Guide
The Ultimate 2025 Dining Bucket List
03 Dec 2024
03 Dec 2024
We're no longer strangers to an Auckland picnic – but it's time to step up your game.
This month, picnics are still the go; with the added bonus of including up to 25 people at your outdoor gatherings from Wednesday 10th November. We’re firm believers of treating yourself at every available opportunity. Forgo the DIY cheeseboards and pizza box picnics and opt for something a little more luxurious. We’ve found the best picnic sets to indulge this month.
Between missing brunching, BYOs, and sunset cocktails – add High Tea to the list of dining experiences we’re missing the most this lockdown. Well-known for their Chandelier High Tea with TWG, Cordis has joined the picnic game with their Picnic High Tea; think the same delectable, handcrafted sweets, savouries and scones, with your choice of a luxury TWG tea or bubbles. Set up the picnic blanket at your favourite scenic spot and work your way through the phenomenal spread – including lamb confit on a sable with mint cream cheese, macarons with goat’s cheese and charred red onion puree, a selection of sandwiches, handcrafted sweet tarts and desserts, and their famed scones served with artisan jam and butter.
Served with a side of the always exquisite Cordis service, the High Tea packages are also available vegan on request. Finally, every Picnic High Tea purchased before November 30th puts you in the draw to win dinner for two at Eight Restaurant or High Tea for 4 in the Chandelier Lounge once indoor dining opens up again. To place your order and see the full menu, head here.
If you’ve been craving an authentic Japanese feast this lockdown, Daikoku has answered your prayers. Recently launching their Omakase dinner sets, you can treat your picnic bubble to your choice of their three Omakase sets. Starting with the Chef’s Choice Meatlovers, consisting of beef tataki sushi, teriyaki chicken avocado rolls, roast beef, chicken salad, prawn and vegetable tempura, and marinated beef and chicken. The second box is one for Salmon Lovers, including a mix of prawn and salmon rolls, tempura, nigiri, and marinated salmon. The final Omakase set is the Kaisen Seafood set, made up of sashimi, sushi, prawn and vegetable tempura, and marinated sashimi salad.
Additionally, you can add on extra plates of your favourite snacks such as karaage chicken, teppan prawn and yum yum sauce, katsu beef and chicken, teriyaki tofu, miso soup, and edamame. The Omakase sets are available at Daikoku Albany, Daikoku Botany, and Japanese Bistro Zen. Make your order by 10pm the night before your picnic and collect your ultra-fresh Japanese package to be the most envy-inducing picnic at the park. Click here for all the information on how to order.
After remaining closed since the beginning of lockdown, Onslow has reopened its doors this week, presenting us with Onslow At Home. Available this Friday 12th November and Saturday 13th November, Onslow has rustled up a few special menu items that they think will encapture the taste and feel of dining at Onslow. Pouring thought into dishes that will travel well, Onslow At Home will be perfect for a romantic date night dinner or sunset mission. Friday’s menu includes Free Range Chicken Parmigiana, Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella, Baby Cos Lettuce, Ranch Dressing, Perla Potato, Rosemary and Thyme followed by Ginger Loaf with Vanilla Buttercream.
Saturday’s menu will be Free Range Roast Chicken Pasta Salad, Courgette, Garden Herbs, New Season Potato Salad, Asparagus and Honey Mustard, Baby Cos Ranch Dressing with Pancetta Crumbs followed by Ginger Loaf with Vanilla Buttercream to finish. Each package serves one, with a handy voucher code for By The Bottle Shop to grab a bottle of wine with free shipping for your evening. The team has selected a handful of wines to complement the menu. To place your order for Onslow’s very exclusive At Home opportunity, head to their site here.
