The dish: Delectable events

Epicurean online
It's the end of an era for Auckland's Epicurean Workshop, which closes its doors this week after 17 years in business. Owner Catherine Bell is selling her popular, modern culinary essentials online rather than via a traditional retail store to achieve more of a work-life balance.

"I have been juggling a full-time business with being a home-maker and a mother and as the business has grown, so too have the demands and I have decided to get some more balance in my life by making this move." The cafe will stay at Morrow St, Newmarket, Auckland.

Magazzino has taken over the premises and will keep the cafe. Cooking school stalwarts will have to wait till mid-year to attend classes at the school's new, yet to be confirmed location. Epicurean's products are available online at the link below. 

Catch a Tiger
To coincide with Chinese New Year, a competition to enjoy a sumptuous Asian banquet at a secret Auckland location is being held. Winners will be hosted to a night of theatre, cuisine and art. Celebrations to mark the Year of the Dog started on Sunday and continue for two weeks, ending with the lantern festival in Albert Park. One tradition is to give two mandarins as a symbol of prosperity. These are thought to resemble gold nuggets. To enter buy Tiger Beer at selected Foodtown, Woolworths or Countdown stores and you and your friends could be flown to Auckland to dine in Asian high style.

Swing while you sip
The Devonport Food and Wine Festival has announced its lineup of entertainers for February 18 and 19. Platinum-selling singer Amber Claire will be joined by dDub, Union and The Hot Grits at the Windsor Reserve site, where there will be more than 30 stalls. Gates open at 11am and you can buy tickets on the day, or in advance via ticketmaster.co.nz or at Auckland Post Shops.

Chefs' cavalcade
The World Association of Cooks Societies' annual congress is being held in Auckland from March 12-16. Attending are New Zealanders Peter Gordon, Simon Gault and Geoff Scott as well as international chefs Martin Yan and Scott Webster. Registration for workshops, presentations, dinners and social events, www.wacscongress2006.com.