-what people are saying about us -

“What a FANTASTIC experience!”

Every February, I accompany my Japanese study abroad students to Auckland where they partcipate in a variety of activites. This was our first time to to visit The Gourmet Within and will most definitely not be the last! They participated in a 3-hour cooking experience with Chef Mark Griffiths taylored to our request to experience Kiwi cuisine. Mark prepared a 2-course meal consisting of lamb, local veggies, and the iconic pavlova. All the ingredients were fresh and bought at the local Saturday market right down to the herbs! The kitchen was immaculate and the dining area was elegantly modern. 

Needless to say, the meal was outstanding, but what really made this experience special, was Mark's attention to detail in the meal and most importantly his friendly energetic approach to interacting with my students (non-native English speakers) who were smiling and laughing throughout the experience. It is an experience they will not soon forget and one I hope my students will be able to experience for years to come.
Kansai, Osaka Japan
“I wanted to give my husband something different for his birthday and I am so pleased I did"
​We had such a lovely day with you in the kitchen, the hands on approach was fantastic as we got to actually do the cooking not just watch which we really enjoyed.  The casual but informative way you guided us as we prepared our three course meal made us comfortable and as we are very much novice home cooks we appreciated this.
We thank you for this experience and we are hoping to get a group of friends together so we can share the experience with them next time!"
Paulette, Organiser, French Bistro
“What a great experience!”
​Thank you so much for yesterday. It was really fabulous! Everyone had the best time and the feedback from staff is so positive. You were all so professional yet great fun. We all learnt so much from the chefs…they were superb. Well done to all involved."
Wendy Horne, Executive Dean, UNITEC
“The team had an absolute blast!”

"Just to say a big thank you for all your organisation and assistance with the catering requirements and MKR challenge. The team had an absolute blast over the three days and the food you prepared for us was exceptional. Thank you to the whole team that were involved with keeping us fed and also to you and Mark for running the MKR challenge everyone really enjoyed it."
Charlotte Connoley, MD, South Pacific Seeds
“A fun and lighthearted evening”
​"Fred and I wanted to say what a very enjoyable evening we had with the wine group on Monday.  Mark, the meal was excellent; amazingly tender beef & light sticky date. The gnocchi demo was great fun; Fred now wants me to try this when I can. Everyone had a fun and light hearted evening thanks to you & the girls. "
Fran and Fred Cooper, Guests, Mahurangi Wine & Food Group 
“I picked up more tricks and tips in 3 hours than in a decade of reading cookbooks.”
​"I spent a very enjoyable few hours with Mark learning to prepare a Turkish feast – he's a most genial and engaging host. Although I'd consider myself a reasonably good cook, I picked up more tips and tricks in three hours than in a decade of reading cookbooks. He's not as good looking as Nigella, but comes highly recommended from this punter."
Chris Hunter, "Casablanca" Group Cookery Class
“The men had a great time!”
​"Thanks for the great class that our men attended.  They really enjoyed it and had a great time as well as coming home with a few tips! – we have been passing the word around to friends who may end up booking classes in the future."
Philippa, Organiser , "One For The Boys" Group Cookery Class
“Exceptional food and service. We all had a fantastic night”
​"Hi there, Just a quick email to say a huge thank you for a fantastic meal and service
on Saturday night. The food was delicious and both Mark and Anton's service was exceptional! 
We all had a fantastic night and it was exactly what I had envisioned :)
Thanks again, Amanda & Geoff"
Amanda and Geoff, Private Dining
“Awesome!”
​"Thanks for the awesome food tour last weekend ladies ! We had a great time !"
Hayley Robinson, Romance of Matakana Food Tour
 “Will definitely be booking in for some more...... ”
​ "I did the first of the new Sunday Sessions with Mark. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Not just learning about knife skills but all the other little tidbits of information that he is happy to divulge. Will definitely be booking in for some of the upcoming sessions" 

Sam Cooper, Sunday Session - Knife Skills 101