Euro will be transformed into a gastronomic tour through the ages next Wednesday. Simon Gault's creative genius will be on show at Outlandish, with molecular creations and bite-sized delicacies served in an innovative moving feast.
"It'll be a really exciting night," Gault says. "If we do another one next year, you won't be able to get in because everybody will be talking about it."
Part of Viva's ongoing restaurant series, Gault worked with event planners Andy Dowding and Justine McKay of J & A Productions to conceptualise the unique event.
"We've been inspired by the lack of outrageous events that exist in Auckland," Dowding says, "and perhaps this idea that in New Zealand we don't do sexy very well, or we're a little bit afraid of it.
"When we met with Simon I said 'What are we going to do that isn't a really boring degustation menu that you can see every day of the week?'
"So he took that challenge and came back to us with his idea of a crazy, sexy, circus fantasy environment. It's Euro as you've never seen it before and a little bit Simon as you've never seen him before. There's installations that are a little bit arty, a little bit foodie, a little bit sexy. It's something that's a bit more experiential - a party with amazing food, but each bit of food is an experience in its own right, and the way you get the food is an experience as well."
That includes caviar and white chocolate being delivered by a "priest" post-confession, hidden hands serving surprise food and drinks, and a nearly nude work of art doubling as a table. There are also interactive rooms as diverse as a "Caveman garden", with a lamb on a spit, and "Einstein's laboratory" filled with Gault's molecular creations.
"It's just about surpassing expectation beyond belief," explains Gault. "The food will be challenging the senses and taste buds throughout the night, and there'll be different facets of the restaurant that you can visit.
"When you arrive you'll be given a map, which will open hidden doors where exciting things are to eat and try and sample and titillate the taste buds."
The creative chef says he thought of most of the ideas for the feast in the early hours of the morning.
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Advertise with NZME."He's such a passionate guy whose brain is fizzing all the time," says Dowding. "It's great to work with someone like that who is always throwing things out there and coming up with things that you can take and run with."
Gault's culinary work will be elevated by The Dust Palace performers. Roving about, the circus acts will show off their contortionist ways, while costume-clad party DJs the Sweet Mix Kids will work the dance floor, joined by an electric violinist. There'll also be bespoke Bombay Sapphire cocktails, and the chance to try the new Wither Hills Rosé.
* Viva in association with Kerastase presents Outlandish at Euro. Wednesday November 12, R18. Tickets, $130 including all food and three complimentary drinks. Buy yours here!
