‘He was a brave man that first ate an oyster.’For 90 percent of human history, hunter gatherers roamed the earth. Collecting native plants, pursuing wild animals and unlocking the power of fire, their lives were defined by an endless hunt for sustenance.
Kitchen Takeover, Hunter Gather took diners on a journey of 1.6 million years, harnessing the taste buds of our ancestors.
WHAT WAS ON THE MENU?
GIFTS FROM THE CHEFRecord-breaking smoked Marlin pate on wild fennel seed cracker
Tauranga Moana Tuatua fritters with green tabasco mayonnaise
Spearfished Mayor Island Porae coconut ceviche
Quail eggs dusted with foraged nasturtium salt
FROM THE FIELDHomemade corn & plain sourdough breads served with whipped manuka smoked butter
FROM THE SEATauranga Moana line-caught kahawai with escabeche marinade, wild stream watercress, beetroot, horseradish and buttermilk
Wine match: Blank Canvas Sauvignon Blanc 2018
FROM THE FORESTWild venison loin rubbed with horopito, juniper and orange, roasted, pureed and pickled pumpkin, Julia’s foraged dukkah, wild woodear mushroom and burnt onion ash, and nightshade berries
Wine match: Blank Canvas Syrah 2015
FROM THE HEDGEROWChickweed, amaranth, speedwell, borage and purslane community garden ‘weeds’ with green apple frost
FROM THE ORCHARDForaged kawakawa ice-cream with roasted white chocolate mousse, backyard caramelized feijoas and passion fruit
Wine match: Blank Canvas Meta Riesling 2018 From the ocean
“The food was amazing! Combinations I’d never had that tasted so divine – and cooked with local foraged ingredients. The tastes were so balanced, vibrant and euphoric – it was some of the best food I’ve ever had. All in all 5 Stars easy and I’m booking in early so we make sure we do t miss out on the next one. Great fun, great night, amazing food in an incredible experience. Truly the Best Restaurant from Mount Maunganui.”
“OH MY GOSH, it was wonderful. I’ve never had nitro-gas bubble out of my mouth after eating a dessert, made from apples and garden weeds, until this night! It was absolutely wowing! Please don’t sign up for the newsletter, and don’t go on the waiting list for the next pop up, because the less of you sign up, the more chance I have of getting in next time too!”
“Best meal I’ve had in the Mount. Absolutely loved the whole experience – brilliant food, hospitality, styling, company. Stacey, you should be really proud for organising such a cool event. SO good, I could not fault it! Can’t wait for the next one.”
