Three new pop-up projects to look out for

Three new dining projects have begun popping up across Auckland and Wellington, each aiming to bring people together over food in their own unique way.

It takes something pretty special to lure us out of the house on a winter's evening, but these three projects have piqued our interest. If you're keen on discussing pressing issues, want to enjoy a beautiful meal or both of the above, we might catch you at one of these events...

The Dinner Crowd
If you haven't made it out to Hillsborough to visit the new eatery at Pah Homestead (pictured), they've dreamed up The Dinner Crowd as the perfect reason to do so. In a bid to make the most of their beautiful set-up inside a historic building, the team behind Homestead are opening it up in the evenings so people can enjoy the art, sculptures and surrounds before sitting down to a delicious meal. It definitely looks to be one of the more ambient ways to spend a winter's evening. The first of these monthly events takes place on May 27 – find out more over on their Facebook page. 

The Cult Project
Talented Auckland chefs Carlo Buenaventura and William Cook had a great response to their first pop-up series, which recently culminated in a visit to Wellington's Hillside Kitchen. So, on June 7, The Cult Project will return for a second time, offering a new season of progressive dinners. Inspired by food's ability to act as a "universal language", series two will bring the team's collaborative approach to Madame George, on Auckland's Karangahape Road. You can peruse previous menus and book tickets to their upcoming events on their website.

Breakbread
The Cult Project are also set to be involved in the intriguing new series Break Bread, which aims to stimulate conversation about issues affecting Auckland's community and beyond. At the first event on May 28, three influential speakers – journalist Mike McRoberts, MP Jacinda Ardern and one of the first refugees from Mon state (situated on the border of Thailand and Burma), Koasorn Tun – will read a letter to their 11-year-old selves. A film about Auckland restaurant Orphans Kitchen learning about Mon culture will be shown, before supper is served by The Cult Project. For more information about the series visit breakbread.co.nz.