Five unmissable events to hit during American Express Restaurant Month
It’s been circled in foodie’s calendars for months, and now it’s just around the corner. August 1st marks the start of American Express Restaurant Month, a four-week-long celebration of the finest culinary offerings Auckland restaurateurs have to offer.
With a smorgasbord of prominent dining hot spots participating in the festivities, we’re salivating at the thought of frequenting some of the most mouth-watering events in town.
So, loosen your top button, change into some eating pants, and prepare your stomachs for four weeks of foodie bliss.
Check out the five events we’re drooling at the thought of trying this August.
1. The Lula Inn Presents: The Kumeu River Winemaker’s Dinner
8Th August, 6.30pm, The Lula Inn, 149 Quay Street, Auckland
If you haven’t frequented new Viaduct out-post The Lula Inn, then we feel bad for you. Fusing the finest Kiwi fare with South Pacific-inspired décor, a visit to The Lula Inn will have you instantly transported to an urban oasis. On August 8th, Master of Wine and Kumeu River Winemaker, Michael Brajkovich, will host a one-off winemaker’s dinner, pairing Head Chef Sam Clark’s seasonal fare with Kumeu River wines. Head here for tickets.
2. Wholly Brekkie at Giraffe
5th and 6th August, 10am, Giraffe, 87 Customs Street West, Auckland
Okay health buffs, this one is for you. Megan May of Little Bird Organics’ fame joins acclaimed chef and media personality, Simon Gault, for their first-ever demonstration of how to make breakfast a masterful moment. Serving up a fresh, plant-based degustation, these two foodies will use whole foods to change the way you think about the most important meal of the day. This event isn’t limited to vegans or vegetarians, either, gluten or lactose intolerant guests will also revel in the delicious offerings available. Head here for tickets.
3. Famous Movie Foods Night at Scarecrow
5th August, 7pm, Scarecrow, 33 Victoria Street East, Auckland
Is there anything better than snuggling up on the couch with your favourite movies and snacks on a Saturday night? Turns out there is – enter Scarecrow’s Famous Movie Foods Night, a special five-course themed dinner. Each dish is inspired by some of our favourite films – think Ratatouille, Forest Gump, Eat Pray Love, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Eat Drink Man Woman, the Godfather and Harry Potter. Intrigued? You should be. The menu includes: Shrimp Gumbo and Mini Margherita Pizzas for canapes, an Amuse-bouche of Potato Leek Soup, Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad entrée, a main of Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Treacle Tart and Cream for dessert. Plus – you can dress up if you so desire! Head here for tickets.
4. Truffle Shuffle at The Grill by Sean Connolly
5th August, 1pm, The Grill by Sean Connolly, 90 Federal Street, Auckland
It’s a taste so distinctly different and moreish that people pay a mint just to have a drop of its oil. That’s right, TRUFFLES. Now in season, this luxurious ingredient is at the helm of esteemed chef Sean Connolly’s ode to the some 30 truffieres spread throughout the country. Connolly tapped these skilled producers to design a four-course menu that celebrates this small but mighty constituent, previously reserved for A-listers and the rich and famous alike. Head here for tickets.
5. Princes Wharf Progressive Dinner
30th August, 6pm, Euro, 147 Quay Street, Auckland
Ever wanted to sample the finest cuisine Auckland’s top restaurants have to offer but never gotten around to it? Then this event is the perfect opportunity for you to experience five different waterfront outposts in one night. Start your culinary journey at the Crab Shack, where you’ll enjoy a taster of crab and an aperitif. Wander over to The Culpeper for a Southern Style BBQ by the sea, nibble on seafood at FISH Restaurant, or whet your appetite at the iconic Euro restaurant. As each course ends, your guide will escort you to the next assigned restaurant and introduce your subsequent course. And to make the night even sweeter, you’ll enjoy a glass of New Zealand wine perfectly paired with each course. You’ll want to stick around the final stop – cocktail bar Coley & Punch – where you’ll be greeted with one of their bespoke cocktails. Head here for tickets.
None of this would be possible, of course, without American Express. The generous folk there are continuing on the festivities by offering all AMEX card holders the chance to redeem $10 back* from every $20 spent at participating restaurants during Restaurant Month (*limited to 5 redemptions).
Starting on August 1st, simply register your eligible AMEX card, and use it to spend $20 or more in one transaction at participating restaurants. You’ll enjoy 1 x $10 credit per registered card up to five times (so a maximum of $50 back in your wallet – yes!). Click here for full offer T’s and C’s.
You’d better be in quick, though, this offer is limited to the first 5,000 cards to register! Register now at americanexpress.co.nz/rm
But it doesn’t stop there, present your American Express Card at Street Eats at Auckland’s Shed 10 on August 19th and receive complimentary entry for two!
Head here for more.