Here’s your guide to everything on the Remix team’s food radar this February

February in this corner of the world really sets the tone for this time of year, with the month's dining scene centred around the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day celebrations, and as such, food becomes the centre of our social calendar.

While the summer weather remains unpredictable, the one constant is that great food makes the season significantly better. Amid the heat and humidity, a vibrant new wave of offerings is emerging in Auckland's dining scene. These are some of the freshest menus, wishlist items for at-home chefs, and the get-in-before-they’re-gone events on our radar this month. 

Saan returns for a pop-up at Perch
Don’t miss this exclusive pop-up with Group Executive Chef Wichian ‘Lek’ Trirattanavati of the Jim Thompson Company. Known for his authentic, inventive Thai cuisine at Saan and later as Chef de Cuisine at Pra Nakhon, Chef Trirattanavati is unveiling a new menu that journeys from North to South Thailand, featuring highlights like his award-winning soft-shell crab and crowd-favourite cocktails, including the Weeping Butterfly.

Queens Rooftop is coming home
Queens Rooftop just dropped its online wineshop, bringing a curated selection of epic wines and spirits right to your door, nationwide. Think boutique bottles, cool craft beers, and even some exclusive merch. John Robertson is all about making wine shopping an experience—less stuffy, and more about helping customers discover their next obsession. His wine knowledge mixed with tasty recommendations? Say less.

Le Creuset launches Artichaut
Le Creuset's new rich green collection, inspired by farm-to-table goodness, has 35 pieces of Signature Cast Iron and Stoneware that officially dropped earlier this week. And for a softer touch, the Rose Quartz collection launched the same day, offering 17 blush-pink stoneware items—perfect for spreading some love this Valentine's Day. Now available online or at the Le Creuset Signature Newmarket Boutique.

Rosie's celebrates Margarita Month
As expected, Rosie's Red Hot Cantina is going all out for International Margarita Month this February. Visit their Viaduct Harbour, Takapuna Mount Maunganui, or Wellington spots to get your groove on with salsa classes, test your limits with a spice challenge, and maybe even score a dream trip to Mexico—for the margi-lovers in your life, this is a celebration not to be missed.

Knead on Benson has a matcha moment
Knead on Benson is dropping a limited-edition pastry to celebrate Lunar New Year: the Matcha Moon. Leaning into everyone’s favourite flavour, this limited-edition treat is only available from February 9th to February 22nd, and having tried some ourselves, we promise you don’t want to leave it too late.

Bar Albert launches their very own gin
We’ve heard that Bar Albert has launched a new collab with Waiheke Distilling Co. Together, they've dropped Bar Albert Gin, a custom London Dry that's the star of their new signature cocktail, The Tāmaki. It’s launched alongside a fresh cocktail menu, a Sunday Spritz vibe, and gourmet bites like Te Mataku Oysters with a killer tomato, vanilla and gin salsa. It's an elevated take on local craftsmanship, and we’ve heard it’s very, very good.

Normanby Fine Wines hosts a Hennessy affair
Normanby is hosting an elite Hennessy tasting event at Webb’s Auction House Gallery on February 10th. Think Hennessy VSOP, the legendary Hennessy XO, and the ultra-exclusive Hennessy Paradis. Their pairing of these iconic cognacs with bespoke cuisine inspired by the Year of the Horse's strength and optimism is the ultimate way to ring in the Lunar New Year. Tickets are available now.

Lunar New Year is honoured at SkyCity
Year of the Horse celebrations continue at SkyCity, with Sky Tower lighting up in special art projections on February 16–17. The Street Food Market returns on February 13, 14, 20 and 21, serving up some of the city’s best Asian eats, while Lunar New Year’s Eve on February 16 brings traditional performances, followed by lion dancing and calligraphy to mark New Year’s Day on February 17. The Summer Garden Bar will be pouring themed drinks and serving festive bites throughout the month, and if you’re settling in for dinner, take your pick from Huami for Chinese, MASU for Japanese, The Grill for seafood, or Depot for something distinctly Kiwi.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Gilt Brasserie
Friday night is made for getting the group together, with both an à la carte option and a shareable Valentine’s menu on offer. Saturday shifts the mood to something more romantic, with a four-course set menu designed for a relaxed, indulgent evening. Both experiences run from 4pm on February 13 and 14 at Gilt Brasserie, priced at $145 per person, served in the restaurant’s chic inner-city setting.