,” Jacobs says. “I’m looking forward to sharing my favourite Matakana Coast food secrets with our guests.”
There’s a special seafood festival at Te Hana Te Ao Marama Maori Cultural Centre, where the focus will be on local stories and kai moana sourced from the nearby Kaipara Harbour, and its importance as a seafood basket that must be protected.
Foraging and local foods will be featured at two Trust Your Chef dinners at the Warkworth Hotel and The Stables, Matakana, where the emphasis will be on local, wild and sustainable dishes designed to surprise, while at Sculptureum, the focus will be on just one special ingredient – black truffle – for a five-course degustation dinner.
Wine lovers can blend their own personal vintage over an antipasto platter at Matakana Estate workshops, try pairing local oysters with wine, beer and live music, or taste a raft of regional wines and watch a wine-themed film at a special wine and movie night.
Matakana Coast Tourism general manager Karen Thompson-Smith says there is something to suit every palate and pocket over the two-week period.
“Elemental AKL is an invitation to ‘reignite your senses and feed your soul’ and Matakana Coast Feast offers the perfect experiences to do just that,” she says. “We’re delighted to invite Aucklanders and locals to rediscover the incredible culinary talent and gorgeous surroundings of the Matakana Coast.”
Places for each experience are limited and booking is essential.
Info and tickets: Visit www.matakanacoast.co.nz/matakana-coast-feast
What’s on & When
Thursday, July 14
Trust Your Chef Dinner ,6-10pm, $135, Warkworth Hotel
Thursday, July 14-Sunday, July 31
Wine Blending Workshop, 11am-4pm, $140 for 2, Matakana Estate
Sunday, July 17 & Thursday, July 21
It Takes a Village Foodie Tour, 8.30am-5.30pm, $295, Matakana/Omaha
Thursday, July 21
Trust Your Chef Dinner, 6-10pm, $135, The Stables, Matakana Country Park
Saturday, July 23
Oyster & Wine Pop-up, 11am-4pm, $14, Matakana Estate
Sunday, July 24
It Takes a Village Foodie Tour, 8.30am-5.30pm, $295, Matakana/Omaha
Friday, July 29
Truffle Celebration Degustation Dinner, 6pm, $129, Rothko@Sculptureum
Saturday, July 30
Kaipara Kaimoana Festival, 11am-4pm, $60, Te Hana Te Ao Marama, Maori Cultural Centre
Sunday, July 31
A Night About Wine, Tasting & Movie, 5pm, $40, Matakana Cinemas
