The Creation Dinner brings fine dining to Rotorua

Karena and Kasey Bird welcome the guests to the second night of The Creation Dinner. Photo/Alice Guy

Diners enjoyed an exclusive evening of fine dining, story telling and good company all in a secret Rotorua location at The Creation Dinner.

Karena and Kasey Bird, winners of Masterchef 2014 and TV hosts of Karena and Kasey's Kitchen Diplomacy hosted the unique dining experience over two nights.

Limited to only 24 tickets per night the small group of diners gathered at Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar with no idea where they would be going.

A short bus ride into Ohinemutu revealed the venue to be Te Ao Marama, the St Faith's Church hall, a place with special significance to the Birds.

"We have a lot of history in that building," Kasey said.

"We had so many events here growing up, and it's just such a nice setting being in the heart of Ohinemutu."

Transformed by black curtains and dazzling lights the building was almost unrecognisable as the church hall.

Diners were guided through a seven course degustation menu by a multimedia presentation telling the Maori story of creation.

The food carefully crafted to reflect on the stories.

Karena said she hoped people had been able to pick up on those messages.

"Things like using a truffle whip to represent the air.

"Or having a black and a white oyster to represent the light and dark."

Osyters two ways, natural with black garlic, black vinegar and soy and charcoal tempura with creamed paua sauce, to represent Te Po (darkness) to Te Ao (light). Photo/Alice Guy

The evening fused the Maori story with fresh New Zealand ingredients and quality New Zealand wine.'

"I think because it was a new concept we were interesteed to see what people would actually think," Kasey said.

"The feedback so far has been incredibly positive."

Te Ao Marama, the church hall at St Faith's Church, was transformed for the evening. Photo/Alice Guy

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick was among the guests and said she was absolutely delighted to see such an experience come to Rotorua.

Another guest said it made him excited for Rotorua's future as a real cultural hub.

"It just shows some of the amazing experiences we are producing here.

"It makes me excited to see what Rotorua really has to offer."

Kasey said they would love more people to come and be a part of their dining experience.

"Next we'd like to move it around, and then of course come back to Rotorua at some stage."