^{Photo: Cassia, Moana menu, Te Matuku Oyster Pakora with Sorrel and Marigold}

Winter has officially started so here come the lashing rain and plummeting temperatures. But don’t let that get you down – look ahead to Elemental Feast, a festival that celebrates Auckland’s vibrant dining culture.

Running throughout July across the Auckland region, more than 100 eateries will create special dishes and menus evoking the elements of air, fire, earth and water.

Whether your fancy turns to fine-dining restaurants, cafés, bars or food trucks you’ll find something to entice you, with Elemental Feast participants crafting the area’s freshest world-class produce into exciting new tastes and experiences.

The taste of the ocean is celebrated in Cassia’s Te Matuka oysters cleverly fashioned into pakora with foraged sorrel and marigold. Earth is the theme at The Grounds, for a crispy hāngi pork belly. At MASU they’re firing up the robata open charcoal grill, while Cibo gets into the spirit with an airy, fluffy ‘Magical Rumbillion Cocktail’. The Grove has gone all out with all four elements featuring in their tasting menu: water is showcased in the snacks, earth in the starter, fire comes with the main course and they finish with an airy dessert. These are just some of the treats on offer; see the full Elemental Feast programme here.

So, wrap up warm and taste your way around Auckland this July with Elemental Feast.

Proudly presented by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Elemental Feast is part of Auckland’s new festival, Elemental AKL, a region-wide festival illuminating Tāmaki Makaurau during winter. From 1-31 July throughout the Auckland region, more than 50 events will celebrate Auckland’s energy and vibrancy through light, cuisine, culture and entertainment.