A Very Tasty Market to launch in Auckland

by | Nov 21, 2023 | News

More than 70 pop-up bars, eateries, gift stalls and entertainers are taking over The Cloud on Saturday  2nd and Sunday 3rd December for the inaugural event: A Very Tasty Christmas Market.

This event borrows from the organisers experience running other large scale festivals including Taste  of Auckland, Winetopia and Street Eats. Say’s Rob Eliott, Director of Lemongrass Productions,  “Inspired by the big Christmas events of Europe, we’ve been busy creating an environment that is  perfect for end of year socialising and also an uplifting shopping experience. The event is perfect for  people like me who will find Christmas shopping a lot more appealing with a drink in their hand, some  activities to keep the kids entertained and delicious food to break things up.”

Chef Luis Cabrera is running a garden bar over the weekend serving his gold medal winning Besos  Margaritas. There is a mixture of local and international wines to be discovered, a Malfy Gin Bar led  by mixologist James Millar and a range of craft spirits to act as mature stocking fillers. Artisanal gifts  include gingerbread house kits from Olli & Otti, wellness teas from Smitea and 25-year-aged balsamic  vinegar drizzles from Azzuro Epicurean. There are hand-crafted jewellery stalls, home aromatics,  Karubuta Christmas Hams and even Christmas trees to be ordered from the event.

Entertainment ranges from live music and giant games to axe throwing with the NZ Stage & Screen  Combat School and a Story Corner for children. There will be face painting for the young and young at  heart.

The “very tasty” part of the event features delicious dishes including Pizza Fritta & Arancini from Passa  Passa’s Dan Pinto, Wagyu beef brisket & pulled pork-belly from chefs Varun Singhal and Anu Meesala  at Smoking Shack, Ceviche with hot sauce from RocotoNZ and freshly shucked Mahurangi Oysters.  Chef Adam Ricket (former head chef of Euro) will be serving up his ‘Ansum Pasties. Delicious Dosa,  Bear Gelato, vegan cheeses and chocolate strawberries are all on the menu.

Hours of the event are 10am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Aiming to be accessible at a difficult time  for many, entry is just $5 at the door with children under 12 are free with a paying adult. A Giving Tree  will collect gifts and koha for less privileged in our community.

Full details and entertainment schedules will be updated at: www.tastychristmas.co.nz

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

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