On a balmy Sunday evening at the end of February 2018, 24 strangers gathered for an intimate evening together for the first Kitchen Takeover. Diners were treated to a 10 course rickshaw ride of flavours served under the stars at Spongedrop Cakery in Mount Maunganui. Collaborations with On My Hand’s for styling and Spongedrop for the final dessert course added the finishing touches to our taste adventure.
WHAT WAS ON THE MENU?
TO STARTCocktails and Canapés
Duck Bahn Mi
Confit duck – duck mousse – pickled watermelon skin
Makrut Mary shooter with oyster shooter
Lime kaffir infused vodka – Te Komua Bay oysters – Vietnamese dressing
2NDSummer Rolls – Goi Cuon
Green Tea Home Smoked Chicken – avocado – glass noodles – crispy chicken skin
3RDSquid Salad – Goi Muc
BBQ squid – roasted rice – homemade black sesame prawn crackers
4THMillionaires Pho – Pho Nam
Smoked shitake mushrooms – garnishes – kick ass chilli paste
5THTurmeric Crusted Fish – Cha Cha
Tarakihi – dill – shiso peanut salad – pineapple nuom cham
6THWatermelon Refresher
Watermelon and Vietnamese mint granita
7THCoconut panna cotta
Mango saffron coulis – five spice crumb – black sesame brittle
8THVietnamese coffee macaroons & lemongrass tea
Yellow for good fortune!
“This was the most amazing experience. The food was sooooo good I cannot even begin to describe in words as well as the flavours and the presentation. Sign me up for the next one!”
“Kitchen Takeover made me feel like I was living in Melbourne, or Wellington or even New York. Like a glorious local secret, with the added advantage of getting to meet lovely, like-minded folks.”
“This was an incredible taste sensation, perfect food, perfect setting and perfect company. I can’t wait for the next one! Somehow i think it’s going to be tough to get a seat next time around.”
