Crispy fried chick burger
Fries with signature vegan aioli
Luke Burrows (on the left) and Tim Burrows (on the right)

We have your first look at Wise Boys Burgers’ new permanent home in Grey Lynn

It’s been a long time coming, but Wise Boys Burgers has finally found a permanent spot to call home in Grey Lynn. The plant-based, vegan burger truck has earned a loyal following after roaming the streets, all around the North Island for the last three years and it’s safe to say that expectations for this new opening were high. Luckily, we managed to get the first, inside look at the store before it opens its doors to the public tonight (Wednesday, 22nd May) at 5pm.

In 2015, brothers Luke and Tim Burrows came together to build a food truck that only offered vegan options, differing from most eateries and food trucks, that often only had one vegan item on their menus (if any). What began as a side job quickly grew, leading to Luke Burrows eventually leaving his day job as a solicitor to dedicate all his time and energy to the burger business. Since then, Wise Boys has continued to draw the crowds, often the first vendors to sell out at events, and even being asked to cater weddings.

Now, the brothers are entering a new chapter in their Wise Boys journey by opening up their first permanent, take away space in Grey Lynn (conveniently situated directly opposite from the vegan bakery, Tart). Wise Boys’ new home was designed by Gerrick Numan who was also behind the fit-out of Umu Pizza — which explains the comforting and relaxed ambience. And with fun-loving and simplistic murals created by a friend, Ezra Whittaker-Powley adorning the walls, Wise Boys’ new take away joint is welcoming and approachable.

Onion rings with vegan BBQ sauce

On the road, Wise Boys’ menu would only consist of three or four burgers. But now that they have a permanent kitchen, a total of eight burgers are on offer, alongside fries, onion rings, kumara wedges and even peanut butter chocolate and banoffee milkshakes. The burgers include the classics such as the Spicy Mex, Kiwi, the new Classic Cheese and of course, the most popular, Moroccan. The vegan buns, crafted by The Dusty Apron, are slathered with sweet and tangy tomato relish and topped with red onion, cucumber, lettuce and tomato. But the magic is in the patty which consists of a Morrocan spiced kumara mash and then drizzled with Wise Boys’ signature vegan aioli.

Moroccan burger

Over the course of Wise Boys’ three years of operations, there has been a number of special burgers created, that each left such an impression, the Burrows brothers decided to bring them back for good. These include the Smoke & Fire, Hungry Jack, Crispy Fried Chick and The Dirty Boy. Unlike many plant-based burger joints, Wise Boys strays from creating chemical-rich, mock meats. Instead, the burgers boast natural ingredients that have been moulded in a way to offer a similar taste and experience to regular meat. The Hungry Jack, for instance, utilises pulled jackfruit to mimic pork while the Crispy Fried Chick comprises a mixture of chickpeas, spices and water. Wise Boys keeps its ingredients as simple and pure as possible while delivering maximum flavour — arguably even more than real meat could achieve.

Hungry Jack

Wise Boys is having its opening launch party tonight and fellow vegan joint, Tart Bakery is giving away 100 free doughnuts on a first in, first served basis. The Burrows brothers also assure us that their food truck will continue to roam the streets around town which means that getting our Wise Boys fix has never been easier.

Opening hours:
Monday (Closed)
Tues — Thurs, 5:30pm until 9pm
Fri — Sun, 11am until 9pm

Wise Boys Burgers

604 Great North Road
Grey Lynn

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Some say whisky should be supplemented with a dash of water, others opt for a delicate drop. For us, Chivas Regal is best when served simply on its own. So if you want to achieve the perfect pour at this year’s Heroes Gala — keep it neat.

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Ever thought about a green interior? Resene is making ‘eco-friendly’ chicer than ever

If you haven’t noticed, green is everywhere at the moment. Whether it pops up on the key pieces in renowned designers’ collections or rears its verdant head in beautiful homes, green is the tone du jour, and considering how it used to be largely relegated to the ‘acquired taste’ category, its emergence feels sudden and ubiquitous.

But perhaps its trendiness is a reflection of our growing awareness around important ‘green’ issues — like carbon emissions, waste and the use of toxic, chemical-based products. If we look to the longstanding maestros of paint, Resene, green is far more than just a tone to slap on your wall or add to a room’s detailing (although Resene’s palettes that fall into this category really do add some flair to interiors). The company also has a comprehensive, environmental programme for paint that allows us to ensure our homes are finished in the most sustainable way possible — whatever colour we choose.

Resene’s Environmental Choice approved product range, includes an extensive array of paints that have been independently verified as having no added VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or having particularly low VOC content. VOCs have become largely condemned for their emissions — ozone-depleting emissions — that contribute significantly to climate concerns. Traditionally, VOCs have been very present in surface coatings, including household paints, but Resene (after it introduced waterborne enamels decades ago) established itself early on as the leaders in a new, more sustainable way of painting.

Beyond the paint itself, Resene also encourages people to return any surplus or unwanted paint with its packaging to its unique, PaintWise recycling programme — an innovative scheme that focuses on facilitating a more closed-loop system around the waste of Resene products. (There are a number of PaintWise collection sites set up around the country, find your nearest here.) Or if you wanted to take things one step further, Resene even offers a network of Resene Eco.Decorators — highly trained painting contractors whose methods have been certified as adhering to strict sustainability guidelines. They will not only complete your decorating project but will ensure that every step of the job is done in line with up-to-date, environmentally-aware practices. Find a Resene Eco.Decorator here.

So whether you’re buying into the new tonal trend or not, you don’t need to like the colour green to render your interior a ‘green’ one. Thinking about the importance of environmental standards in our homes (as well as outside of it) is something we should all be actively doing — and Resene is making it easier than ever.

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Three reasons why you should be upping your snack game with activated almonds

When it comes to the world of health, there are so many fads coming and going that it can be hard to pinpoint the ones that are really making a difference. Activated almonds, for example, aren’t an entirely new concept — but it’s only now that we’re beginning to truly understand the benefits.

Put simply, activated almonds are just regular almonds that have been soaked in water for 24 hours, before being dried out again at low heat. Not a wholly groundbreaking treatment, but the simple soaking process actually delivers a deluge of benefits. Don’t have the time to soak your own? Some of the best soaked, sprouted and dried activated almonds we’ve found are available locally from Chantal Organics.

1.They offer a higher nutritional value
Raw almonds naturally contain particular chemicals — natural enzyme inhibitors — that support the germination process, preventing them from sprouting in dry, unsuitable conditions. Unfortunately, these natural enzyme inhibitors also prevent the almonds from fully releasing their nutrients. Soaking or ‘activating’ spurs on the nuts’ sprouting process, during which enzymes are able to break down these enzyme inhibitors. Once the inhibitors are broken down, all the nutrients are then properly released, delivering a boost of vitamins and minerals when consumed.

2. They prevent digestive distress
The particular inhibitors that prevent the release of the nutrients also make the nuts hard to digest, which can, in turn, lead to issues like stomach cramps or bloating. Once these inhibitors are broken down via the soaking process, the nuts are far easier to break down and consume.

3. They taste better
Toxic tannins naturally found in the skins of almonds can often leave a very bitter, unsavoury flavour alongside a chalky feeling in the mouth. Once activated, the nuts lose this flavour and texture and are left light, crunchy and naturally sweet.

Activated almonds are a delicious and nutritious snacking option, but they also make a fantastic addition to stir-fries, are divine when sprinkled on salads and add an extra dose of nutrition to healthy breakfast smoothies. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, Chantal Organics’ tasty recipes offer it in spades: we’re personally quite taken with its roast chicken with quinoa, cranberry and almond salad, found below.

Ingredients:
For the chicken
1 organic chicken
4 garlic cloves
1 lemon
½ bunch thyme
½ bunch rosemary
olive oil
salt and pepper

For the salad
1 cup Chantal uncooked quinoa
1 head of broccoli
2 cups spinach
1 cup activated almonds
1 cup cranberries
1 tablespoon Chantal coconut oil

Salad dressing
1 tablespoon Chantal hulled Tahini
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
lemon juice
2 tablespoons Chantal olive oil
1 teaspoon Chantal honey
salt and pepper (to taste)

​For the chicken
Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Carefully prick the lemon all over, using a sharp knife. Put the garlic cloves, herbs and lemon into the chicken’s cavity and place the chicken into a roasting tray. Drizzle with olive oil, salt pepper and add some additional chopped herbs on top.

Place the tray in the oven for 1 hour 20 minutes, basting the chicken halfway through. When the chicken is cooked, take the tray out of the oven and transfer the chicken to a board. Carve your chicken and place onto a serving platter.

For the salad
Cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions, then drain. Melt coconut oil in a medium sized fry pan and add broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes until bright green and tender. To make the dressing, add all ingredients into a small bowl and mix together until combined. Roughly chop the spinach and crush the almonds before adding them into a large bowl with the quinoa, broccoli, and cranberries. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss the ingredients together. Put salad onto a large serving platter.

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Denizen after dark: Our guide to the tastiest late-night bites around Auckland

If you find yourself still up and about when the clock hits midnight, and the inevitable hunger pains start to kick in, the main issue you’ll run into is that the vast majority of restaurants in Auckland close their doors around 10pm. And while we’re all well aware of the fast-food chains that never close, some nights you want something a little bit more than just a sad burger and some soggy chips. Luckily, there are a few eateries around town that stretch out their hours far longer than the rest, and we have rounded up our favourite ones.

Federal Delicatessen
On Friday and Saturday evenings, The Fed is the place to be. Fast becoming a favourite among late night revellers for its dedicated late night menu (which includes buffalo wings that are only available after 11pm) the only challenge is not falling into a food coma in one of its plush booths. But with its relaxed atmosphere and weekend live music, The Fed is as lively as it is delicious — and is one of the best places to head to when midnight strikes.
Open until 1am (only on Friday’s & Saturdays)

Spicy House
Late nights are run-of-the-mill for the folks at Spicy House. In fact, this Dominion Road restaurant closes around 2am and is usually heaving with hungry customers no matter what time it is. And considering its infamous chilli chicken offers the perfect conclusion to a night out, if Spicy House is on your way home, we strongly recommend you dropping in for a midnight feast.
Open until 4am (Thursday – Saturday), 2am (Sunday) & 3am (Monday – Wednesday)

Free Bird
After moving its Southern fried chicken fare from Massey to the bustling vibe of K’Road, Free Bird has quickly become a go-to spot for a late-night feed. Renowned for its Free Bird burger that consists of a juicy piece of fried chicken, Frank’s hot sauce, crunchy slaw, pungent mustard and creamy mayo, it’s the ideal feed to counteract any overindulging you did during your night out.
Open until 3am (Friday & Saturday)

Free Bird

Pocha
The drinking culture in South Korea is heavily based on food and Pocha embodies that by ensuring its kitchen remains open as late as its bar. Situated in Chancery Square, this place seems to get busier by the minute and by midnight, it is packed with people who are all there for two things: the almond crusted karaage chicken and a bottle of the notorious Korean drink, soju.
Open until 4am (Friday & Saturday) & 3am (Sunday – Thursday)

Gogo Music Cafe
Another Dominion Road gem, Gogo Music Cafe offers one of the best late-night feasts around. The menu has so much variety (to the point of being occasionally overwhelming) but it ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Every meat you can think of, Gogo has it on a skewer with our favourites being the lamb and chicken gizzard which both go down a treat with a bottle of Chinese Tsingtao beer.
Open until 2am (7 days)

Bang Bang China Cafe
If you thought your night had come to an end, think again as Viaduct Harbour’s Bang Bang China Cafe (accessible through Saint Alice) leaves its doors open until 4am, churning out freshly-made dumplings while cranking up its karaoke system. The dumpling karaoke bar is run by former head chef of Depot, Maia Atvars with other chefs who had previously worked in premium Chinese kitchens around Auckland.
Open until 4am (Friday & Saturday)

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Seascape’s duplex apartments are setting a new precedent for inner-city living

Auckland City is growing up. With high-quality retail, hospitality and cultural offerings arising alongside its burgeoning population, Auckland’s development has seen a call for accommodation that meets the needs of its discerning inhabitants. Enter Seascape.

The new Downtown development situated on Customs Street East is set to be the city’s tallest residential tower and is promising unprecedented, inner-city living. From its striking Peddle Thorp-designed facade of angular glass and a sculptural lattice mega-brace to its impressive, grand lobby flanked by retail tenants, Seascape offers the kind of luxurious lifestyle one would expect to find in cities of a much larger scale. A pool and fitness centre, for instance, will provide residents with on-site, health-focused amenities. While an elevated outdoor terrace is set to become a hive of after-dark activity.

But aside from the obvious visual appeal and various on-hand conveniences, where Seascape really pushes ahead of the rest, is in its residences. Particularly, its two-bedroom duplexes, where apartment living is given a spacious new face.

Situated over two stories with a combined floor area of 152 square-metres, these apartments are framed by soaring ceilings, timber flooring and impressive, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood their open-plan living spaces with natural light. In the heart of the apartments, a double-height (six-metres-high) atrium can be utilised as a breathtaking dining room or all-seasons ‘winter garden,’ able to either be opened onto an unenclosed balcony via sliding glass doors or remain closed to the elements. The lower level of the duplex apartments also features a study (large enough to fit a double bed), a bathroom, a laundry and a sleek, contemporary kitchen fitted out with a line up of state-of-the-art, integrated appliances.

But the magic of this layout really lies in the novelty of split-level living, and upstairs, the luxury of Seascape’s duplexes is taken to new heights. 

One bedroom and one master suite, both with their own ensuites and the latter with a walk-in-wardrobe, reside on the upper-level of the residences. Showcasing assiduous attention to detail, the refined, modern bathrooms offer under-floor heating, bespoke vanities with functional storage space and wall-mounted designer tapware. 

In the bedrooms, opulence meets calm sophistication as the timber details, plush finishes and carefully-realised fittings (like custom headboards) combine to offer an air of pared-back luxury. Both bedrooms boast their own private balconies, an open-air one off the master suite and one that looks onto the atrium off the other, both providing a level of privacy not often found in the modern apartment.

With 10 of the two-bedroom duplexes available, Seascape also offers studio, one-bedroom, three-bedroom and penthouse apartments, and is proving itself a pioneer in Auckland’s luxury accommodation scene. Answering the city’s call for a new style of living that more accurately represents Auckland’s growing, urban identity, Seascape’s arrival is indicating the dawn of a new cosmopolitan era and is set to be one of this city’s most prestigious addresses. 

Seascape display suite

81 Customs Street East
Auckland CBD

0800 81 83 85

www.seascapeauckland.co.nz

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Pizza Presto

Say hello to the new pizzeria bringing its metre-long pizzas to Auckland’s CBD

Previous only available online, Pizza Presto has opened its first bricks and mortar store in the heart of Auckland City. Located on Commerce Street (in the same space that was once home to New Zealand’s first Sal’s Pizza), Pizza Presto is continuing the building’s legacy, with its metre-long pizzas, specially made-dough and ever-changing, seasonal toppings.

Although the pizzeria opens at 7am, Head Chef and Owner, Mitchell Ross (also referred to as the ‘Dough Nut’) is in the kitchen from as early as five in the morning, rolling out his special dough recipe which only comprises four simple ingredients — flour, yeast, salt and olive oil. Ross’ dough is a source of pride for the chef and boasts a thick base and crust while managing to remain airy, fluffy and light.

When the business was online, it was offering whole pizzas only, but now, the walk-in shop has allowed Presto to sell by the slice, too. And while the toppings on the pizzas in the cabinet change daily, on the menu, classic combinations like tomato, cheese and oregano abound, while others err on the more creative side. One of our favourites is the smoked fish and cheese — Pizza Presto’s rendition of the classic fish pie. Imbued with a smoky flavour and enticing aroma, the toppings of this pizza are highlighted by the light and airy nature of the thick base. And despite the fact that cheese and meat are widely considered as pizza-topping staples, Presto always has vegan and vegetarian options available so anyone can get a slice to suit.

Pizza Presto has also managed to call on the crème de la crème of suppliers around Auckland to create its unique toppings. The different types of cheeses are sourced from gourmet food store Sabato and the meat is from Grey Lynn Butchers, renowned for its premium quality sausages which can also be found at acclaimed restaurants like Han and Saint Alice.

From early in the morning until 10:30 at night, Pizza Presto will be continuously churning out its tasty pizzas, so whether you’re in need of a quick lunch, some quality catering, or just want to try a different style of pizza, this pizzeria’s diverse menu and delicious offerings are bound to please.

Opening Hours:
Seven days, 7:30am until 10:30pm

Pizza Presto

8 Commerce St
Auckland CBD

0800 37 47 57

www.prestogroup.co.nz

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We tried Les Mills’ new studios and found out why a good work-out requires more than just motivation

I like to think of myself as someone who is relatively fit. Someone for whom an average week of exercise might look like three or more gym sessions, the odd light walk and — aside from my shameful choice to drive rather than walk to work every day — spots of various physical activity when and where I can squeeze them in. If I’m going go put time into going to the gym, I like to feel like I’m leaving having actually achieved something. In other words, if I’m not working hard, what’s the point?

So when word got out that Les Mills had built a series of new studios in its Auckland City gym and I had heard (on good authority) that the classes being held there were both literally and figuratively breathtaking, I took it upon myself to give them a go.

The studios themselves, housed in the former industrial building opposite the main gym, represent the progression of the fitness industry from a purely functional space, to something of which its proponents are demanding a more holistic, all-encompassing experience. Designed by Monk Mackenzie and boasting fit-outs realised by the renowned interior design firm, Rufus Knight Associates — both working in collaboration with Alt Group (who branded the new spaces and decided on their overarching colours) Les Mills’ CEREMONY, CONQUER and THE TRIP studios mark a deviation from the global brand’s typically high-saturation scheme. They’re dark, moody and intimate, all rendered in sleek black finishes with iridescent touches (gold notes in the CEREMONY studio, bronze in the CONQUER mirrors, silver touches in THE TRIP) and upon walking in, struck me with their unexpected elegance.

That, I have to say, was a big tick from me. The spaces were lit to a level where I felt comfortable sweating in a room at 5:50am with 40 strangers but not so dark that my un-spectacled eyes wouldn’t see the rowing machines before I tripped over one (something I have done before). In CEREMONY, the room is split into two — cardio, lined with the kind of floor you’d happily throw yourself down on (whether for a gruelling set of burpees or, more likely, at the end of class) and strength, lined with a smooth, hard floor more conducive to any and all variations of squatting. CEREMONY is a 45-minute, functional training class, which is exactly as it sounds. Heart-pumping exercises mixed with a few weights and an especially enthusiastic trainer equipped with a Madonna mic, telling us that yes, we CAN do it, even when we’re on our third assault bike Hail Mary. And while the class itself was tough and forced me to dig a little deeper than I had expected to have to, it flew by, and before I knew it I was tumbling back out onto Victoria Street, eyes readjusting to the normal light.

Back for round two the next morning, but this time, in the studio opposite CEREMONY’s expansive space, it was time to bring my boxing wraps out of indefinite retirement and take the CONQUER class for a spin — wondering what exactly I would be conquering. CONQUER combines boxing on hanging aquabags with interval cardio bursts on treadmills along with various bouts of strength training. Structured like a boxing match where arduous, three-minute rounds are interspersed with minute-long breaks, as it turns out, the biggest thing I needed to conquer was my legs when they refused to go one more round at the tail end of the 45-minute class.

There is no other way of saying it, CEREMONY and CONQUER were hard. But there was something about their spaces that made the difficulty of getting up before 6am and putting my body through its paces, enjoyable. And from what I saw, most people felt the same — regardless of how objectively ‘fit’ they might have been. The equipment Les Mills had brought in was some of the best in the world. The trainers managed to be motivating without being overbearing, which made me feel in control of my own workout, able to take the classes at my own pace. And there was something eminently cool and distinctly unstressful about the whole experience.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to try the new cycle studio, apparently boasting a cinematic screen that offers an immersive, multi-sensory experience like no other spin class has before. But my legs needed a few days off, so we’ll leave that for next time.

Les Mills Auckland City

186 Victoria Street
Auckland

(09) 379 9550

www.lesmills.co.nz

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Egg and Spoon (Brekkie Bagel & Spicy Scramble)

Out with the old and in with the new — Egg and Spoon has found a new home in Ponsonby

Opening a year ago in K’ Road’s St. Kevins Arcade, Egg and Spoon has been poaching, frying and scrambling its way into our hearts with its simple yet straight-forward menu of egg-cellent dishes. But after a successful year of operating out of the historic arcade, the egg maestros have decided to move, taking their signature bites and bright manner to Ponsonby Road.

Tater Tots and Spicy Scramble

Situated two doors down from Conch, the new space (previously home to La Trattoria), has been transformed into a fresh and modern eatery. The cosy spot sports a neon yellow sign which gives off a warm light and creates a welcoming ambience while the recurring touches of yellow echo the eatery’s sunny-side-up food offering. Thankfully, the menu from K’ Road has remained unchanged (because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it).

From the early hours of the morning until the afternoon, Egg and Spoon will be serving up brekkie bagels and scrumptious scrambled eggs in its infamous brioche buns along with freshly-brewed coffee. Perfect for breakfast-on-the-run or a bite during your lunch break, Egg and Spoon is set to be the new go-to spot for Ponsonby locals.

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:30am until 3pm
Saturday and Sunday, 8:30am until 3pm

Egg and Spoon

113 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland

www.eggandspoon.co.nz

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