Food news: NZ Coffee Festival, new dumpling digs and Le Dîner en Blanc

Veggie gyoza, soul punch and Le Dîner en Blanc. Photos / Supplied

It's the weekend before Easter, and there's plenty of options for eating your way through it that have nothing to do with chocolate: From a fancy French picnic to a day dedicated to coffee and a new dumpling spot perfect for a quick dinner date with mates, here's what to eat and drink this weekend.

EATING IN

• Mozzarella, prosciutto & fig salad

Pair this seasonal salad with grilled chicken breast. Photo / Babiche Martens

It's creamy, salty and sweet: Angela Casey's divine salad of fresh figs married up with mozzarella and a salty ham hit is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Easy to prepare, it's the perfect meal for a special little weekend dinner at home.

Get the recipe on viva.co.nz

Apricot tart - with packet cake mix

Allyson Gofton's delicious, quick and easy apricot tart. Photo / Supplied

Before you denounce the idea, you'd be wise to note Allyson Gofton has at least two very good reasons for using packet cake mix:

1. It can be "relied upon to help young kids get into cooking — it's only mix and bake..."
2. It "provides an instant answer for a dessert for unexpected guests."

See the recipe over on bite.co.nz.

DINING OUT

• New opening: Gyoza Bar in Ponsonby

Vege gyoza. Photo / Rebecca Zephyr Thomas

If you've done the rounds at all Dominion Road's dumpling offerings and you're ready for something different, look no further than this new Ponsonby eatery.

With five different gyoza flavours, tapas and "chef's specials" (think karaage chicken, wagyu skewers and jumbo crumbed prawns) this is a spot worthy of a taste-test this weekend.

See more over at viva.co.nz.

FOODIE EVENTS

• Le Dîner en Blanc

Last year's Le Dîner en Blanc event. Photo / Supplied

Undoubtedly the fanciest of outdoor soirees on Auckland's March calendar, Le Dîner en Blanc takes place on March 24th in a secret location somewhere in Auckland.

The prestigious French pop-up picnic will see 2000 guests dressed all in white and indulging in an al fresco feast at sunset.

Find out more here.

• NZ Coffee Festival

Harpoon Cold Brew's Arjun Haszard. Photo / Supplied

Whether you're a piccolo person or love a latte bowl more than Paula Bennett herself, the NZ Coffee Festival is the ultimate day out for caffeine fans.

Find out how to make cold brew at home and check out what's new in cool coffee gadgets. Then wash it all down with an espresso martini, frozé, or be one of the first to sample a "cold fashioned", a clever concoction from Harpoon Cold Brew.

When: Saturday 24th March, 9am-5pm
Where: Shed10, 89 Quay St, Auckland
Get tickets here

• Soul PUNCH

Punch at Soul Bar. Photo / Supplied

Sundays don't have to be spent doing laundry and trawling the aisles of Bunnings. Instead, head to Soul Bar and Bistro in Auckland's Viaduct for the perfect precursor to a short week ahead of Easter.

With a glass of Mumm on arrival and a line up of glam cocktails, boogie the afternoon away with Soul's DJs and treat yourself to a long lunch with friends.

When: March 25, 12pm til 4pm(ish)
Where: Soul Bar & Bistro, Auckland Viaduct

Be sure to get your ticket ($85pp, 4 minimum) and book a table early.