New gourmet range to benefit students
Renowned chef patron of Antoine’s, Tony Astle, is bringing a range of his famous signature dishes to your home, with the launch of a new gourmet ready-to-eat range. The profits from the first 500 meals sold will go towards AUT’s Student Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to students facing hardship.
The pre-made range features some of Tony’s most coveted dishes served at Antoine’s, the fine dining restaurant he owned with his late wife Beth. One of the longest-standing businesses in Parnell, the award-winning restaurant opened for 48 years before shutting its doors in 2021 with locals calling it the ‘end of an era’.
Since then, Tony has been inundated with requests for food from his former customers, including Antoine’s classic dishes of vichyssoise, tripe and orange duck.
And now, these restaurant-quality ready-made meals will be available for purchase, with all profits going towards supporting students in financial hardship.
The Antoine’s range will include four pre-made meals: Vichyssoise ($23), Duck a l’orange ($45), Classic Tripe ($38), Spicy Asian Tripe ($38) as well an Orange Duck Sauce ($8.50), and a Vinaigrette ($9.75).
The first run of 500 meals will be prepared by AUT’s Culinary Arts students as part of their learning, under the careful guidance of Tony.
Dean of Culture and Society at AUT, Professor Pare Keiha says this is a wonderful learning opportunity for students. “As part of their course, students undertake production work to turn their theoretical knowledge into practical experience. This unique opportunity allows students to work with a top chef while learning the importance of consistent production and standardisation when producing food in large quantities,” says Pare.
Tony has been lending his time and expertise to AUT’s culinary programmes since the early 1980s and says this project has a special place in his heart.
“I’m delighted that students have an opportunity to participate in production, and even more pleased that profits go towards giving students a helping hand when they need it most,” says Tony.
In July this year, AUT renamed one of its culinary theatres in recognition of Tony and Beth’s significant contribution to AUT and the hospitality industry.
“AUT is very grateful to Tony and Beth for their decades of support. Tony has always invested in young aspiring chefs and inspired them to work their magic in kitchens. These funds will make a difference in removing barriers to education for students who are really struggling to make ends meet,” says Pare.
How to purchase
You can order via the order form to collect from Piko or purchase on the day on Wednesday 15 November, 11am-12pm. For alternative collection times please contact lindsay.neill@aut.ac.nz
About the Student Support Fund
Every year more than 2,000 students seek financial support through AUT’s Student Hubs. Many are struggling to cover the basic necessities of somewhere safe to live, food and transport. The Student Support Fund was set up by AUT Foundation in July 2020 and provides financial assistance to students experiencing hardship.