Aria Restaurant & Bar launches a Culinary Journey

Some of the world’s top award-winning chefs are embarking on a culinary journey at Crowne Plaza Auckland’s Aria Restaurant & Bar.

From next Tuesday (September 1) the world will come to the warm ambience of Aria Restaurant as it hosts menus from three outstanding and incredibly talented culinary stars bringing Indian, Italian and Asian cuisine to the heart of Auckland.

Crowne Plaza Auckland is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and the new Culinary Journeys are the brainchild of an IHG Culinary Panel comprising celebrity chefs from around the world. IHG has a commitment to constantly evolve and improve its food and beverage offerings.

First up on the menu is Vikas Khanna, a world-leading Indian chef, food writer and humanitarian. Founder of modern Indian restaurant Junoon in New York, which was awarded a coveted Michelin star, Vikas has also hosted MasterChef in India.


Sam Leong cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Photo © Southern PR

His menu will be available at Aria throughout September and includes a Chicken Tikka Mirza Hasnu appetiser, followed by Slow Cooked Lamb & Apricot Chutney and finishing with a Masala Chai Brulee.
Known as Singapore’s favourite culinary son, Sam Leong is a cookbook author and TV star for Singapore ‘King of Kitchens’. Sam cooks for world luminaries including royal families, presidents and prime ministers, and also owns a Chinese fine dining restaurant called Forest.


Sam Leong’s signature Wasabi Prawns. Photo © Southern PR

His signature Wasabi Prawns and Pan-Seared Lamb Chop marinated with lemongrass and sautéed vegetables can be sampled from September 28 to October 11.

Theo Randall’s cooking style is described as ‘rustic cuisine’, inspired by childhood visits to Italy. Theo is a celebrity chef with a passion for Italian cuisine and is currently based at the Intercontinental Hotel Park Lane's Restaurant called – fittingly enough -- Theo Randall at the InterContinental. Just recently it was voted the ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ in London.

His Italian delights – including Braised Scallops or a tantalising Panna Cotta with Raspberry and Vanilla -- will inspire a ‘Mama Mia’ moment from October 12 to November 15.


Vikas Khanna preparing his Indian-inspired menu. Photo © Southern PR

Bookings for Aria’s Culinary Journeys menus are highly recommended as they are expected to be hugely popular. Guests can order two courses from each menu, which includes a glass of matching wine, for just $49.

For further details go to http://www.crowneplazaauckland.co.nz/blog/introducing-chefs-culinary-journey/ or to book please call (09) 375 5204.