Macaroni and Cheese burger anyone? It may sound crazy, but it's the kind of thing an estimated 5000 people will be devouring throughout the Gourmet Night Markets' third season, which heats up tonight from 5pm.

Situated in Mount Maunganui's Coronation Park, diners can laze and graze while enjoying a stunning view and being entertained by local acoustic musicians, says market director Kim Renshaw.

Rye co-owner Josh Fitzgerald and Gourmet Night Market event organiser Kim Renshaw with the Trailer Trash Burger. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Having successfully grown the market each year, Kim admits the top drawcard is not the food – but it rates a high second.

'I think the number one reason people come along is the atmosphere,” says Kim. 'Funnily enough, food is secondary.

'We have people that bring their own [food] which is fine as well. I think people really enjoy coming to sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy that beautiful view.

'We've found that simple works. There isn't anything else to do apart from relax, which is my goal, so they can just enjoy themselves at the end of the week.”

Local musician Izzy Bones and group The Salty Dogs will perform tonight, with the market also hosting a number of top local restaurant chefs.

This year Flour & Water, Rye American Restaurant and Postbank's Glenn Stubbs join Elizabeth Café & Larder, Delissi, Mount Bistro, The Barrio Brothers, and Satori Lounge.

Kim says the chefs enjoy the altered dynamic of cooking outdoors as well as meeting their customers in person and the unique opportunity to create ‘street food' versions of restaurant fare.

The macaroni cheese burger is a great example. 'It's pretty cool,” says Kim. 'Rye American Restaurant comes from the people that run Barrio Brothers and Flying Burrito Brothers.

'Rye is a take on gourmet Southern American food and they had a one-off stall last year.

'They thought about what they wanted to showcase to people, and they came up with a concept of a ‘trailer trash' burger.

'It's a panko-crumbed macaroni and cheese pattie. It can be served vegetarian and it's got barbecue pulled pork, buttermilk onion rings, and creamy coleslaw on a soft white bun.

'Basically you've got this mac and cheese pattie deep-fried in a burger,” laughs Kim. 'It's just absolutely crazy, but really delicious as well.”

That description fits many of the mouth-watering morsels on offer from restauranteurs, specialist mobile food vendors, caterers, and home cooks of the 50-plus stalls offering desserts, tapas, dinner options, handmade drinks and artisan food.

Expect to find mussels and calamari, Dutch stroopwaffels and French crepes, woodfire pizza and gourmet burgers, pita breads and po-boy sandwiches, fried chicken, barbecue and slow roasted meats.

If that's not enough, juices and smoothies, frozen yoghurt and gelato, cheesecake and brownies, freshly made salads and much more will be on offer, including choices from a boutique farmers' market.

The alcohol-free, zero-waste, dog-friendly Gourmet Night Markets start tonight and runs every Friday night (except Christmas Day and January 8) to February 26.

For more information, visit: www.gourmetnightmarket.co.nz