Palm fringed shores, street food and the sweet scent of vanilla beans. These are the flavours and memories acclaimed chef Michael Meredith has brought home from The Islands of Tahiti to his Auckland restaurant, Metita.
In collaboration with Tahiti Tourisme, Michael has crafted a limited edition Tahitian inspired menu this September turning his recent culinary journey across Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea and Taha’a into a dining experience for Aucklanders.
The menu celebrates the islands’ food culture and Michael’s own Pasifika roots. And if you dine during this takeover you’ll also have the chance to win a trip for two to The Islands of Tahiti! Flights, luxury accommodation and more, all following in the chef’s footsteps.
On his travels, Michael explored markets, food trucks, cafés and restaurants, meeting with local chefs such as the owner of Le Sully and Heimata Hall, who guided him through hidden street food gems on his Moorea Food Tour. He also visited the Niu Shack, a vegan eatery run by a mother-daughter duo on Taha’a.
“I was particularly inspired by the traditional cooking techniques of Polynesian cuisine, the ahima’a, when you cook the food underground,” says Michael. “It was a truly immersive culinary experience, and I couldn’t wait to come back home to apply what I learnt during the trip to my menu.”
“I’ve crafted a menu that weaves together my signature style with both traditional and modern Tahitian influences. Highlights include my reinterpretation of Tahitian poisson cru, inspired by French pastries; the subtle yet expressive use of local vanilla beans threaded throughout the dishes; and an exploration of po’e in a refreshed and contemporary form. I’m also working on sourcing pearl meat, a delicacy unique to The Islands of Tahiti, to celebrate an ingredient that is both rare and deeply local, as well as the two cultures that heavily influence the Tahitian food story.”
One particularly meaningful stop was the Taputapuatea marae on Raiatea, known as the spiritual birthplace of Polynesians. For Michael, born in Samoa, the visit was powerful. “I was completely in awe of the marae in Raiatea, and had a deep spiritual experience with this place. My family has a deep connection to our Pasifika/Polynesian roots, and to connect with the place where it all started made me feel even closer to my ancestors.”
The Tahitian Takeover at Metita runs until 30 September. You can enter the draw to win your own Tahitian adventure simply by scanning the QR code at the restaurant! To book a table or read more visit tahititourisme.nz or SkyCity Auckland.