It was an all-star line-up for the launch of third annual American Express® Restaurant Month held in Auckland l.
The event marked the official launch of a month long celebration of culinary talent and food festivities taking place throughout the city centre this August.
350 guests, including some of New Zealand's top media and screen favourites, were wined and dined on stage at the newly refurbished ASB Theatre in the Aotea Centre and entertained by a "dinner and show" with a difference.
The launch party, sponsored by Singapore Airlines was hosted by the Sweet Mix Kids, who mixed up soundtracks to complement each of the four courses.
Nick Honeyman of Everybody's Izakaya (ex-The Commons and Cru), provided the opening act for the evening; an innovative beef tataki accompanied by shallots, ginger, truffle and yuzu. Inspired by his recent gourmet trip to Japan the dish was matched with Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ihumatao Gewürztraminer 2012.