Kai Franklin Chef's Table: Pull up a Chair in Pukekohe

15 March 2024

Pukekohe
Media Release

A Special Dinner Event Celebrating Franklin's Food Excellence

The Kitchen Project is proud to announce a special dinner event, Kai Franklin Chef's Table, set to take place on Monday, 8 April 2024, at 1 Roulston Street, Pukekohe, Auckland.

“Kai Franklin Chef's Table” is a culinary celebration that showcases the rich diversity and quality of produce grown and made locally in Franklin, known as New Zealand's food bowl. This ticketed event, organised by The Kitchen Project and supported by the Pukekohe Business Association, the Franklin Local Board and Eke Panuku Development Auckland, will feature a meticulously curated four-course dinner, each course prepared by a local chef in partnership with a local grower.

“We are excited to bring together talented local chefs, growers, and the community to celebrate the best of what Pukekohe and Franklin has to offer,” said Connie Clarkson, manager of The Kitchen Project. “The Kai Franklin Chef's Table event will
be a testament to our region's agricultural heritage and culinary innovation.”

A selection of Franklin’s growers and producers’ food that will be used in the Kai Franklin Chef’s Table dinner event. Photo credit: Supplied

This year's event follows the successful collaboration with Homeland in 2022 that shone a light on the Franklin region. The Kai Franklin Chef's Table event next month aims to continue this tradition, highlighting the best ingredients from Franklin's
growers and producers in a series of events designed to captivate food enthusiasts, chefs, media, and diners alike.

The farm-to-table journey experience will commence with a welcome drink followed by a four-course meal. Guests will have the unique opportunity to meet the chefs and
local producers responsible for crafting the evening’s fare, all sourced from the freshest seasonal produce.

The menu for the night is a collaboration among some of Pukekohe’s most beloved food establishments. The Daily Goods will kick things off with an inventive trio of canapes, followed by an entrée with an Asian fusion twist from SuMei. Blue Ox Babe will present the main course, celebrated for its masterfully smoked, slow-cooked BBQ, and the evening will conclude with a delectable dessert trio from Seddon64 Eatery and Bar. A cash bar will be available courtesy of gastropub Franklin’s Bar and Eatery.

Featured dishes will showcase the best seasonally sourced ingredients, including organic meats from Black Pond, Eastherbrook Farms’ duck, Clevedon Buffalo’s fresh ricotta, and vegetables from The Fresh Grower, to name but a few. Adding to the night are the amazing students from Pukekohe High School who'll be serving up both the food and the entertainment.

The special dinner on Monday, 8 April 2024 will be held in the character building at 1 Roulston Street in Pukekohe. Tickets for the Kai Franklin Chef's Table are now available for purchase from Eventfinda here.

The event promises an unforgettable culinary experience filled with delightful food and entertaining stories and is expected to attract a wide audience.

For more information, ticket bookings, and media enquiries, please contact:

Carla Hofler
The Kitchen Project
info@thekitchenproject.co.nz
Ph 022 525 1728

About The Kitchen Project:

The Kitchen Project, a food incubator initiative by the Auckland Council, has been nurturing local food entrepreneurs since 2018, emphasising culture, healthy food, and sustainable business practices. The programme includes classroom learning, kitchen access, and mentorship support.

In 2024, TKP will run two cohorts from 1 Roulston Street in Pukekohe, accommodating a growing demand for the programme and a continued need for a south Auckland location to support a wider range of participants.

www.thekitchenproject.co.nz

About the Franklin Local Board:
The Franklin Local Board is committed to promoting and developing the Franklin region, focusing on sustainable growth and community engagement.

About the Pukekohe Business Association:
The Pukekohe Business Association fosters a thriving business community, enhancing Pukekohe's appeal as a regional economic and cultural hub.

www.pukekohe.org.nz