Cook For A Cause In The Ultimate Dining Experience

10 June 2013
MEDIA RELEASE

Variety – The Children’s Charity and SKYCITY Auckland are thrilled to present…

Cook For A Cause In The Ultimate Dining Experience

A dining experience like no other is coming to Auckland this August, with renowned chefs Sean Connolly, Nic Watt and Paul Jobin from SKYCITY’s Federal Street dining district ‘cooking for a cause’ to raise money to support disadvantaged Kiwi kids.

The three talented chefs will each prepare a delicious course for up to 500 guests, who will be treated to an evening of fine dining and entertainment. Nic Watt, of the soon to open MASU robata style Japanese restaurant will construct the entrée; award-winning chef Sean Connolly of The Grill by Sean Connolly will create the main course; and SKYCITY Restaurants Executive Chef Paul Jobin will top off the epicurean affair with a delectable dessert. Each course will be matched with a premium New Zealand wine.

Proceeds from the event will go towards Variety’s Kiwi Kid Sponsorship programme, which provides a disadvantaged child with the basics that their family is unable to afford. Sponsored Kiwi kids receive access to essentials that they would otherwise go without, like home basics, doctor’s visits and prescriptions, books and extra-curricular activities like school trips.

Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity, says the event is sure to appeal to Auckland’s corporate and philanthropic elite, alongside gourmet aficionados and wine connoisseurs.

“Guests will not only enjoy a fabulous three-course meal by three of New Zealand’s top chefs, but they will also be supporting Variety’s Kiwi Kid Sponsorship programme, creating brighter futures for Kiwi kids in need.”

SKYCITY General Manager Group Services Grainne Troute says SKYCITY is proud to be bringing such a unique event to Auckland alongside Variety – the Children’s Charity.

“SKYCITY is a long-term supporter of Variety, having enjoyed a strong partnership for many years, and we’re so pleased that together we have been able to come up with a unique event to raise money for a charity that does such integral work in our communities. We are also pleased to have three of our top SKYCITY chefs involved in such a worthy cause and we are looking forward to a fantastic evening,” she says.

Guests who purchase a table of ten will support a disadvantaged Kiwi kid for one year as part of Variety’s Kiwi Kid Sponsorship Programme.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.varietyofchefs.org.nz or phone (09) 522 3742.

Event Details – VARIETY OF CHEFS
Date: Friday, 2 August 2013,
Time: Doors open 6.30pm
Location: SKYCITY Convention Centre, 88 Federal Street, Auckland
Dress: Black Tie / Formal
Pricing: Single Ticket: $220 Standard
Table of Ten: $2,200
Gold Table of Ten: $5000*

*Included in the purchase of a Gold Table
• Table situated in a premium position
• Meet the chefs in an exclusive pre-event VIP function with drinks, canapés and celebrity guests

Variety – The Children’s Charity
Variety - The Children’s Charity levels the playing field for disadvantaged Kiwi kids. Every year we help over 10,000 local children - we meet their unmet health and education needs providing them with brighter futures. We work alongside schools, agencies and the government, tackling child poverty so the Kiwi kids who urgently need our life-changing assistance are set up to reach their full potential in life.

About the Chefs
Nic Watt is an accomplished New Zealand chef, who began his culinary adventure into Japan more than 15 years ago. From experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in London to Taupo’s very own Huka Lodge, Nic follows through on creativity from the plate to interior design. He returns to New Zealand from his position as chief operating officer of the global Roka brand to open Masu in conjunction with SKYCITY on Federal Street.

Sean Connolly is a man of many talents, yet his humble demeanour is more apparent than his status as a one of Australasia’s most celebrated chefs. His passion for cooking started in his hometown of Yorkshire at the age of 13, which led to his signature style of traditional dishes with a modern twist. From 1995 to 2010 Sean was the Executive Head Chef at Astral in Sydney, and in 2009 hosted the award winning 13 part series called “My Family Feast”. SKYCITY has enjoyed a successful partnership with Sean since 2011 in the form of The Grill by Sean Connolly.

Paul Jobin started his culinary journey in Wellington, mastering the art of Japanese cooking before travelling around the world, soaking up influences in Sydney, Slovakia, Prague and New York. Paul then returned home to open his own restaurant, the highly regarded Pure Tastes Eatery in the Bay of Islands. Paul’s love of flavours extends to the Middle East and South East Asia and he combines these influences to make unique layers of texture, creating fresh, exciting cuisine. Paul has won numerous food awards, attends food demonstrations and frequently appears on television screens in New Zealand and around the world. He has been the Executive Chef Restaurants at SKYCITY for the past two and a half years.

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