The animal kingdom has long captivated the human imagination. From the underwater marvels of the vast ocean to the giant beasts of the African plains, we’re continuously in awe of the fantastical creatures that walk this earth alongside us. It is the reason why David Attenborough is still gracing our TV screens (that, and the fact that his voice is the most soothing thing known to mankind) and it’s also the reason why Auckland Museum’s hosting of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is such a huge hit, every single year.
For the uninitiated, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the longest-running nature photography competition in the world, a prestigious international event that is owned by London’s Natural History Museum. For nature lovers, it is quite possibly one the most moving exhibitions there is, with each image boasting the power to transform the way people look at the natural world, alongside stimulating conversation around topics like extinction and animal welfare.
Such is the case with this year’s exhibition, which will feature 100 winning images that illustrate the majesty and vulnerability of life on our planet. From a breathtaking shot of a marmot being ambushed by a Tibetan fox, to an eagle, wings outstretched, landing gracefully into a mound of crisp, white snowfall, each image incites wonder and curiosity while also reminding us of the fragility of our planet and our responsibility to protect it.
This year carries even more reason to make tracks to Auckland Museum, as amongst the winners is 14-year-old Aucklander Cruz Erdmann, who won the title of Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his snap of a big fin squid illuminating the inky blackness of the ocean. With Erdmann’s incredible capture being just one of many breathtaking images that can be seen at the exhibition, we can guarantee that this is one event seriously worth carving out time for.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition takes place at the Auckland War Memorial Museumfrom 28th February – 10th May
Stop avoiding the money discussion with these apps that are designed to help you get on top of your finances — and stay there.
For splitting bills… Split Wise This app allows users to create groups, input detailed expenses and track payments and IOUs. It can also be used to set up recurring bills and simplify debts into easy repayment plans, ensuring you never have to encounter awkward money moments with friends or family again.
For hitting goals…Pennies An award-winning budgeting app, Pennies makes keeping track of daily spending easy and allows users to reach their saving goals in a stress-free way. This is a flexible, user-friendly option for anyone wanting to get on top of their personal finances.
For easy accounting…QuickBooks Perfect for freelancers or small business owners, this app is designed for straightforward money and account management on-the-go. Simple and approachable, it will have you managing various incomings and outgoings in a far more organised way in no time.
Aperitivo is, without question, an art. It is similar to our Happy Hour, if our Happy Hour was a beautifully lit affair laden with elegant citrus-infused libations, that is. It is something that we have long wished we could incorporate into our daily lives but, unfortunately, the act of knocking back crisp cocktails each evening isn’t deemed as appropriate on this side of the world. Luckily, we here at Denizen have stumbled across the next best thing, and it comes in the form of Ecoya’s latest candle offering.
The new release is reminiscent of everybody’s favourite aperitif, from the scent — undeniably crisp and citrusy — to the ‘ingredients’ list. Entitled Blood Orange, the latest iteration to join the iconic candle house’s line-up blends sparkling blood orange notes with bergamot before melding the duo with ginger, cinnamon, carnation and musk.
This isn’t the first time that Ecoya has based a candle scent upon a sublime beverage, just last year they blessed us with the fruity and refreshing Wild Strawberry Frosé, but this time around the new addition has been added to the brand’s core collection and thus is here to stay. As such, the cocktail-inspired candle is available across all Ecoya’s products, including The Madison Jar, Mini Madison Jar, Metro Jar, Fragranced Diffuser and Mini Diffuser.
Last night the Ecoya team, reminding us that they know how to throw a party just as much as they know how to make a good candle, put on a wonderful event to celebrate the Blood Orange launch in a roof-top room at the SO/ hotel. What took place was an intimate affair, complete with glasses of Aperol Spritz on tap, delicious canapés, plenty of fantastic company and, of course, numerous Blood Orange candles littering the scene.
Ensuring that the home remains beautifully lit while filling each room with deliciously citrusy aromas, Ecoya is bringing the thrill of Aperitivo hour into our very own homes. It is a scent that is at once playful, effervescent and uplifting, so, suffice to say, we’ll be setting the scene with Blood Orange candles for all dinner parties to come.
The world of fashion flips and flirts with one trend after another, yet there are some select items that remain above the fray and offer an eternal style go-to. The crisp white shirt is one of those rare enigmas and is therefore essential to every woman’s wardrobe. Not only does it pair perfectly with almost anything, but it also serves an array of different purposes, depending on how you wear it.
This sartorial delight is simple but never basic. As part of its versatility, it offers either a sense of serenity, or a suggestion of power, to the overall aesthetic of the outfit. Let’s look deeper at some of the many ways you can play with these two faces of the timeless white shirt staple.
The Classic
From left to right — Nili Lotan Tegan Shirt from Workshop, The Row Amos point-collar-poplin shirt from Matches Fashion and Viktoria and Woods Minister Shirt from Superette
Sporting a prominent collar and puffed sleeves, the classic white shirt can be casual, or help to dress up an outfit. With top buttons undone and sleeves elegantly rolled up, over a casual denim blue jean, your look attains the ultimate in smart-casual confidence. For more formal attire, button it to the top with chic retro-cool, keep your cuffs crisp and allow the strong silhouette do the talking.
Sleek and Refined
From left to right — Helen Cherry Valencia shirt from Workshop, Long-sleeved Pleated Shirt with Lavaliere from Louis Vuitton and cotton blouse from Dior
Straying from the formality of the highly-tailored white shirt, is the look that is more relaxed but still full of subtle sizzle. The shoulders are smoothed out, there’s less emphasis on symmetrical collars, and the style has a modern edge that dares the conventions to keep up. This design pairs especially well with fitted, tapered pants.
Feminine Flair
From left to right — Ga Man shirt from Georgia Alice, Peplum poplin shirt from Gucci and Egyptian poplin shirt from Prada
Highlighting the artistic curve of the hips, while bringing in the stitching to create a flattering, more pinched-in visual line around the waist, these white shirts emphasise the beauty of the feminine shape. Tucked in or not, this shirt enhances both skirt and pants. The slim-fitting arms contrast with the classic collars and put your inner preppiness beyond doubt.
If you enjoy Grey Lynn’s renowned Mediterranean restaurant Lokanta, or have heard the hype around K’Road’s Carmen Jones, both owned by the same operators, you’ll be interested to know that a third eatery is now being served up, by them, to Aucklanders. Given the solid track record of the other two locales, expectations for the newly-opened West Lynn restaurant are high. And indeed, our experience there confirms that big things lie ahead for Romulus & Remus.
Clare Hindmarsh, Michelle Arsan, Zeki Kizilata and Ali Fuat Arsan are the quartet behind the 110-seater space. They have combined their cultural diversity and knowledge of Italian cuisine to curate everything from the fit-out to the menu, which is taken well beyond the traditional Italian parameters. This has no strict pizza-and-pasta protocol, and not even one checker of the red and white tablecloth was in sight.
Romulus & Remus
Instead, the restaurant exudes a warm and homely feeling that welcomes in the dining public. Blending walls of soothing green shades, so familiar in Italy’s olive groves, with natural wooden floors, hand-painted tiles, and a Roman-inspired gold ceiling, the aesthetic of Romulus & Remus somehow combines an updated Italian decor with a New Zealand feel.
The thoughtful menu is designed by Hindmarsh and Kizilata to be shared. The pair did not hold back from showcasing their Turkish and Kiwi roots in the list of mouth-watering offerings. They wanted to create timeless and straightforward food, so with chef Luis Andrade, they chose to avoid the ubiquitous edible flowers and smears of sauce, and reel it right in to focus on the flavours. And these solid foundations are also evident in the fact that everything is made from scratch, and in-house. Even the tomatoes and basil in the Caprese Salad have been grown by Kizilata in his own garden.
Caprese salad (on the left) and melanzane chips (on the right)
For most Italian restaurants, the predictable polenta chip is almost always a staple, but not at Romulus & Remus, where it makes way for innovation: the Melanzane Chips. Here, crumbed and deep-fried eggplant sticks are served with a deliciously creamy feta and fennel whip that resonates beautifully with the Mediterranean labneh. But if you are a diehard lover of authentic Italian dishes, there are still many you can choose, including the blended beef and pork mince Meatballs which are offset by a rich tomato sauce, with fragrant Italian parmesan cheese.
According to Hindmarsh, the She-Wolf Pizza has already become a crowd favourite. It took only one tasting for us to understand why. Using a simple medley of olives, tomatoes, garlic, capers, anchovies and chilli flakes, it seems to capture the perfect balance of tanginess and cheese-churning creaminess, with a kung-fu level of spicy kick from the chilli. From there, we began our endings and opted for a dessert of Brandy Snap Cannoli. We suddenly realised we had managed to save the best for last: it was spectacular. The Italian fried pastry was traded in for a nostalgic Kiwi brandy snap, then filled with lemon-and-fennel-infused ricotta cream. Add in a coating of pistachio, and you have the sweetest of must-have finales to a fun and fulfilling night.
She-Wolf Pizza
Romulus & Remus’ beverage game is just as strong, with talented mixologist, Salvatore Gioiosa behind the bar, creating unique concoctions such as the nutty and delightful amaretto sour and tiramisu espresso, perfect during their happy hour and aperitivos from 4pm until 6pm. The doors are also for brunch from 8am on Fridays through to Sundays with an entirely different menu, including the carbonara eggs which we will most certainly be coming back for.
Opening hours: Tuesday — Thursday: 4pm until late Friday — Sunday: 8am until late Happy Hour: Daily from 4pm until 6pm
With a history dating back to 1869, when Australian architect John James Clark designed and built it as his private home, the Clark House in Melbourne holds great cultural and architectural heritage. So it was crucial that when SJB Architects were approached to lead a restoration effort, they took into consideration the historical significance of the dwelling, tackling the project with the respect it deserved.
Seeking the right balance between honouring the house of old and bringing it into the modern context in such a way that the two versions could harmoniously coexist, SJB worked with Heritage Victoria and the council for two-and-a-half years. Important heritage features such as the stark white exterior, the ironwork columns and timber fretwork were maintained and accentuated, while other aspects like the original octagonal gazebo, were removed in order to make room for a contemporary extension.
Inside, the home has been rendered in soft, minimal tones in order to clarify the heritage detailing, create a neutral backdrop for more sumptuous furnishings and lend a contemporary feel to the original classicism. And while the extension, finished with steel-framed windows, white walls and a monochromatic palette stands in distinct, aesthetic contrast to the architecture of its conjoining building, it has been done in a way that mimics the feel of the front part of the house, even if it differs in style. Cleverly tying the residence’s two sections together via a mixture of contemporary and classic furniture, SJB has managed to achieve a result that brings this historic home up to date, without stripping it of any of its cultural significance — an impressive feat indeed.
Aucklanders are no strangers to the calamari starter. It’s a dish that is found at almost every European restaurant and has been on menus for as long as we can remember. Some might label the calamari as outdated, but we hail it as a timeless staple. When it has been prepared correctly for the exterior to achieve a golden crisp and the squid itself to remain soft and slightly chewy, it really hits the spot and these are the restaurants that are continuing the legacy of the fried seafood.
Euro Bar & Restaurant Spice lovers rejoice, Euro Bar & Restaurant’s crispy chilli calamari is the dish you need to get amongst, stat. Marinated in a sticky sweet and spicy sauce, accompanied by a tangy and tart sambal mayo and a fresh squeeze of lemon to enhance every bit of flavour, Euro’s calamari is truly one-of-a-kind.
Euro Bar & Restaurant
Non Solo Pizza If you’re a calamari purist, Non Solo Pizza serves the Italian delicacy in its most authentic form which is impossible to fault. The batter is light and tossed in fresh lemon juice to cut the richness of the fried coating. A melange of salt, cracked pepper and parsley are utilised to season the dish and is served with decadent aioli to offer a creamy balance.
Andiamo This Herne Bay favourite sure does know how to serve a delicious Italian fare and the calamari is one of its star dishes. Paired with a sauce made from garlic, anchovies and olive oil, otherwise referred to as ‘bagna cauda’ and a drizzle of spicy chorizo oil to lend a kick in flavour, there’s no better way to start your feast at Andiamo.
Andiamo (on the left) and Jervois Steak House (on the right)
Jervois Steak House This is a fairly new addition to Jervois Steak House’s menu and we’re glad to see its debut as it has quickly become one of our favourite calamari’s in town. The plate starts with an incredibly fresh and subtly sweet palm sugar and coriander dressing, followed by the crispy seafood that has been topped with a Vietnamese-inspired salad of fragrant herbs.
Soul Bar & Bistro Although this renowned waterfront restaurant changes its menu on a regular basis, the calamari is a Soul staple and is here to stay for eternity. Starting with a base of skordalia — a Greek purée that sees potatoes, walnuts, almonds, and olive oil, the crispy calamari sits on top and glazes itself over the thick emulsion. Chilli oil is drizzled over the squid to add a gentle spice and blends into the nutty skordalia perfectly.
Soul Bar & Bistro (on the left) and Prego (on the right)
Prego It would be a crime to leave this Ponsonby institution unmentioned while we are on the topic of calamari. A plate of calamari fritti will be present on almost every table as it’s simply a Prego classic that can never do you wrong. The battered squid rings are placed on top of rocket leaves and drizzled with aioli — a simple yet faultless dish.
FishSmith When it comes to battered and deep-fried seafood, you can trust that FishSmith will do an immaculate job at serving top-notch quality and flavour. Fish and chips are only the beginning of their offerings for this spot and the regular patrons will know that the calamari is not to go amiss. Taking crispiness to an entirely new level, whether you have it on its own or in a burger, you can be ensured that it will not disappoint.
It is inevitable that, at some point during the forthcoming five days, you will find yourself in a situation where conversation runs dry and you are forced to think on your feet in order to ensure that the quiet moment doesn’t spiral into awkward and uncomfortable territory. As such, it pays to arm yourself with a small but interesting mental list of recent cultural happenings and newsworthy moments. Not merely keeping dialogue flowing freely but also ensuring that you look cultured, knowledgable and most definitely ‘with the times’, the following four topical conversation starters are sure to get the ball rolling.
Taika Waititi is set to direct a new series …and it will be starring English actor Jude Law, no less. The Auteur is a new horror-comedy series that is based on the graphic novel of the same name. The storyline follows a film producer who, desperate to make a great horror movie after a massive bomb, accidentally traps his production on a backlot with a serial killer… being executive produced by Waititi, we can no doubt expect much of his renowned, biting satire laced throughout.
Jacinda Ardern will appear on the cover of Time Magazine Jacinda Ardern will grace the International cover of Time magazine, marking almost one year since the terrorist attack in Christchurch. Last Friday the magazine unveiled a preview of the cover, showing Ardern — wearing a seasons-old, understated silk top by local label Ingrid Starnes — alongside the subhead “know us by our deeds.” The story, written by Australian journalist Belinda Luscombe, focuses on the attacks and the Prime Minister’s responses during the aftermath.
Friends is returning It’s been sixteen years since television’s most iconic programme debuted its final episode, The Last One, and now Friends is due to return to our screens — as early as this coming May. The one-off special will be hosted on HBO, and will see the whole crew — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer — reunite for the big moment.
The Thunberg family are releasing a book If there’s anything that we can take away from the Thunberg family’s latest project, it’s that 17-year-old environmental activist Greta Thunberg has had quite the transformation. In the book, entitled Our House is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis, Greta’s mother Malena Ernman tells how her eldest daughter journeyed from a near-mute, 11-year-old into one of the world’s most powerful voices. The book will be released on the 5th March, and is available for preorder here.
It’s no secret that we have a penchant for the carefully-curated coffee table book, and are constantly on the lookout for an elegant, intriguing tome to add to our ever-expanding collections. Really, we should be investing in more coffee tables. Nevertheless, here is our top five from the current new releases.
Zaha Hadid: The Complete Works by Zaha Hadid The life and work of Zaha Hadid, whose revolutionary architecture took in everything from Olympic venues to an astounding world-class airport, fills this aspirational coffee table collection of photographs, in-depth texts and a variety of Hadid’s very own drawings. Each page in the beautifully updated monograph is worthy of study and admiration.
Woodblock Wonders by Andreas Marks The weird and wonderful Japanese woodblock print is a phenomenon with no Western equivalent. Sex workers in shop windows are placed alongside samurai swordsmen, kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers, and set against breathtaking landscapes. This XXL edition allows us a glimpse into the marvels of this little-known art, by showcasing 200 of the most beguiling prints — ranging from the 17th Century ukiyo-e Japanese art movement, through to present-day oeuvres.
Peter Saul: Crime and Punishment by Peter Saul Painter Peter Saul is one of America’s most bold and brilliant painters. His tongue-in-cheek, colour-drenched, political pop art is known and admired the world over. The soon-to-be-released Crime and Punishment, a glorious coffee table book that reproduces sixty-five of the satirical works recently featured in his acclaimed exhibition at The New Museum, cries out for multiple coffees and many hours to pore over its exquisite pages. The book also includes work from a number of other artists, and accompanying text from Saul himself.
Window To The World by David Hockney Window to the World invites the browser into the creative mind of one of Britain’s most influential artists, English painter David Hockney. Impressively, each page showcases a creation crafted by Hockney using only an iPhone or an iPad. While this fascinates, the true allure of the book lies within the content: 120 Hockney drawings, each one inspired by the view from a favourite window of his Yorkshire retreat. Along with his prodigious talent on display here, this tome offers a beautiful depiction of England’s contrasting seasons.
Before Easter After By Patti Smith and Lynn Goldsmith For anyone who longs to learn about the artistic life and original works of legendary Godmother of Punk Patti Smith (that is: everyone, surely?), then Before Easter After will bring some serious coffee table delight. The slipcased book, with its hundreds of previously unseen photographs all taken by longtime friend, and famed rock and roll photographer, Lynn Goldsmith, includes text by Smith. As always, her writing is rich with the trademark Patti Smith originality and word mastery.
At most local daytime eateries you’re likely to find some combination of pancakes, French toast, or waffles on the menu. But where is the retro crumpet that can stir such nostalgia in those Kiwis seeking a throw-back breakfast bite? The delicious crumpet offers a versatile backdrop to enhance either sweet or savoury fillings, and we have set out to discover the best crumpets to give your memory, as well as your tastebuds, a happy gastronomic glow.
Bombe crumpets from Percy After landing at Auckland Airport, you can head to nearby cafe Percy at The Landing Park, for bombe crumpets that will fly off the plate. With an enviable airy lightness within these thick stacks of crumpets, the flavour and texture will remind you of the classic Bombe Alaska dessert. Perhaps it’s the smothering of meringue, the use of the blow-torch to crisp up the exterior, or the pairing with a sweet, lemon-infused, whipped ricotta that sets off the pleasure centre in the brain. Certainly, the final touches of white chocolate crumble and natural honeycomb topping, underscore that these are crumpets at their most delightfully decadent.
Bombe crumpets from Percy
Avocado mousse and cardamom vanilla crumpets from Chuffed Crumpets pairings abound, and Chuffed on High St exploits this adaptability by offering both sweet and savoury versions. For the lover of salty over sweet, seek out the avocado mousse crumpets, with their balanced combination of crème fraîche and smooth avocado. This is then given both a crunchy edge by wasabi peas, and a delightful succulence by gin-cured salmon. Meanwhile, the sweet rendition offers raspberry purée, maple espuma, freeze-dried lychee crumbs, fragrant cardamom and vanilla poached pear, tastefully orchestrated into a melodic combination of flavour.
Banana salted caramel crumpet from Kraken Crumpets Keep your eyes peeled for this food truck, because Kraken Crumpets offers the ultimate selection of the fresh, handmade variety. Among almost ten variations, our favourite would have to be the banana salted caramel. Slathered with cream cheese icing, crunchy biscuit crumble and fresh slices of sweet banana, it’s then drizzled with an indulgent salted caramel sauce and topped with a sprinkle of walnuts. Scrumptious indeed.
Salmon ‘pastrami’ crumpets from Euro Bar & Restaurant Proving that crumpets can venture out of purely breakfast dishes, and dance on to daytime menus, Euro Bar & Restaurant’s innovative crumpet combines a thick layer of cultured cream with a salmon ‘pastrami’ so tender that it melts in the mouth. Add in the final touch, of salmon caviar, and sit back and enjoy the bubbles of bursting saltiness lingering long on your palette.
Salmon ‘pastrami’ crumpets from Euro Bar & Restaurant
Lemon curd crumpet and smoked fish rillette crumpet from Homestead The crumpet offerings here are quadrupled, so you can try any one of four different presentations. For us, the lemon curd and the smoked fish rillette are the two standouts. The sweetness of the lemon curd crumpet is nicely balanced by the labneh, while the smoked fish rillette crumpet tantalised us with its toppings. Served with pickled cucumber, dill and a sunny-side-up fried egg, this might be one of the tastiest savoury crumpets in town.
Burnt butter crumpets from Orphans Kitchen The ever-changing Orphans Kitchen’s menu remains constant in one key area: the burnt butter crumpets. They stay on no matter the season, and for very good reason. In their shape they are unique but taste-wise, they are true to the original flavours. By simply pairing them with the caramel tastes of the burnt butter, along with sweet honey from the Orphans Kitchen rooftop, this is a creation for the crumpet purist of the ages.
Like most offices, that of the Denizen comprises a varied bunch of personalities. As a consequence, a vast range of material is brought to the table when it comes to discussions on the quality TV, film and podcasts we’re investing our time in. From lighthearted pop-culture to engrossing conspiracy, these five podcasts are what the Denizen team are tuning into right now.
After Work Drinks What: Culture After Work Drinks is essentially just two best friends — journalists Isabelle Truman and Grace O’Neill — shooting the breeze over Friday Night Drinks, and that’s exactly why we’re all for it. With a no holds barred approach the comedic duo discuss everything pop culture, news and entertainment. New episodes, for example, cover the likes of the Harvey Weinstein saga and an unknown dating show that might just be the next ‘Love Island.’ Lovers of The High-Low, this one is for you.
White Silence What: Documentary This new podcast from Stuff and RNZ explores the shocking story of New Zealand’s deadliest disaster and is perfect for anyone who loves a gripping conspiracy theory. In 1979, an Air New Zealand jet with 257 passengers on board took off from Auckland Airport, destined for Antarctica. Hours later, everyone was dead. With lies and cover-ups in abundance, White Lies will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the infamous Mount Erebus disaster.
The 27 Club What: Music Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Brian Jones, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and many more musical icons lost their lives at 27, contributing to what has since become known as the infamous ’27 Club’. This podcast delves into the lives of each and dishes all to the listener via top-notch storytelling, ticking off every wild story and then some.
The Catch and Kill Podcast with Ronan Farrow What: Culture Pulitzer-Prize winning Journalist Ronan Farrow’s book Catch and Kill recounts the many challenges he faced while chasing the horrific stories of Harvey Weinstein. Now, his podcast of the same name is here to give us even more of an insight. Each episode is built around an interview with a subject from the book, all of which are direct and frank, and combined with the hours of audio he recorded during the initial investigation.
History of the 90s What: History Whether its discussing legendary film Scream and how it gave new life to the horror genre, talking over the details from the Columbine High School Shootings, exploring the rise and fall of the beloved Beanie Baby toy franchise or delving into our collective devotion to TV series Friends, this podcast has you travelling back in time through the stories that defined a decade.
If your dry skin is yearning for moisture and hydration, a basic body lotion just won’t cut it — to truly achieve softer, silkier skin it pays to invest in something a little more hard-hitting. From an offering from cult beauty brand Augustinus Bader to an über luxurious La Mer iteration, the following four are the crème de la crème of the beauty world.
Augustinus Bader: Body Cream Arguably the most googled name in skincare, Augustinus Bader has truly given new meaning to the term cult beauty. Suffice to say, when news broke that the Professor was launching a new product this year, attention was piqued. Harnessing the same Trigger Factor Complex as the applauded The Cream, this new product will offer avid fans rewarding skin rejuvenating benefits from the neck down.
Costa Brazil:Body Cream The Body Cream by Costa Brazil, a brand from former Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa, only contains around 10 to 20 percent water, and so is brimming with an impressive array of undiluted active ingredients, including Vitamins A, B3, C and E and omegas 3, 6, 9. It is also aloe leaf juice-based, meaning that it packs a seriously hydrating punch. Vegan, cruelty-free and made with responsibly sourced ingredients, this is one moisturiser that deserves pride of place in the beauty cupboard.
Augustinus Bader, La Mer, Dr Barbara Sturm, Costa Brazil
La Mer: The Body Crème It’s luxuriously thick and whipped for optimum silkiness, but the real magic with La Mer’s The Body Crème lies with its ingredient list. Combining the brand’s famous Miracle Broth, which harnesses the profound healing properties of a particular kind of sea kelp, alongside rare blue algae, La Mer has ensured that its body cream formula is intensely repairing and especially hydrating — upon using, skin feels instantly saturated, cushioned and smoothed.
Dr Barbara Sturm: Anti-Ageing Body Cream Dr Barbara Sturm’s silky body moisturiser is specifically designed to cater to ageing skin, and so is jam-packed with a medley of nutrient-rich oils and hard-working antioxidants. Like purslane, for example, an antioxidant powerhouse that helps calm the skin, or the white almond and elderberry blossom extracts, which have profound skin-tightening abilities. Plus, the lightweight texture means it absorbs quickly and easily, so you can slip right into your clothes after applying.
Whether you’re departing or arriving in Auckland, the last or first meal in this city should hold more allure than the fast and quick food-court fare. Percy finally fills this gap, offering a modern café setting to travellers who are seeking a more elevated eating option. You can enjoy its tasty offerings and sophisticated ambience knowing you are a mere five-minute drive from the terminals and airport carparks.
Roger Liu, who was recently responsible for Newbie and Fields, has added Percy to the growing line-up of establishments which comprise Woozoo, his newfound hospitality group. Award-winning architects, RTA Studio, mapped out the sleek lines of the space, while Material Creative took charge of the interiors to showcase, yet again, Woozoo’s signature modern, funky aesthetic.
Percy
With an impressive capacity that holds up to 120 patrons, the tables and seating are cleverly arranged to create an airy, inviting space that feels wide, and open, and welcoming. Perhaps it’s due to the peaceful lakeside setting, or perhaps it’s because of its location in the calming vicinity of The Landing Business Park that Percy’s ambience is noticeably serene, which makes it the perfect spot to relax before or after your flight, as well as giving weary travellers a calming contrast to the bustle and noise of the airport precinct itself. There’s even an onsite playground to keep the little ones entertained, while you enjoy some downtime.
The menu was designed by Logan Wang, who created the respected offerings at Fields. There is a similar concept of contemporary brunch fare in both, but Wang’s innate creativity means there are also brand new dishes available exclusively at Percy. Having registered the lack of savoury French toasts in our local café scene, Wang has magicked up a Mushroom French Toast. What it lacks sugar, it more than makes up for in decadence. A slice of brioche offers a fluffy bed for a medley of mushrooms that have been doused in a creamy parmesan sauce, salty pancetta and paired with semi-sweet caramelised onions, feta and truffle crumbs. Mouth-wateringly good.
Mushroom French toast
Drawing from his Chinese background, Wang has also added a breakfast bao which marries the traditional pork belly slit bao with a Kiwi-centric breakfast bap. Served deconstructed, it targets the diner’s own tastebuds to decide how much hoisin and pickled onions they would like to add, or when to include the sunny-side-up fried egg. We suggest a liberal lick of sweet hoisin and pickled onions, followed by a few bites to test the tanginess of the bao’s Asian flavours. And then you can slide in the egg and enjoy the yolk’s rich kick added to the whole dish.
Breakfast baos
For those with lunch-friendly options on their mind, Percy serves a lamb rump complemented by a rivulet of ratatouille, with juicy tomatoes on the vine, and homely baby potatoes. It makes for a hearty homecoming and is even more delightful when paired with a pint of Brothers Beer, served on tap, or a glass of the many wines that are offered at this licensed and luminous café.
Lamb rump
The menu is unashamedly savoury-focused but its short and concise offerings of sweet dishes look divine and were, in fact, the highlight of our whole Percy experience. The bombe crumpets leave normal crumpet recipes far behind, given there’s a stack of impossibly fluffy, meringue-coated crumpets, torched to achieve a flavour reminiscent of the best fire-toasted marshmallows. Cleverly, the sweetness is balanced with lemon whipped ricotta. The whole dish is given a final added depth and texture from natural honeycomb, combined with a sprinkling of white chocolate crumbs.
Bombe crumpets
Just like Liu’s other establishments, there is a cabinet filled with house-baked goods made by Rae Cheong, who is the maestro behind Woozoo Group’s renowned treats. Be sure to grab a caramel slice with your cup of Kokako coffee on your way out, to give a memorable and satisfying sweetness and delight on which to end your Percy visit.
Caramel slice
Having opened its doors less than a month ago, it seems that knowledgeable flight passengers and locals of The Landing Business Park and have already caught on, and are heading in their droves to this airport café as their first, or final, destination. But given the delicious uniqueness of the crumpets alone, we suggest you don’t need to have overseas travel plans to find an excuse to make the journey out to this enticing Mangere eatery.
Opening hours Monday — Friday: 6:30am until 3:30pm Saturday — 8am until 3pm Sunday — Closed
Percy
2 Te Kapua Drive,
The Landing Business Park
Mangere
Three years ago, Sarah Ginella and Nico Mendez opened a humble tapas bar tucked away in a cosy corner of Faraday St in Parnell. Little did they expect the buzz about Barulho to spread so quickly around town. Before they knew it, customers were queuing for a place in the rapidly-renowned but compact eatery. Over time the queues and reputation have only grown, and now it’s time for Ginella and Mendez, and their Barulho dream, to evolve.
Barulho
After taking over the neighbouring carpark, Barulho’s era as tapas bar is no more. Meet Barulho the restaurant. The seating has quadrupled, with room for up to 100 patrons. There is also an atmospheric private dining room, and a kitchen large enough to finally meet the demands of a voracious and appreciative Auckland eating public. In fact, every element has undergone a significant upgrade in size and sophistication. The resultant quality upgrade means its popularity is sky-rocketing.
Barulho
While Spanish fare remains the Barulho focus, Ginella and Mendez are promising to expand their menu offerings to make the best use of their much larger kitchen space. The renowned pork chop and clam paella, as well as the hand-cut beef empanadas, remain from the tapas bar era but, from our taste test, now have even greater flavour and finesse. Our paella rice boasted an airy fluffiness, while the richly nutritious pork sings an aromatic aria with the subtle and satisfying seafood. The empanadas were a perfect pairing with one of their many cocktails, particularly the Caipirinha — a refreshing and simple concoction of sweet Cachaça, lime and sugar.
Handcut beef empanadas
These signature dishes may have retained their star status, but perhaps it’s the menu additions, such as the fish cazuela or the grilled octopus, that are going to turn heads. The cazuela serves up a smouldering sauce of vibrant tomato-base on a bed of fideos, which resemble pasta noodles that have been chopped up, with tender pieces of market fish, juicy prawns, mussels and clams combining to create a seafood lover’s dream.
Patatas bravas
As for the grilled octopus, we would rank it as one of the tastiest renditions in town. Grilled to achieve a crispy exterior, the octopus flesh had a mouth-melting chew to its texture. The flavour was offset by a deliciously nutty and garlicky sauce, known as ajo blanco. Salty slivers of chorizo and juicy blood oranges gave a pleasing colour palette to the plate, while also adding a nice cut to the richness of the creamy sauce. As a side, we had the patatas bravas — potatoes fried to perfection and gently bathing in a golden, saffron-infused aioli with spicy tomato. The whole meal offered a predominance of balance and pleasing gastronomic aesthetic.
Grilled octopus
Barulho officially opened its doors only last night (Tuesday, 18th February) and given that Auckland’s plugged-in gastronomes will no doubt be moving this spot near the top of their dining favourites, we suggest you act fast and book now. This is one opening where the heat of the anticipation is matched only by the hot-blooded passion of Barulho’s loyal and growing clientele.
Opening hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday — Saturday: 12pm until late Sunday: TBC
With all shades of colour shining out in Rainbow Week, Viaduct Harbour has joined forces with Rainbow Pride to bring us these seven days of fun-filled festivities and epic parties. The entire precinct will be illuminated with fairy lights that boast every colour of the rainbow and an animated PRIDE light show, designed by the one and only, Angus Muir, every half hour from 7-11pm each night throughout the week. You will definitely want to be somewhere over this rainbow.
Celebrations kick off on 17th of February. But on Saturday night, there’s an especially vivid Viaduct Yacht Club’s Outrageous Disco, hosted by the iconic Anita Wigl’it from Caluzzi, Auckland’s festive Drag Queen bar. It will be a flamboyant affair of absolute fabulousness.
Viaduct Yacht Club invites guests to dress to impress and to get among the live music and entertainment in a boogie wonderland of dance and outrageous outfits. The very limited tickets are selling fast, so if you love the idea of joyful celebration, we suggest you get in as quickly as possible. It’s a nice touch that 10% of proceeds contribute to the Rainbow Pride Auckland community — click here to buy tickets.
The following day, Soul Bar & Bistro will be concluding the week with the grandest of finales, Pride Punch. Although the tickets to this soirée have already sold out, Soul is extending their invite from 3pm, for everyone to join the dance floor and boogie to the beats that will be provided by DJ Peter Urlich and surprise special guests.
It is imperative that the bathroom, as one of the most utilised rooms in the home, is practical and functional. But ensuring that practicality remains first and foremost often leads to little care being given to the design. Determined to remind us that aesthetics are just as important as purpose is bathroom fixtures brand Zucchetti.Kos with Closer, its sleek, wall-mounted showerhead.
With the Closer, a creative reimagining of the classic showerhead form has resulted in a silhouette that is reminiscent in aesthetic to that of a sophisticated desk lamp. It is both sophisticated and playful in design, while remaining inherently functional due to a simple three-joint system that ensures multi-directional movement to control and direct the outpouring jet of water. Rendered in smooth matte black chrome, it makes for an undeniably sleek and contemporary addition to any bathroom design.
Available locally from Robertson Bathware, this simple shower room addition is making sure we remember that, sometimes, the devil is all in the detail.
For those who are wondering, the nostalgia trend isn’t going anywhere fast. Over the past few months, we’ve seen a plethora of esteemed brands pay homage to the cult designs of yesteryear, but there’s one, in particular, that’s long caught our eye — and it’s now more accessible than ever before. New to Workshop‘s impressive repertoire is BY FAR, the Australian-European accessories brand encouraging us to take style cues from the days of old.
Founded by twins Valentina Bezuhanova and Sabina Gyosheva and their best friend Denitsa Bumbarova, By Far is a brand that oozes a very particular kind of ‘cool girl’ style. The creative trio are continuously inspired by the late 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s, and so all of the shoes and bags have been designed with a fun, comfortable and festive aesthetic in mind.
From strappy sandals and circular block heels to the classic baguette bags, the entire range covers a variety of alluring accessories that both feel at once nostalgic and inherently contemporary. Take the Mini Croco bag, for example, which sees a quaint top handle bag crafted from glossy croc-embossed leather, or the Tanya sandal, a barely-there classic that forever remains at the forefront of the fashion scene.
The arrival of By Far to Workshop marks another step forward in our love for all things of the past. Suffice to say, we’ll be sporting its enticing selection of accessories long after future trends have been and gone.
It’s rich, succulent, deliciously fatty yet with a heavenly crisp — duck is, hands down, one of our favourite meats. No matter where we’re dining, if duck features on the menu it’s always added to the order, so we like to think we have a sound understanding about which establishments have the best game in town. These are the restaurants that are serving duck to delight.
Caramelised duck from Cassia This modern Indian restaurant is a firm favourite, with food that is always flavoursome, hearty, and extremely satisfying. Every dish on the menu has its own highlight, but the caramelised duck occupies a special place in this gastronomic galaxy. The duck melts off the bone, swims in a pool of tangy chettinad sauce with pickled onions, and shines next to the perfect accompaniment of the house garlic naan and jasmine rice.
Duck Breast from Sid at The French Café From the same executive chef and owner of Cassia, Sid Sahrawat takes duck to an entirely new level at his fine-dining restaurant, Sid at The French Café. On this season’s menu, the delicate piece of duck boasts the perfect fat-to-meat ratio. This richness is then enhanced by pairing it with pork belly. And for a final flourish, the medley of meats comes with a complement of sweet dates and the contrasting, semi-bitter, radicchio.
Culprit Duck from Culprit A signature dish that has been on the menu since day one and for one reason only — it’s superb. Taking the duck and blowing it with air to separate the skin from the meat, chef and owners Kyle Street and Jordan MacDonald add a pork sausage stuffing, creating a triple layer of succulent meat, heart pork and crispy skin. Served with a side of hoisin sour cream, plum sauce and lettuce, this dish is the modern take on the traditional Chinese Peking duck pancakes.
Culprit Duck from Culprit
Peking Duck from Empress Garden No mention of Peking duck would be complete without Herne Bay’s favourite, Empress Garden. The Peking duck from this Chinese restaurant is noted for its authenticity and rich taste, boasting an impossibly crispy skin that melts in the mouth, along with the rich layer of fat. The pancakes are perfectly thin and served fresh, giving full range to the fragrant flavours of the duck.
Buttered Maltagliati with Duck from Baduzzi Everybody knows about the meatballs from Baduzzi, but it’s the buttered maltagliati with duck that draws us back again and again to this Italian restaurant. The duck, slow-cooked with porcini mushroom, achieves a rich and juicy ragu that slathers itself on the pasta sheets. Sprinkled with pickled black walnuts for pungent flavour, this is easily one of the best pasta dishes in Auckland.
Peking Duck Tacos from Euro Bar & Restaurant Although Euro is renowned for European cuisine, the Asian-inspired Peking Duck Tacos prove the versatility and skill of this restaurant. The thin taco wraps are slathered with hoisin sauce for a delectable sweetness to enhance the flavours of the braised duck. Garnished with slivers of cucumber, each mouthful is as heavenly as the next.
Peking Duck Taco from Euro Bar & Restaurant
Duck Confit from The Engine Room An unbeatable European classic, the duck confit is a dish that embodies pure comfort. The Engine Room’s rendition of this timeless delight is an absolute must when dining at the North Shore restaurant. The accompaniments vary according to the seasonal ingredients, but most recently they offered bursting cherries and a bed of kumara purée to enhance their mouth-melting tender duck with a beautifully balanced mix of sweet and savoury.
Duck Confit from Ponsonby Road Bistro Another restaurant that serves a duck confit is Ponsonby Road Bistro. As it effortlessly falls apart, this duck is served with a cranberry glaze and paired with a side of potatoes roasted in duck fat. To cut through the ricocheting richness, there’s a fresh salad of radicchio and almonds. Delightful.
The Simon James sale is something that we here at Denizen look forward to with hot anticipation. It is where exquisite homeware and covetable sartorial offerings are found alongside one another, making it possible to update one’s wardrobe and interior space in one fell swoop — and at a fraction of the price we usually would, too. Tomorrow, the sale descends upon Auckland, taking place at both the Upper Queen Street and Herne Bay stores — with up to 70% off a wide scope of selected, desirable items.
Always the go-to for fine home furnishings, it should come as no surprise that we’re already besotted with the medley of homeware that’s on offer. Our favourites include the sleek, wooden Quindici Chaise Lounge by Mattiazzi, Menu’s elegant yet minimalistic Tribeca Franklin Chandelier and the sculptural, handmade range of Petite Pendants from Secto.
Tribeca Franklin Chandelier by Menu, Petite Pendant by Secto
Classic and polished, we’re already envisioning where we would place Menu’s honed brown marble Pepe Mirror in our homes, as are we the captivating cast-iron Spin Candelabra by Tom Dixon. From the enticing fashion line up, we’re particularly taken with the beautiful silk Charlotte Top by Paris Georgia, and the ultra-sophisticated Hartsfield Weekender Tote by Want Les Essentiels.
Pepe Mirror by Menu, Spin Candelabra by Tom Dixon
With such a glorious array of alluring wares on offer, we have strong suspicions that Simon James’ latest sale might just be their best yet. But don’t just take our word for it, we suggest you head to your closest outpost and take a look for yourself.
It’s only February, but we’re already betting that 2020 is the year where television finally meets our lofty expectations. Not only are there now more streaming services than you can shake a remote at, but the current productions are of such calibre that we suspect our collective habit of TV bingeing is only in its infancy. Are you hungry for some prime viewing material? These are the TV shows that we can’t binge enough right now.
The Stranger What: Netflix’s new nail-biting thriller series opens on a mystery woman revealing a powerful secret to a man about his wife, and delivering a devastating blow to his seemingly perfect life. The eight-parter is brought to life by a plethora of fine British talent, including The Hobbit‘s Richard Armitage as lead character Adam Price, Antman and The Wasp‘s villain Hannah John-Kamen and Ab Fab‘s brilliant Jennifer Saunders. Where: Netflix
Little America What: Writers Kumail Nanjiani, Emily Gordon (both of The Big Sick) and Lee Eisenberg (formerly of The Office) have joined forces to create this series inspired by the true stories of immigrants in America. Each episode tells a different tale, from a Nigerian student exploring Oklahoma’s cowboy culture, to a young boy who discovers his parents have been deported. Where: Apple TV+
Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens What:Crazy Rich Asians‘ funnywoman and actress, Awkwafina, stars as Nora Lin in this new comedy scripted series. Based on her own beginnings in New York’s Queens, it follows her as she navigates young adulthood in the Big Apple with her whacky family grouping of cousin, dad and grandma. Where: Sky TV, Comedy Central
The Goop Lab What: The first episode of this Netflix newcomer kicks things off in Jamaica, where a group of Goop staffers are cross-legged on the floor, ready to use mushrooms to explore psychedelics in a therapeutic setting. A spinoff of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop enterprise, this series of The Goop Lab ventures into “ideas that may seem out-there or too scary” — whether that be vampire facials, psychedelics by the beach, or diving into a frozen lake. One person’s gobbledy-goop may be another person’s treasure. Where: Netflix
The Outsider What: Stephen King’s spooky novel has been adapted for television and, while the novel didn’t exactly make waves, it looks as though the series sure as hell will. Jason Bateman is bloody (in the literal sense) brilliant as Terry Maitland, a man who is suspected of the grisly murder of an eleven-year-old local boy. There is irrefutable evidence that places him both at the scene of the crime, and also 200 miles away at the exact same moment… Where: Neon
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