In September 2019, Kitchen Takeover, best restaurant from Mount Maunganui tackled a plant-based theme to showcase the power of plants. Guest hikes the herbivorian highway to discover how a lowly turnip could top a T-bone. International chef Shane Yardley was pushed to his limits to deliver a six course menu that revealed the hidden depths of plants. We crept up the path, peeked behind the door and explored the hidden corners of the world’s secret garden, with a fine-dining, taste-tangling trip of a lifetime.
WHAT WAS ON THE MENU?
AntipastoSalt-baked baby potato, smoky ketchup and vegan aioli
Spiced potato, chickpea mousse and tamarind chutney
Pulled jackfruit toastadas with roasted & pickled watermelon
Black bean butter with dehydrated black olive and hand-made kumara sourdough
Wine Match: Veuve Laperrière Blanc de Blancs
PrimoBeetroot ravioli stuffed with broccoli & almonds, nettle pesto and crispy kale
Wine Match: Valli Pinot Gris, Central Otago
SecondoSmoked miso tofu wrapped in collard greens with slow roasted butternut, roasted cauliflower & cashew puree, mushrooms and crispy chickpeas
Wine Match: Lime Rock Gruner Veltliner
DolceCoconut yogurt rock with kaffir lime, candied fennel and fennel pollen
Spit-roasted drunken pineapple with coconut sorbet, caramelised coconut cream and pineapple sage meringue
Wine Match: Pietra Organic Primitivo Puglia
“From the hidden starter disguised as a pot plant, to the vegan meringue and well matched wines, Stacey and her team put together a fabulous evening. A thoroughly delightful experience. Can’t wait for Christmas now!”
“This was our first KTO and we absolutely LOVED it. We had no idea what to expect, loved the element of surprise about the venue (and not finding out until an hour before), the food was fantastic, as was the experience (atmosphere / presentation/ staff) on the night. You guys did an amazing job! See you at the next event….”
“What a truely magnificent evening, the food was a magical mystery tour. Pure delight. I am a fan forever.”
“This culinary experience was a pure delight! The food was wonderful. I loved everything from the secrecy of the venue, right down to the elegant decor…simply beautiful! So glad to experience this in Tauranga….thank you Kitchen Takeover <3”
“A magical evening with mystery, magnificent company and mindblowing food – absolutely loved it!”
