Bonfire: Esther x Darren Robertson

All smoke, no mirrors, Bonfire is making a searing return to Esther for Restaurant Month – and this time we’re bringing a friend. Chef Sean Connolly is joining forces with Michelin-trained chef, Darren Robertson for one vibrant evening that flirts with the flame.  

Darren is co-owner of much-loved Australian restaurants, Three Blue Ducks in Sydney’s Bronte and Rosebery, and The Farm in Byron Bay. With an impressive list of accolades, he has written three cookbooks and featured on MasterChef and Darren Robertson’s Charcoal Kitchen which showcased the art of cooking over the flame. Darren is bringing his passion of farm-to-table cooking and smoke and fire expertise to the shores of Auckland.  

This unforgettable night will start with warming cocktails and fire-twirling entertainment, canapés and the heat of the open flame. Tales of adventure and triumph will then be shared over a smoke-infused four-course dinner paired with divine Procure wines. Witness Connolly and Robertsons passion for this traditional cooking method and indulge in the finest offerings from our abundant lands and seas, skilfully prepared over the coals, on the bone, and in the shell.  

A toast to starry nights, the evening ends on a high. Marshmallows melted over the fire pit to acoustic tunes as boozy hot chocolates and coffees do their rounds to the campfire chorus. The spirit of the evening engulfed in a beacon of warmth.  

Get your tickets for Bonfire at Esther – set to be the hottest night on Auckland’s culinary calendar.

About Darren Robertson: 

Darren Robertson, originally from UK is now living in Byron Bay.  Having trained in Michelin starred Gravetye Manor in the UK, after moving to Australia in 2001, his skills were honed at globally acclaimed Sydney institution ‘Tetsuya’s’. Rising to the position of Head Chef, the restaurant held three SMH chefs’ hats and was voted the 5th best restaurant in the world in 2007. He now writes his weekly column “How to be a better cook” on Substack. He served as both food curator and co festival director for Tasting Australia between 2019 – 2023, is an Ambassador for the Australian Cancer Council, and Oz Harvest. Darren co owns Three Blue Ducks restaurant group and Rocker, many have received awards including SMH chefs hats and Gourmet Traveller Restaurant of the year for Three Blue Ducks on The Farm in Byron.