Moustache Cookies & Milk Bar

From classic chocolate chip to cookie dough sandwiches, we round up the best cookies of Auckland

It often happens that the humble cookie is outshone by the newer and somewhat more creative sweet treats on offer at cafes and eateries around Auckland. But there’s nothing quite like a well-baked cookie with crisp, golden edges and a soft, chewy centre. That said, we decided to round up where you can find the best in town so that you too can rediscover the magic of this classic treat.

The classic chocolate chip from Moustache Cookies & Milk Bar
When searching for the best chocolate chip cookie in town, we were seeking a buttery, soft texture and one that wasn’t overcomplicated with triple chocolate variations or secret hints of spice. Moustache’s chocolate chip cookies are consistent in terms of both flavour and presentation. The perfect circle golden base is dotted with pieces of Whittaker’s dark chocolate, making the cookie the perfect balance of rich and sweet.

The chocolate chip and walnut from Doe Donuts
Arguably the heaviest cookie we’ve ever come across, this chocolate chip and walnut number from Doe Donuts could be considered a safety hazard. The thick mountains of cookie dough have been baked until crunchy and golden on the outside but unbelievably soft on the inside. Milk chocolate chunks and walnuts are laced throughout the cookie, lending sweetness and bursts of nuttiness with each bite. Pop these beasts in the microwave for approximately 15 seconds and they become extra ooey and gooey.

Doe Donuts

The Gold Digger from Best Ugly Bagels
When Best Ugly Bagels first announced the contents of its cookie, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t a touch sceptical. The combination of Central Otago apricots, coconut, rolled oats and M&M’s seemed strange, but we weren’t going to knock it before we tried it. Teaching us that branching out our comfort zones will lead to great things, the Gold Digger cookie turned out to be pure gold. The soft cookie boasts strong notes of golden syrup and oats while the M&Ms add a nostalgic element and the apricots enhance the cookie’s chewy texture.

The s’mores Kookie dough sandwich from Kookie Haus
The highlight of baking cookies at home is being able to eat some of the leftover dough, so why not combine this element into the final cookie? Kookie Haus entered the Auckland cookie scene at the humble night markets, and it wasn’t long before the stall started quickly selling out at every market they parked up at. This popularity lead to the team opening a permanent space and today, Kookie Haus has two stores, one in Ranui and the other in the CBD. Its s’mores Kookie dough sandwich is one of a kind — boasting two, cocoa-rich chocolate cookies sandwiching a decadent cookie dough patty and sticky, melted marshmallow.

Kookie Haus

The vegan caramel chocolate chip cookies from Ripe Deli
For all those plant-based folks, Ripe Deli has outdone themselves with its latest creation — a cookie so good you wouldn’t believe that it contains no animal products whatsoever. Introducing, Ripe’s vegan caramel chocolate chip cookie. The golden edges gradually get softer and chewier as you reach the middle, where a gooey dollop of caramel takes centre stage. The caramel elevates the chewiness of the cookie as it cools down to a sticky texture and is guaranteed to impress anyone, vegan or not.

The chewy caramel Swedish shortbread from Ace
This newly-opened hole-in-the-wall coffee shop is not only home to some of the best brews in town, but also a selection of house-baked cookies which you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Although the triple chocolate, white chocolate and rice bubbles are nothing short of divine, it’s the chewy caramel Swedish shortbread that has us returning for more. This cookie is shaped in a way that makes it dunk-friendly and boasts the most potent flavour of butterscotch caramel. Unlike regular dense shortbread, this one is chewy and soft and becomes even more delicious when it soaks up some hot, semi-bitter coffee.

Ace

The ginger snap cookie from Baby
Hard and crunchy are what we would usually associate with a ginger snap cookie, but Baby’s rendition of the ginger cookie is anything but. The thick morsel is heavily spiced and is so moist, it’s closer to a cake than it is to a snappy biscuit. The outside is coated in sugar crystals, which offers an extra textural element and sweetness to contrast against the strong aromas of ginger and cinnamon.

The Maltesers cookie from Savoury Sweet
If you are a lover of chocolate, look no further than the Maltesers cookie from Savoury Sweet. This lunch bar is only open on the weekdays, so we advise you to pay a visit on a Friday and stock up for the weekend because you’ll surely be craving one of these. The chocolate cookie is loaded with cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey flavour and is topped with Maltesers, which not only add extra sweetness but also a heavenly crunch.

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Superette’s collaboration with Dylan Kain launches in-store today

Started by three sisters who, while living in Melbourne and New York, decided there was a gap in the market for good handbags that spoke to the easy, chic style they were looking for, Dylan Kain has since grown to become a globally-recognised brand.

Now, one of our favourite fashion destinations, Superette, is launching a collaborative collection of handbags and belts with Dylan Kain, and we’re pegging the pieces as serious contenders for accessories of the season.

Inspired by Superette’s sell-out NZFW collaboration last year, this latest collection features a new take on Dylan Kain’s popular LSC bag, embellished in quintessential Superette star studs and finished with pale gold hardware. There is also a corresponding belt, covered in the same detailing and offering a subtle twist on the classic style. Both pieces are made from 100% leather are undeniably timeless, promising to be the perfect finishing touch for any summer outfit.

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Curate the perfect summer hosting environment with this refined outdoor furnishings brand

One of summer’s greatest joys is being able to host outdoors, whether that be a simple breakfast in the morning sun or an elaborate, champagne dinner under the stars. But crafting the right environs with which to host such events is easier said than done, and ensuring the relationship between form and function remains a balanced one is often a tricky task to nail. But where so many other brands fail, luxury outdoor brand DEDON flourishes.

Masters of toeing the line between practicality and poise, DEDON is the brand that should be on every discerning design enthusiast’s mind come summertime. Take the Mbrace wing chair, for example. It combines a sleek timber base with a cushion-adorned, woven circular seat to provide the perfect place to curl up. The sofa’s, from the refined and modernistic Tibbo sofa, to the Brea — a sophisticated connecting system with robust steel frames and plush cushioning — and the light and fresh Mu sofa, which boasts an intricately woven base, surpass the comfort and design of their indoor contemporaries. The real jewel in the crown, however, is the NestRest. The epitome of otherworldly comfort, it sees special fibre weaving crafted into a teardrop reminiscent shape, one that is then hollowed out and laden with plump cushions.

Even the dining furnishings, while often hard to translate to the outdoors, make a distinct style statement while remaining inherently welcoming. The Mbrace dining table follows a sleek motif, with a structure fashioned entirely from smooth timber. Characterful chairs to place around such a table are in abundance, like the Aiir armchair, which places a curved seat atop the same, classic timber structuring, or — for a more relaxed aesthetic —  the Seax armchair, which possesses a simple but sophisticated ethos.

Whether it’s crafting the perfect surroundings for at-home dinner parties and poolside shindigs, or simply curating a veiled haven that provides the ultimate reading nook, DEDON’s vast supply of exquisite outdoor offerings ensures that the act of putting together a refined exterior outdoor area will forever be an easy and approachable one.

Dawson & Co.

115 The Strand
Parnell
Auckland

www.dawsonandco.nz

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Strawberry lamington hotcake
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Cheesecake

Sunnybrae’s newest cafe is serving a deliciously elevated brunch fare

It’s not a common occurrence for this North Shore neighbourhood to open up a hospitality establishment, making Patch on Sunnybrae Road all the more intriguing. Inspired by the North Shore’s rich history of strawberry farming, Patch draws on elements of the strawberry fields through its decor, designed by Material Creative, who was also the team behind the fit-out of Hello Beasty and Morningside Tavern.

Patch

Owned and operated by the married couple, Allen Zhang and Jenny Che, the duo were striving to open an eatery that was spacious and kid-friendly, having children of their own at home. The 80-seater space sports a quirky strawberry mural, contrasted against an industrial concept with high exposed ceilings that resonate with a greenhouse. Patch sees a balance of modern and classic and is the sunny new spot that’s showcasing a delicious menu with a creative and contemporary spin.

The menu showcases a number of classic brunch dishes, but with a special twist to differentiate itself from the rest. Instead of just a plate of pancakes, Patch goes the extra mile to create something that is entirely new, like the strawberry lamington hotcake. The tall stack sees a trio of fluffy, light and spongy gluten-free, buckwheat hotcakes which are coated with white chocolate icing and shredded coconut. Topped with mascarpone and served with berry coulis, fresh strawberries and macadamia crunch, these hotcakes are not only unique and delicious, but also nostalgic.

Shakshuka Eggs & Green Smoothie and Strawberry Smoothie

With one of the head chefs being Korean, you will find many Korean influences woven into the menu, such as the shakshuka eggs. Taking the breakfast staple, the chef has spiced the tomatoes with tangy kimchi, lending the dish a more pungent flavour. The stand out was definitely the Koreana which featured galette pastries that were topped with the infamous sweet and spicy marinated Korean fried chicken. The game-changer was the side of fried rice-cake sticks, otherwise known as tteokkochi, which was once a common Korean street food. The crispy exterior and the chewy inside alongside the sweet and spicy marinade admittedly takes some getting used to, but once you understand the glory of the tteokkochi, there’s no turning back.

The Koreana

Aside from the epic pancakes and Korean-inspired delicacies, Patch is also home to some delicious fish tacos which may not be authentic Mexican, but are undeniably tasty. The tortilla wraps had been slightly grilled to achieve a gentle crisp and were filled with large pieces of battered fish, beetroot and apple slaw with smashed avocado, salsa, chipotle sauce and sour cream. For those that are seeking something lighter, the granola is a delightful option that packs a load of crunch and sweetness. Dubbed as the “Happy Muesli,” the combination of almonds, seeds, coconut yoghurt, berry coulis and seasonal fruits definitely puts a smile on one’s face.

Happy Muesli

Whether you’re after a sit-down lunch as you catch up with friends and family, or need a quick snack to-go alongside a great cup of coffee, Patch has you covered. The cabinet is filled with delicious house-baked treats and all pair perfectly with a cup of Kokako coffee that’s freshly brewed by the highly-skilled baristas. The doors for Patch officially open on Thursday, the 7th of November and we guarantee that this weekend will be a busy one for Zhang and Che, so we suggest you get there sooner rather than later.

Opening hours:
Monday — Friday: 7am until 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am until 3pm

Patch

108 Sunnybrae Road
Hillcrest

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Yoga haven Studio Red is expanding its wellness brand with an exquisite range of organic teas

Whether you fancy yourself an Earl Grey devotee, a matcha fanatic, or a classic English Breakfast traditionalist, most will agree that there are fewer things in life that deliver the utter contentment derived from an expertly brewed cup of tea. It’s more than a beverage. Rather, it’s like an act of self-love, and that’s something that Vicky Cullinane, founder of renowned yoga and meditation studio Studio Red, is hoping to tap into with her new endeavour Studio Red Wellness. It’s very first product line, of course, is a carefully curated selection of delicious, organic teas.

Cullinane, having spent the last year training to become a tea sommelier in England, has used her vast wealth of tea knowledge to create a coveted range of organic teas that have been sourced from all corners of the globe. The selection comprises seven varieties — New Zealand Breakfast with Kawakawa; Earl Grey with Manuka Leaf; Green Tea; Rooibos Tea; Rose Petal and Vanilla; Lemon, Ginger, Lemongrass and Horopito and Peppermint and Kawakawa — all of which use a medley of quality, organic ingredients.

Alongside these seven plant-based teas, Cullinane is also bringing forth a range of rare teas, alongside a specially curated bespoke offering, available in either loose-leaf or biodegradable cornstarch tea bags. The packaging is equally as tempting as the tea itself, with each variation of the plant-based tea housed in an elegant, gilded tin that’s wrapped with a corresponding label in a soft, muted hue — each would make a glorious, ornamental addition to an open kitchen shelf (and are reusable, meaning that you can keep them in your kitchen evermore.)

It’s an exciting venture for Studio Red, but it’s only the beginning. While the specifics are still kept firmly under wraps, we do know that Vicky Cullinane has many products in store for Studio Red Wellness. As far as Cullinane’s own future is concerned, the wellness monarch plans to complete her tea masters at some point over the next year. Given the calibre of the teas she has produced already, we can only expect that this new journey will set the bar even higher — suffice to say, we’re waiting with bated breath to see what’s in store.

Studio Red

City Works Depot
15.5/90 Wellesley Street
Auckland CBD

www.studioredwellness.com

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Clam linguine
Wynyard Pavillion
Watermelon cooler and Summer Sprits (on the left) and tuna tacos (on the right)
Grilled stone fruit

Wynyard Pavilion is the all-day bar and eatery set to become a new waterfront favourite

Only a month ago, Jack Tar was operating as normal on the stretch of eateries and bars that make up the Wynyard Quarter waterfront. But after closing suddenly, it took only three weeks for its prime spot to be transformed into Wynyard Pavilion, a brand new bar and eatery, with a presence that has seen it quickly establish itself as a local favourite.

Part owned and operated by Damien and Helen McDowell (former owners of Pocket Bar in Grey Lynn) who wanted to create a space where patrons felt welcome to stay as long as they liked, Wynyard Pavilion feels light, airy and refreshing for the area. Its space was transformed with the help of family, friends, employees and interior design firm, Ctrl Space, to become, in our opinion anyway, the ultimate summertime spot.  

Grilled stone fruit

The same kind of idea continues on the menu, where modern share plates sit alongside burgers and fries. The tuna tacos were a definite standout for us, the soft tortilla wraps filled with incredibly fresh seared tuna, a light yet zesty salsa and hearty black beans. It’s a dish we’re predicting will become immensely popular this season. On the more unique side of things, the grilled stone fruit dish boasted a heavenly combination of sweet and savoury, and saw juicy, caramelised fruit, wrapped in salty prosciutto.

Clam linguine

Being situated right by the water, Wynyard Pavilion’s clam linguine only seemed appropriate, and boasted a flavour that did justice to its surrounds. With a lemony sauce that complemented the freshness of the seafood and elevated the juiciness of the clams, the linguine pasta and pangrattato bread crumble slowly soaked up all the zingy and garlicky flavours.

On the lighter side, the grilled halloumi and zucchini salad was a delightful dish and stayed true to the natural flavours of the produce. It included asparagus, quinoa, mint and hazelnuts which were simply paired with a clean-tasting lemon dressing which contrasted with the salty and indulgent slices of halloumi piled on top. 

Grilled halloumi and zucchini salad

And whether you’re after something decadent or more nutritious, the polenta fries at Wynyard Pavilion are an absolute must-order. Unbelievably crispy — to the point where we wondered how many times they had actually been deep fried — the delicious morsels were served with a side of creamy truffle mayo and would be perfect with a pint of beer or glass of wine.

Be sure to save enough room for dessert as the apple and blackberry cheesecake is a showstopper. The base was buttery beyond belief and tasted like a shortbread cookie. The cheesecake filling was rich and sweet while boasting a texture that was thick, but that melted in the mouth as soon as it hit the palate.

The McDowell’s are looking to turn Wynyard Pavilion into something that’s more than just an all-day eatery. Aside from being open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there will also be several events held throughout the month to bring the waterfront community together. With Wynyard Wednesdays seeing live music sessions, $1 oyster happy hour on Fridays, dog-friendly Sundays and a Saturday produce market, the Wynyard Pavillion is well on its way to becoming the new go-to spot.

Opening hours:
Monday — Sunday: 8am until late


Wynyard Pavillion

North Wharf
Wynyard Quarter
Jellicoe St
Auckland

www.wynyardpavilion.co.nz

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