Food of the Sun

Have you been considering blocking that friend that's embracing European summer on social media while you deal with day 10,000 of constant rain? You're in luck — QT Auckland is launching an event that may plug the Euro-sized gap in your heart (while not losing any friends due to petty Instagram activity).

On the second Saturday of every month, starting from October 2023 and running until March 2024, Auckland's QT Hotel will be transforming its restaurant Esther into a Mediterranean paradise with Food of the Sun, a series of lunch events focusing on regions surrounding the picturesque blue sea. Although each menu will differ, every feast will emphasise ingredients that the general area is known for, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, plus fish and olives.

The first stop is the Amalfi Coast on Saturday, October 14. At each lunch, guests will kick off the day with a welcome cocktail before indulging in a multiple-course feasting menu. QT chef Sean Connolly will be serving up eggplant parmigiana, fresh focaccia straight out the oven and linguine vongole (also known as spaghetti with clams).

The Amalfi Coast experience doesn't stop there, with Esther incorporating an Italian-inspired dress code and asking guests to don their best white get-up. Just make sure you don't get carried away with the spritzes — you want your best whites to stay your best whites.

If the Amalfi Coast isn't really your scene, there are plenty of other Mediterranean areas to choose from, with Food of the Sun inviting guests to (metaphorically) travel to Saint Tropez on Saturday, November 11; Tel Aviv on Saturday, December 9; Mykonos on Saturday, January 13; Marrakesh on Saturday, February 10; and finally Ibiza on Saturday, March 9.

The different areas of focus will result in wide-ranging menus of different country's cuisines. Perhaps you fancy yourself a duck à l'orange straight out of Saint Tropez, or a traditional konafi from Tel Aviv? All tastebuds will be satisfied at Food of the Sun.