Escaping the wintery chill of Auckland CBD, last night 500 guests were whisked away into an enchanting Adam & Eve style celebration at Imperial Lane and Everybody's for the Auckland Restaurant Month official launch party. Kicking off the event with world-class standard, guests were treated to five of Auckland's best chefs via a "Walking Degustation" with divine wine matches and the launch of Mac's Shady Pale.

As the Te Hana Cuvee bubbles flowed, and the music drifted amongst a packed out venue Simon Gault of Euro entertained guests with his memorable tea smoked tomato and ironing of a wagyu carpaccio, which was washed down perfectly with a glass of Te Tera Pinot Noir.

With Gault's smoking plates relished, upstairs Everybody's was buzzing with excitement as Warren Turnbull from District Dining served up sumptuous salmon and radish on the balcony, alongside a Wither Hills Pinot Gris. Inside Al Brown had created quite the stir with his pulled pork sliders matched with The King's Ceremony Chardonnay. Nearby, Sean Marshall of Roxy whipped up a delicious duck and shiitaki sausage dish savoured with a Roaring Meg red.

To top off a truly brilliant evening, diners were treated to The Grove's Ben Bayly's concoction of apple sorbet & brandy. Spirits were high up on the mezzanine as The King's Series A Sticky End provided a sweet finale; the international vibe certainly left guests very happy.

With Auckland's BIG little city bursting with culinary events for Auckland Restaurant Month, last night's event set the standards high and foodies are in for a sensational month of dining.