Kitchen Takeover Presents: "Taiao with Kārena & Kasey Bird" | Tāmaki Makaurau

Kitchen Takeover Presents: "Taiao with Kārena & Kasey" |Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland  

16th - 26th May 2024  

It's the ultimate culinary combination of award winners and master chefs. Now the team behind Taiao: Food of the Gods is hitting Tāmaki Makaurau for the first time, after rave reviews and sold-out seasons in Bay of Plenty and Wellington. 

Kārena and Kasey Bird and Kitchen Takeover have joined forces again with a six-course, multi-sensory journey of flavours, aromas and sound from Thursday 16th - Sunday 26th May. 

Taiao: Food of the Gods won the New Zealand Event Awards ‘Best Arts and Culture Event’ and was a feature event at last year's Visa Wellington on a Plate.   

The immersive dining experience will take diners on a mouth-watering adventure, inspired by Atua Māori and Taiao and will draw on Kārena and Kasey’s whakapapa and upbringing. They will take the envelope-pushing techniques they’ve learnt and combine them with strong family traditions using traditional Māori cooking techniques and flavours. Both the kai and cocktails will bring to the fore some of the most unique indigenous ingredients in Aotearoa, supporting small scale producers that are passionate about their whenua.   
 
MasterChef winners Kārena and Kasey Bird have travelled to over 50 destinations across the globe learning about food and culture, whilst also being involved with a number of food events and activations throughout Aotearoa. Hosting two seasons of the award-winning series on TVNZ1 "Kārena and Kasey’s Kitchen Diplomacy”, saw them travel to a new overseas destination each episode. They’ve cooked for a number  of Aotearoa dignitaries and celebration events around the world, from world embassies, to worldwide ANZAC celebrations. Their accolades include having been the food editors for Mana magazine and also food contributors for the Herald on Sunday. They’ve also self-published two award winning cookbooks “For the Love of...” & “Hungry”.  
 
Kitchen Takeover combines platefuls of creativity and innovation by offering ever-changing, unforgettable edible experiences. Diners come from around the country to experience their secret pop-up restaurants, featuring envelope pushing food in unique locations. The brand was recently awarded two NZ event Awards, for Best Lifestyle and Best Arts and Culture Awards beating events such as Cuba Dupa and Wanaka Food & Wine Festival.   

❓ What? Six course degustation + welcome cocktail + immersive dining experience 

📅 When? Thursday 16th May - Sunday 26th May 

📍 Where? Taumata o Kupe at Te Mahurehure Marae | 73 Premier Avenue, Point Chevalier, Auckland 1022 

💰 How much? $189pp 

Ready for a mouthwatering menu of Māori kai? 

Tickets are live NOW! But remember, be quick and bag your tickets or they will be gone faster than you can say “taste tangling tangaroa”. 

FAQs 

What are the dates and times? 

Lunch 1:30pm-5:30pm 

• Sunday 19th May 

• Sunday 26th May  

Dinner 6:30pm -10:30pm 

• Thursday 16th May 
• Friday 17th May  
• Saturday 18th May  
• Thursday 23rd May 
• Friday 24th May  
• Saturday 25th May 

How much does it cost? 

Tickets are $189pp which includes six courses, a welcome cocktail or mocktail and an immersive dining experience.  

Who is it for? 

Wild-at-heart foodies on the hunt for an immersive culinary experience. Think the warmth of a marae, interwoven with the flair of Melbourne’s bustling food scene, all infused with the rich traditions and heritage of Māori cuisine and culture. 

What about dietary requirements? 

The menu will be revealed on arrival, but what we can tell you is on your plate will be all the classic foods - meat, fish, dairy and sugar. If you have dietary requirements, we can cater for gluten free, vegan, nut free, dairy free, vegetarian, pescatarian, no fish or seafood. We cannot cater to any other dietary requirements, but keep your eyes peeled for other events in 2024 where we can cater to your needs. 

Who is creating the mouth watering menu? 

MasterChef winners Kārena and Kasey have travelled to over 50 destinations across the globe learning about food and culture whilst also being involved with a number of food events and activations throughout Aotearoa. Hosting two seasons of the award-winning series on TVNZ1 "Kārena and Kasey’s Kitchen Diplomacy” saw them travel to a new overseas destination each episode. They’ve cooked for a number of Aotearoa dignitaries and celebration events around the world from world embassies to worldwide ANZAC celebrations. Their accolades include having been the food editors for Mana magazine and also food contributors for the Herald on Sunday. They’ve also self-published two award winning cookbooks “For the Love of...” & “Hungry”. 

Will drinks be available? 

Yes, we will offer a curated selection of beers, wines, cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks. We will also offer a drinks match which can be purchased on the evening. 

How does the seating work? 

Seating will be communal.  

Refund Policy 

All tickets are non-refundable, no exceptions. However, tickets are transferable so you can gift or sell them to someone else. If we have a waiting list, we can offer your ticket to the list so feel free to contact us for assistance.  

Questions? 

Contact events@kitchentakeover.co.nz 

Ngā mihi nui, 

KTHQ