Moving to a new country brings excitement and newfound adventures, but it also brings a hankering for home. And if said home is where you could enjoy crunchy, warm German bread every day, we’d be feeling nostalgic too. Which is exactly why the founders of this authentic bakery took matters into their own hands and created Brotzeit.
With the original outpost conceived in Albany, as popularity grew, so did their exploit. The just-opened store in Three Lamps, Ponsonby, is set to become your new one-stop bread shop. Providing more than just a loaf of bread, there are steinofenkrüstchens (crusty sourdough rolls), dinkelbrötchens (a seed-laden spelt bread), heavenly pretzels and more — all of which are baked to perfection in the German stone oven. Should you need a little extra with your weekly dough, the counter will be stocked with treats that cater to the sweetest of tooths or perhaps a sandwich made to order?
Brotzeit, which literally translates to ‘bread time’, will become just that — your own little taste of Germany.
Last Wednesday evening, we made a beeline for our favourite Parnell institution, Pineapple Bar, to hunt the piano legend that is Deryn Trainer. With a permanent post on Wednesdays and Thursdays, he’s known to draw a crowd and croon away on the ivories late into the night. Having once been in charge of the duelling piano scene at the well-known Ivory Bar, as well as a 2008 Stars in their Eyes champion, we touch on his experience to date and why you should never ask him to play ‘Mustang Sally’.
How did you start out? It was all about my mum. She and Dad bought a piano when I was four. I started doing the whole classical training thing then studied music at university etc. Mum saw a gift I was given and she encouraged it. No kid wants to sit at the piano and practice for hours, but I’m glad she persevered with me because I’m very lucky to make a living out of what I love doing rather than having to go to work.
What’s your favourite type of audience? Well, the audience here is similar to the audience I had up at Ivory; they love to sing, they love to have a bit of a dance, they enjoy a bit of humour, they get involved. If they interact with you, they make it the most fun nights for me and hopefully I make it a fun night for them.
And what constitutes a fun night?
Lots of laughs, lots of singing. When this place is full, and everyone is singing — you’re flying. You could be playing at Wembley Stadium.
How did you get to this point in your career?
After university, I got into musical theatre but I got bored of that after a number of years and started playing in rock bands. I became Sir Howard Morrison’s Musical Director for 16 years. I’ve been singing, entertaining, writing and arranging for 33 years now.
What’s been the biggest highlight of your career to date?
I’m still looking for it. I really enjoy these smaller gigs probably because you’re more interactive with the audience. When you’re on a stage playing in front of 80,000 people, you can’t really see anyone, so having a nice intimate audience is actually a lot more fun.
How has Pineapple changed Parnell?
They’re certainly bringing the people back out; people are coming out after dinner for a drink or three, they’re kicking the nightlife back in.
Who are your piano playing idols?
There are too many. David Paich (keyboard player for Toto), Rick Wakeman from Yes, a great kiwi player called Keith Emmerson, to name a few.
Do all these guys play live as well? Do you think all pianists need to?
I think you get a bug at a certain age when you start young enough. It’s like a drug. In fact, it’s better. You’re actually taking the audience on a journey. And it doesn’t really matter whether it’s a big or a small crowd. Once you get them in the palm of your hand, that’s a great feeling.
So you don’t get sick of people requesting Elton John?
Hey, I’m entertaining them. I’m going to play what the people want.
What do people request most?
You know it’s funny, no matter what age group, the most requests I get are for Elton John or Billy Joel — they’re probably people who would never admit that they’re Elton John fans, but they know all the songs.
So what do you play to get the party started?
Billy Joel and Elton John! (Laughs) No, it depends on what people ask for. You get requests for all the classics — The Eagles, Van Morrison, Dire Straits, and I do all the classics. I am slightly selfish and have one or two songs that I just like for me and I play those to stay sane.
What are they?
It could be anything. I love doing Sting covers, like ‘Seven Days’. I love some Howard Jones and more obscure Billy and Elton songs that aren’t played on the radio.
If someone was to ask you to play any song, what would you love to play?
The only one I really hate is ‘Mustang Sally’. But in terms of songs I never get sick of, there’s ‘Africa’ by Toto and Elton John’s ‘Funeral for a Friend’. I also really love playing Dire Straits’ ‘Romeo and Juliet’, it’s something I love playing early in the night and people go ‘Ahhh, I haven’t heard that in ages’ but everybody knows it.
Do you have any crazy fans?
I used to. I don’t know if I should say in case she reads the article, but back at the Ivory Bar there was one lady who regularly came to gigs and she would bring a set of bongos and try to play along. Which was kind of lovely, but no rhythm matched anything I tried to do. It was rather off-putting but she kind of loved it, and that’s cool.
So you’ve never had panties thrown at you?
No, I’ve never had panties thrown at me.
Does anyone try to hijack the piano?
Absolutely.
What do you do? Do you have to give them a stern talking to?
I’m a little more violent than that.
Beautiful objects can entice and invite inquisition from even the most dispassionate. Having the ability to enhance a room and convey a sense of individuality, said objects are an important part of creating a home. But Fourth Street founder Rukaiya Daud takes the concept even further, believing that we can also be elevated intellectually, spiritually and emotionally by the objects we use and surround ourselves with. And if her new online edit of home accessories and antique pieces is anything to go by, we believe it too.
The online design haven is home to a spectrum of designers, from homewares and books to beauty, which all exude quality, functionality and the deeper connection Rukaiya believes we can be enchanted by. Newly added artisans such as Binu Binu Soap, Antique Mirror, Morihata, F. Miller and Taschen, as well as ‘Found by Fourth’ — a unique collection of hand-picked vintage pieces — are a reflection of the design aficionado’s passion for curation. One we look forward to getting to know.
After spending time adventuring across Syria and Middle East in the eighties, restaurateur sisters Clare and Sally Hindmarsh (owners of K’ Road’s Carmen Jones and the city’s much-loved Mezze Bar, respectively) became fast fans of the region’s hospitality, attitudes, foods, and most of all, people. An experience that helped shape their cuisines and careers, it is that link to the Middle East that has made the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in Syria so much harder to witness — even if from afar. Determined to offer aid, in whichever way they can, the pair has come up with an innovative way to help — via hummus.
Each putting a hummus-centred dish on their menus, the pair will donate the profits of every plate sold to the Syrian Emergency Appeal via Unicef. An achievable way to contribute to an extremely worthy cause, the dishes vary, with the ‘Hummus for Syria’ at Carmen Jones served with crisp flatbread and topped with white tahini, eggplant, succulent slow roasted lamb, salsa and toasted almonds; while Mezze’s iteration sees the earthy chickpea dip partnered to spiced falafel, pine nuts, black tahini, fresh herbs and a smoky wood-fired pide. A delicious incentive to dine out this month, it’s arguably the most humanitarian hummus you’ll ever eat.
Read more about Hummus for Syria on the Facebook page, here.
When a girl’s written a book called Textbook Romance, you’d think she would know a thing or two about relationships. And, thus, how to end relationships. This is exactly where Zoë Foster Blake’s expertise lies.
The next natural step for the Australian author, who was Cosmopolitan‘s relationship advice guru for a decade (and who has also had her own heart broken on numerous occasions) was to build an app. Enter the Break-up Boss, an effective tool to help the broken hearted get through the down-and-out period of ending a relationship — most importantly, with their dignity intact.
With the tag-line “Break-ups suck. But you don’t have to suck at break-ups,” the app serves as a pocket coach for the hideous post-relationship period, with advice that refreshingly stems from Foster Blake’s own ‘shit’ experience. The various stages are broken down and dealt with accordingly, including times when you feel like calling your ex. (Solution: have another shot of Tequila.)
With the aim of saving you from complete humiliation and getting you through your break-up with more self-confidence than ever, if heartbreak is the story of your life, then we suggest you let this Break-up Boss be your doctor.
A single piece of crispy fried chicken that's bigger than your face — where do we sign up?
In Taiwan, 50 pieces of ‘large fried chicken’ are sold every three minutes. Suffice to say, it’s the nation’s number one night market delicacy. And ‘what exactly is large fried chicken?’, we hear you ask. Well, it’s basically a single, flattened chicken breast that is marinated, covered in a batter, deep-fried, and then (ideally) devoured on the spot.
Being from Taiwan, Allen and Tanya Yeh had long been having withdrawals before they decided to embark on a fried chicken venture of their own. A pharmacist by profession, Allen set out to formulate the perfect recipe before launching his brand, Kai, at the Glenfield night market about a month ago. Such was the response that they sold out in no time and almost ruined their deep fryers from over-use in the process.
Shortly afterwards, they found a permanent abode just off Queen Street where they could station themselves up and sell their prized ‘XL chicken’ offering to students, city workers and nearby resident alike. Its crunchy salt and pepper coating gives way to tender marinated chicken which is slipped into a custom-made sleeve that you can tear away as you eat. If such a daunting serving isn’t your thing, however, you can alternatively choose from the smaller ‘pieces’, if not a crispy chicken rice bowl or gua bao (bun) — they have a tender braised pork belly version as well.
Meanwhile, you’d be remiss to look further than Kai’s signature kumara fries when it comes to the sides. Battered, fried then covered in special seasoning, they’re a satisfying snack on their own. Or perhaps with an Oreo shake on the side.
With an ethos that focuses on authenticity and a name that not only means ‘food’ in Maori, but also ‘happiness’ and ‘to enjoy’ in Chinese, we have no doubt you’ll find thorough enjoyment (and indulgence) if you happen to stop by this central city pit stop. For more information, visit Kai Eatery’s Facebook page here.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10.30am-6pm, 350 Queen Street Saturday: 5-10pm, Pakuranga Night Market Sunday: 5-10pm, Glenfield Night Market
We are always keen to steer away from the clichés when it comes to Paris. So when luxury Parisian jeweller Chaumet announced the launch of its romantic city guide, we knew it would lead us on an undiscovered tour of the French capital.
In partnership with Parisian city experts My Little Paris, and in keeping with the times, the guide comes in the form of an app; You Me Paris. You will be taken to some of the most secluded locations to indulge in the most intimate experiences Paris has to offer; from champagne and oyster-laden boat rides on the Seine, to a private subterranean hotel swimming pool, to a restaurant with only one table — just for you.
The guide is anything but predictable, and always romantic, with the keys to the utmost remarkable boutique hotels and hidden poetic gems, ensuring you get lost-in-love in the most romantic city in the world. Along with insider recommendations, this mobile city guide also comes complete with guided walking tours and a selection of themed itineraries.
So should you find yourself strolling through the Trocadéro gardens, just remember, that the most mysterious marvels are at your fingertips, serving as an incomparable city guide for lovers visiting Paris.
As the world’s most revered watch and jewellery show comes to a close for yet another year, we examine some of the finest timepieces revealed. At one end of the spectrum, Hublot presented a $300,000 limited edition creation boldly stating its five day capacity, Rolex bestowed their classic Yacht-Master with stones from every colour in the rainbow, meanwhile the Russians recycled spaceship parts for the crowd-funded Werenbacht. We hereby present the watches that stood out at Baselworld 2017.
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Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Rolex’s most famous drivers’ watch has been released, for the first time, with the company’s patented Oysterflex bracelet – by way of the new 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold models.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo
Bulgari Octo Finissimo
Shattering world records to become the slimmest automatic watch on the market, the featherweight 41mm timepiece is predominantly made from titanium.
Rolex Yacht-Master 40
Rolex Yacht-Master 40
A bold move that has garnered its fair share of attention, this new edition of the 40mm Yacht-Master has been unveiled with 32 multicolour sapphires, eight tsavorites and a triangular diamond set in its rotatable bezel.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Made in collaboration with jewellery designer Carolina Bucci, the 33mm and 37mm women’s timepieces presented in frosted yellow or white gold in a hammered finish, were designed as a fitting celebration for the Audemars Piguet 40th anniversary.
Chanel Boy-Friend Tweed
Chanel Boy-Friend Tweed
Released just last year, Chanel’s elegant timepiece has been released with a new bracelet design embossed in the fashion house’s iconic tweed pattern.
Werenbach Earth Collection
Werenbach Earth Collection
The dial set on this Swiss-made crowd-funded watch design has been cut from the inner surface of a Russian spacecraft – its rocket’s booster to be exact.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5062
Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5062
With 48 baguette diamonds adorning the bezel and lugs, 236 diamonds carefully set across its dial, a baguette diamond on each hour marker, as well as on the hands and clasp, the women’s Aquanaut is opulence, redefined.
Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis
Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis
One of Baselworld’s most limited (and outrageous) releases, there are only 50 of these titanium timepieces available, and just 20 in ‘King Gold’.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chrono
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chrono
The Black Bay Chrono merges Tudor’s finest elements with a new chronograph movement.
Dior Mini D
Dior Mini D
Understated in its elegance, Dior’s diamond-set yellow gold watch stood out amongst the countless on show as a truly timeless piece.
When a cafe this good puts itself in multiple spots on the map, unlike a movie sequel (with the exception of The Godfather), we get excited. At the ripe old age of 26, L’affare’s flagship cafe in Wellington has become a household name and its Auckland outpost, having already garnered a cult following in its short life, is following suit. With the impending arrival of their first birthday next week, they’re celebrating how any good birthday should be celebrated — with an entire week of festivities. Let us lay out the plan for you, so you don’t miss a thing.
Monday Ensuring you start the working week with bright eyes and bushy tails, they’ll be offering up coffee on the house.
Tuesday
There are no signs of slowing down with the gift of coffee, so select a complimentary bag of beans and they’ll grind them up just how you like them. We know, it’s starting to look like the best birthday ever.
Wednesday Have your cake and eat it too. Walk away with a free slice of the prettiest (and tastiest) birthday cake you’ll ever try, courtesy of The Caker.
Thursday Birthdays are usually all about you, but it’s nice to show your appreciation by giving back sometimes. Which is why L’affare have teamed up with the crew from Eat My Lunch, so when you grab lunch on Thursday you’ll feel good knowing that you’re giving back to a little one who needs it.
Friday Welcoming the weekend the only way we know how — with bubbles over breakfast, or lunch, or both. They won’t judge, and we’ll probably be there all day too.
The Weekend All about the tunes with Isaac Aesili laying down his laidback, soulful vocals on Saturday, and renowned beat maker Laughton Kora following up with some more chilled vibes come Sunday. And it wouldn’t be a party without a sweet rendition of Happy Birthday, so make sure you’re ready for a sing-a-long.
The birthday week will run from Monday 3 April – Sunday 9 April Monday-Friday: 7.30am – 3.30pm Saturday: 8am – 3pm Sunday: 9am – 3pm
1. Michael Parekowhai stole the show at Art Basel With the Asia Pacific region in the spotlight at this year’s Hong Kong Art Basel, it was Parekowhai’s oversized sculpture ‘Putto’ that arguably stole the show, garnering Instagram fame and appreciation from audiences both young and old, all of whom cosied up for a pic.
2. Richard Branson painted the town red
Packing out Vector Arena with no less than New Zealand royalty — John Key was asking the questions, Samantha Hayes was MCing, and there were more Sirs and Dames than you could corral if it were the Queen herself coming to town — Sir Branson spoke as much about his successes as he did his pitfalls. Preloading with lunch at Baduzzi, and following the 2000 person affair up with a dinner at Seafarers Members’ Club rooftop, it sure looked like one hell of a party.
3. Apple release their red iPhone On Friday, Apple launched its special edition iPhone 7 ‘(PRODUCT)RED’. For every one of the racy red phones bought, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. Exactly how much that ‘portion’ is? We’re not really sure, but we do know that it’s the first time Apple has supported a cause by adapting their flagship device. Expected in the country by the end of the month, the scarlet phones are available for preorder.
4. Two girls were banned from a United Airlines flight for wearing leggings
I mean, we always knew leggings were marginally offensive but this is really taking things to a whole new level. The airline defended its decision by saying that according to its ‘Contract of Carriage’ it does have the right to refuse passengers whom it deems ‘improperly clothed’. One of the passengers was a 10-year-old girl and they were all asked to change their attire otherwise be refused to board. If they’re going to start banning leggings, surely Crocs will be next.
5. Adele stole hearts as she sang through the torrential rain The ‘weather bomb’ loomed over us, threatening to dampen the spirits of concert-goers. Alas, our lady of the people, Adele, managed to turn the downpour into something magical. Following two hours spent in hair and makeup prior to show, all the hard work was undone within five minutes. Resorting to a poncho herself, the scene was set, almost on cue, for a stormy rendition of ‘Set Fire to The Rain’.
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2. Richard Branson painted the town red
