Truffle Season Is Just Around The Corner – Get A Head Start With Esther’s Grand Lunch

Esther, although we’re sure needs no introduction, sits inside the beautiful QT Hotel down at the Auckland Viaduct. Breaking the moulds of the stereotypical ‘hotel restaurant’, Esther has built the grounds of becoming a stand-out all on its own, a lot of first-time guests may not have even realised it does reside in the waterfront hotel.

The charming luxe restaurant is the perfect setting for the commencement of truffle season in Aotearoa. June until August, you’ll be seeing the garlicky fungi all across the Auckland hospitality scene – something we look forward to every year.

Saturday June 18th, Esther is kickstarting things with their Unearthed At Esther long lunch. For $195pp, you’ll be treated to an eight-course sitting with Esther’s truffles, sourced specially from the South Island; Tewnion Truffière in Christchurch and George’s Truffles from Riwaka.

On the menu will be truffle fonduta with Périgord truffle and toasted ciabatta, duck egg ravioli and bianchetto truffle, beef Wellington with Riwaka truffle, truffle shoestring fries, and apple tart with Périgord truffle and pecorino (to name only a few).

On the menu will be truffle fonduta with Périgord truffle and toasted ciabatta, duck egg ravioli and bianchetto truffle, beef Wellington with Riwaka truffle, truffle shoestring fries, and apple tart with Périgord truffle and pecorino (to name only a few).

You’ll be surrounded by other truffle enthusiasts as you all enjoy the afternoon, headed by Executive Chef Sean Connolly.

As the final cherry on top, your lunch will be accompanied by four glasses of matched Italian wine to bring out all the complex flavours from the variety of truffles.

If a catered afternoon in the chic and cosy Esther restaurant sounds like a bit of you, secure your spot before it’s a sold-out event.

Stay tuned to Dish Cult for all the upcoming truffle dishes hitting Auckland this fungi season!