Pickle Week returns for an exciting new festival with pickle-inspired creations and activities. This November, visitors can expect to have their minds blown by how pickles can transform into delicious delicacies.
International Pickle Day is officially celebrated on November 14th; however, several venues dedicate an entire week to making the most of this special occasion. Special, limited offers of pickle inventions will only be available until the 20th of November. From Dirty Burger and Best Ugly Bagels in Wellington to The Kaarage Kid and Churly’s in Auckland, many establishments will test their imagination on this year’s Pickle Day.
Best Ugly Bagels will bring back its hugely popular ‘Pickolas Cage Bagel’ for a third year. Made with Zany Zeus Cream Cheese, McClure’s Pickles, Tasty Cheese, Fresh Chopped Dill, and Onion Soup Mix, this fan-favourite will be available in six Auckland and Wellington outlets.
DOE Donuts will also bring back its best-seller, ‘Pickle (Dickle) Donut’, which caused a social media frenzy during its last appearance, filled with whipped cream cheese, feta, and chunks of pickles. This mighty creation will be available from 16-19 November at DOE’s mini pink store in Grey Lynn.
Wellington’s Dirty Burger and The Kaarage Kid join the festivities with their unusual but salivating ‘Peanut Butter Pickle Shake.’ Creamy and soft served, it’s a shake that brings a whole new meaning to the Pickle celebrations.
The festive menu at Churley’s Brewpub in Mt Eden includes ‘Pickle Dog,’ ‘Corner Beef and Pickle Croquettes,’ ‘Pickle and Cheese Sando,’ and ‘Fried Pickles.’ For pickle fans willing to go the extra mile, a pickle drink could be on the list of things to try, especially the Behemoth Brewing Company’s Gold Medal Pickle Beer.
Becs Caughey, co-owner of Cook & Nelson and distributor of McClure’s Pickles, claimed that Pickle Week is one of her favourite times of the year. “We love collaborating with brands who love pickles as much as we do, and we’re stoked to have Churly’s on board for the inaugural McClure’s Pickle Festival — there will be pickle fun for the whole family.”
Family-friendly games will kick off at midday on Sunday, 20th November, among all the festive food. Pickleball is more than an appropriate sport for this occasion. With an indoor or outdoor racket/paddle, two or four players hit a perforated hollow polymer ball over a 36-inch-high net. Opponents hit the hollow ball back and forth.
“Pickles really go with almost anything,” Caughey stated, encouraging people to try pickleball and any of the pickle treats. “In previous years, we’ve collaborated to create pickle ice cream and soda, and this year we’re bringing back the pickle milkshakes and the D’ickle DOE donut.”
