The sold-out event celebrated Mediterranean cuisine

Mediterranean-style restaurant BOCA has celebrated its first collaboration dinner. The self-described “gastromixology” dinner saw celebrated Spanish chef Aitor Olabegoya, from Basque country, join BOCA chef Matthijs Stinnissen to host a sold-out social Mediterranean-style event.

The dinner highlighted local ingredients, placing a spotlight on Dibba Bay Oysters and other foods from the United Arab Emirates.

Food was paired with Gin Mare drinks created by guest mixologist Enzo Comes, and guests were also treated to live music, followed by BOCA’s resident DJ.

The successful event comes ahead of BOCA’s new-season menu launch.

Other things you need to know:

• Tennessee restaurant EiO & the Hive are working on a new location in the Nashville airport, and are in the process of reworking their food programmes to increase the amount of healthy, local options. They are also collaborating with non-profit organisation Achilles International, which pairs able-bodied runners with physically-challenged athletes. The restaurant serves as an aid station and supports the organisation with donations. Visit their TL&CC profile here.
• Renowned New Zealand food writer Lauraine Jacobs has just released her new book, Always Delicious. Featuring over 700 recipes from Jacobs’ seven years as food columnist for NZ Listener, the book celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and includes fascinating stories from the kitchen. Visit www.laurainejacobs.co.nz for more.
• Thailand restaurant Bo.Lan is one of the latest restaurants to feature on season five of Chef’s Table. The Bangkok restaurant’s traditional Thai cuisine and use of organic ingredients are celebrated, as well as co-chef and co-owner Bo Songvisava’s environmental activism. Visit their TL&CC profile here.
• The first season of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat will air on Netflix this week. The series, which is based on chef and writer Samin Nosrat’s book of the same name, follows Nosrat around the world as she explores the four basic keys to cooking. Season one will be available from 11 October.