Kitchen Takeover: East of the Middle

“I cannot tell you where I was, and I can’t tell you what I ate. What I can tell you is that at one point I declared to my table mates; “If I wasn’t in a public place, right now, I’d lick the plate.” Debbie Griffiths, Stuff  

Want to try Tauranga’s fine dining feast as recommended by Dish, Stuff, Herald and Cuisine Magazine? 

Kitchen Takeover’s next secret supper brings the flavours of Arabia to your plate for East of The Middle. From 15th July - 18th September, our secret location will become a tongue-tingling spice trail, working its way from the souks of Syria to the markets of Marrakesh.

Kitchen Takeover’s culinary caravan menu will capture the depth and mystery of the region that gave us poetry and romance. Feel the heat of the desert on your skin. Let the scents of the kitchen create a thirst in you like that of a wanderer nearing the oasis. Our chefs will interpret the enigmas of the East, blending modern techniques with traditional flavours and delectable food. 

Which exotic flavour will captivate your senses in this six-course reimagination of Arab fare? Will it be a sprinkle of bahārāt belly-dancing across the plate? The tantalising aroma of saffron whirling the air? Or sweet pomegranate exploding on your tongue?  

Arabia spans a huge area of our world, home to a rich and varied population. So, it’s only fitting that we are offering a diverse menu with gluten-free and plant-based options.

Tickets cost $135pp (plus a small booking fee) and include six courses plus a welcome cocktail or mocktail. There is also the option for wine or mocktail matches. 

What are the dates and times?

Dinner 7-10pm:

• Saturday 2nd October
• Friday 8th October
• Friday 15th October

How much?

Tickets cost $135pp and include six courses plus a welcome cocktail or mocktail. There is also the option for a two glass wine match ($29), non-alcoholic drinks match ($39) or four glass wine match ($55). 

Who is it for?

Wild-at-heart foodies on the hunt for a ‘big city’ style food adventure. Think the secrecy of an East London supper club mixed with the gastronomy of a top Melbourne laneway eatery and the creativity of a Copenhagen restaurant.

What will you eat?

On your plate will be all the classic foods - meat, fish, dairy and sugar. We have alternative gluten free, no red meat, no fish and plant based menus (which generally covers all the bases) but cannot cover for other specific requirements.

Who is designing the mouth watering menu?

Shane Yardley is a chef with platefuls of experience. Having spent the first part of his career training in some of the world’s most renowned restaurants including the Sanderson and Bistro Largo, he did a long stint as Simon Gault’s right hand man. He has now returned to the fold as a tutor at Toi Ohomai teaching the next generation how to cook like a pro. Career highlights include Head Chef of Euro, Fish, and a guest judge on Masterchef. You’re in for a treat. Alongside him will be Kitchen Takeover’s Rob Forsman. After seven years as Al Brown’s Head Chef, he knows a thing or two about cooking. 

How does it work?

The location is revealed one hour prior by text and email. The secret location will be within 10 minutes of Tauranga CBD. The set menu will be announced when you arrive. You can choose to be seated communally to meet your undiscovered foodie friends or on your own table.  

Where and when will it be?

A secret location in Tauranga within 10 minutes of Tauranga CBD.. 

What happens if the event is unable to go ahead due to COVID-19?

We will postpone it to a later date. If you are unable to make this date we will offer an alternative date or a refund.

Buy your tickets now