Gin lovers, this stunning garden bar is the destination you need to discover on Waiheke Island

29 Jan 2021

A day trip over to Waiheke Island never goes amiss, and a new off-the-beaten-track destination will have gin lovers flocking to the island’s east side. Named Waiheke Distilling Co., this artisan gin producer is the brainchild of Liz Scott and Glen Cadwallader who had a vision to champion the local botanicals that grow in abundance in the area while also allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Located relatively close to Man O’ War on the ridge above Cowes Bay, with a spectacular view out onto Pakatoa Island and over to the Coromandel, Waiheke Distilling Co. is not only the birthplace of three brand new gins, but home to a stunning garden bar as well.

With both the gins and the bar having launched on 23rd January, the distillery’s garden bar summer series is open Thursday to Monday throughout the warmer months — and given the extremely enthusiastic response, online booking is crucial to avoid disappointment.

The journey to the distillery is an adventure in itself, consisting of a 40 minute drive from the ferry terminal on the western side of the island. Once you’re out there, you can expect a casual setting with picnic tables and deck chairs in prime position to take in the breathtaking surroundings, and of course some delicious gin cocktails.

Waiheke Distilling Co.’s signature gin is the Spirit of Waiheke, and is unique in that it is infused with giant kelp which gives the otherwise citrus-forward spirit a slightly salty twist. The London Dry sees the company’s take on a classic spiced up with cardamom and red pepper, and the Red Ruby is an attractively deep rouge shade, thanks to an infusion of fresh cherries.

For the summer series, the distillery has collaborated with Auckland bar Clipper to create a range of moreish frozen gin cocktails, each blended with a rosé from a different Waiheke vineyard. There are also gin and Fever Tree tonic cocktails available, as well as non-alcoholic options, and should you be peckish a selection of antipasti, cheese and fruit platters are on offer, showcasing delicious local products like Waiheke scotch eggs, fresh bread from Man O’ War and Te Matuku oysters, as well as Island Gelato ice cream.

While we all love a long lunch at one of Waiheke’s unquestionably excellent wineries, if you’re looking for an extra stop to add to your day — or if you’re after something a little different — we think Waiheke Distilling Co. might be the destination for you.

Opening hours:
Thursday to Monday — 10:00am – 6:00pm
Bookings essential

Waiheke Distilling Co.

258 Cowes Bay Road
Waiheke Island

www.waihekedistilling.co.nz

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The Master & Margherita is a Grey Lynn eatery serving must-try Roman-style pizza

27 Jan 2021

Pizza night is now even better thanks to a recently-opened pizzeria that’s slinging some seriously delicious slices. The Master & Margherita has taken up residence in Grey Lynn, within what used to be the iconic yellow dairy on Surrey Crescent. Chef Ivan Janic took over the site last year, renovating to include a commercial kitchen and importing a custom-made pizza oven from Naples, Italy, from which his delicious fire-kissed pizzas emerge perfectly cooked.

Right: Bianca pizza with mozzarella, brie, gorgonzola, grana padano, rosemary and olive oil

Janic has been in the industry for over 20 years — originally from Serbia, he came to New Zealand in 2009 and has worked under Simon Gault and Josh Emmett, plus former Grey Lynn restaurant Siostra and various other eateries in Auckland. Throughout it all, Janic’s passion for pizza has remained unbridled, and after eating “a lot of bad pizzas”, he knew it was time to take matters into his own hands.

The Master & Margherita (named after Janic’s favourite book of a similar name by Mickhail Bulgakov) specialises in Roman-style pizzas. Thinner and wider in diameter than their Neapolitan counterparts, these 15-inch sourdough beauties have a pillowy crust yet aren’t super doughy overall, which lends a welcome lightness.

Left: Prawn pizza with chilli and garlic marinated prawns, spinach, zucchini, mozzarella and red peppers

The namesake Margherita comprises Janic’s housemade tomato base that he took two years to perfect, topped with New Zealand mozzarella — both grilled then finished with fresh dollops — fresh basil and olive oil. It’s simple and delicious, as a Margherita should be. The menu includes both classic and more inventive flavours, with familiars like a prosciutto pizza, and a four-cheese pizza on offer alongside a chilli prawn rendition with capsicum and zucchini, and a green-based Fiore di Broccoli plus two or three vegan options.

Having opened in November, word has steadily been spreading about The Master & Margherita’s tasty pizzas, with demand for takeaways heating up and loyal regulars returning to try all Janic’s creations. We suggest you do the same.

Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 3pm — 9pm
Tuesday: Closed
Friday: 12pm — 10pm
Saturday: 3pm — 10pm

www.themasterandmargherita.co.nz

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New York-based artist Natasha Wright is exhibiting her extraordinary paintings at Sanderson Contemporary

Words Margie Riddiford | 27 Jan 2021

Natasha Wright has made a name for herself with work that critiques the representation of women via an exploration of the female form. Her pieces showcase a clear fascination with materials and texture, often brought to life via intriguing combinations and abstract shapes.

Over the course of her career (and creative development) Wright has developed an artistic language entirely of her own, with distinct, monochromatic lines that depict women in both grotesque and beautiful forms, having drawn inspiration from a range of sources including The Three Graces, ancient fertility goddesses, Matryoshka dolls and contemporary culture.

From left: The Three Graces, oil, black magnum and glass on canvas; Altarpiece, mica and acrylic on canvas 2020

Despite being based in the United States and working out of her studio in New York, Wright has created a series of works as part of a solo exhibition here, at Sanderson Contemporary (her first with the gallery). Comprising a number of expressive oil paintings and works on paper completed over New York’s quarantine period last year, the exhibition is aptly called A Place To Stand (perhaps a reflection of Wright’s search for stability at such an uncertain time) and features pieces that play with a palette of rich golds, grounded earthy tones and varying shades of black.

On at Sanderson Contemporary now until the 28th of February, Wright’s new works exemplify that one silver lining of a global pandemic is the rich variety of artistic responses that have emerged in the face of its turbulent circumstances. This exhibition is certainly one you do not want to miss.

www.sanderson.co.nz

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Here’s everything you need to know about Auckland’s dining scene this February

26 Jan 2021

Summer dining is one of the best parts of the warmer season. Judging by the variety of enticing dishes, exciting events and tempting offers from many of our favourite eateries, they aren’t willing to say goodbye to that holiday feeling just yet — and neither should we. Here are the gastronomic highlights to look out for in February.

Lush lunch specials
Andiamo
Not that we needed another excuse to visit Andiamo, but the Jervois Road stalwart has re-launched its Locals Lunch. Featuring two delicious courses plus a glass of wine for the very reasonable price of $35, diners can expect the likes of arancini or bruschetta to start; followed by a choice of agnolotti, grilled market fish or a pork chop with nduja. Available Wednesday to Sunday from 12 – 4pm, this lush lunch offering is welcoming indeed.

Culprit
Don’t sleep on this innovative Wyndham Street restaurant’s Trolley Derby lunch special. For $45, diners can expect a set menu starting with four tasty bites like First Light wagyu tataki and the popular Masa’s sweet corn toastie, followed by a main of John Dory, kimchi braised brisket or cornflake fried eggplant. Upgrades and sides are available, and we wouldn’t be able to resist a matcha soft serve to finish.

Crab Shack
Another lunch special that’s sure to sweeten the days of many-an inner city worker can be found harbourside at Crab Shack. Choose from seafood chowder, lettuce cup pork tacos or bang bang chicken salad for only $15, 12 – 3pm, Monday to Friday.

A delightful dessert
Round off a meal at Soul in the most delicious way possible with the waterfront eatery’s new frozen strawberry torte. This delightfully rose-hued, multi-layered dessert celebrates the scrumptious summer strawberry in all its glory. Using Clevedon strawberries, unparalleled in their flavour and quality, the torte features a bottom layer of almond dacquoise (similar in texture to an almond macaron), followed by house-made strawberry ice cream, strawberry sorbet and finished with Italian meringue. Served in a generously-sized wedge, this is one sweet treat to fully indulge in.

Events to book
Le Longue Table du Chef
Can’t travel? No worries. Le Longue Table du Chef is returning to Auckland this February, promising to bring tastes of both France and Italy to our shores with multiple nights of al fresco dining. Held at Upper Vulcan Lane, diners can expect a French-inspired five course menu by the team at Le Chef bistro, and Aperol Spritzes to sip on — Italian aperitivo-style. Live music and DJs will keep the mood pumping, so get your crew together and make a balmy late summer’s evening of it.
Le Longue Table du Chef, Upper Vulcan Lane. $115 per person. 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th & 21st of February 2021, from 7.30pm Tickets available here.

Everybody Eats at Auckland Live Fringe Town
Social enterprise Everybody Eats is aiming to host its largest event yet with a dinner for 1,000 people at Auckland Town Hall on Sunday 21st February. Lauded chefs Tom Hishon and Michael Meredith will be in charge of the pay-as-you-can menu, with 60-minute timeslots available to book. Find more information and book here.

Cocktails, Eats & Beats at Azabu Mission Bay
Keep the good times rollin’ with this summer series courtesy of Azabu Mission Bay, taking place every Saturday for the next six weeks. Presented by Roku Gin, the event series will provide revellers with great music courtesy of a roster of DJs, delicious food and moreish cocktails, all enjoyed in the eatery’s sundrenched courtyard.

Yotam Ottolenghi — Flavour of Life
Although it’s not until June, tickets are on sale now for Yotam Ottolenghi’s Flavour of Life tour at The Civic. The famed chef, restaurateur, author and TV personality will be sharing his beloved approach to food and cooking off the back of his popular new recipe book Ottolenghi Flavour, highlighting his innovative way with vegetables, sharing tips for great home cooking and expanding to leadership in hospitality. Find tickets here.

New openings to check out
Head to Britomart for a taste of Southern Spain courtesy of Alma, the highly-anticipated new restaurant from the team at Amano. If you’re craving fresh pasta, pocket-sized new K’ Road eatery Pici is churning out some of the best in town, while neighbourhood cutie Bar Martin is a great new watering hole for Mount Albert locals. A day of culture is sure to be rounded off nicely with a meal at Tuitui Museum Café & Bistro, Auckland War Memorial Museum’s brand new eatery.

Stock up on natural wine at this new wine shop
Having originated in Wellington and built a loyal following, independent organic wine store Everyday Wine has finally opened an Auckland outpost at 442 Karangahape Road. Looking for a pet nat, an orange wine or a chilled red to take to your next dinner party, or to stock up the cellar? These guys will have all you could want and more. Find their website here.

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Mt Albert’s newest urban village is offering a peaceful lifestyle on the city fringe

Words Margie Riddiford | 26 Jan 2021

Living in the city can feel like a balancing act. Often, we need to counteract the bustle of daily life with moments close to nature in order to recalibrate and recharge (or else run the risk of burnout). Luckily, a new development in the historic Auckland suburb of Mount Albert is recognising this and is applying it in practical ways.

The Alberton is Auckland’s newest urban village, offering 121 exclusive freehold strata title residences that sit at the intersection of city life, sustainability and the feel of a vibrant village. Behind the striking, architectural facades, each residence is warm, inviting and modern, with spacious private courtyards and verdant surrounds designed to bring residents closer to nature. It’s an idea that is one of The Alberton’s core tenants — that the contemporary urbanite is seeking a sustainable lifestyle, more connected to the natural environment and to the people around them.

From young professionals to those looking to downsize, The Alberton affords its residents’ an escape from the pace of the city, where they can feel as secluded in their own space as they can an integral part of a larger community. Those who call The Alberton home will not only have exclusive access to its communal gardens but will be able to make use of the village’s electric carsharing service. And for anyone with a four-legged friend, a designated dog washing station will be provided on-site, to ensure scruffy pooches don’t muddy up their owners’ pristine interiors.

Speaking of which, the developers at Conrad Properties and the architects at The Leuschke Group have ensured that The Alberton’s residences have been thoughtfully and purposefully appointed — designed to provide all the trappings of modern luxury without any unnecessary fuss or fanfare. Natural finishes meet neutral palettes in such a way that future residents will find it easy to make their own mark on their new homes, while clever indoor-outdoor spaces offer the openness that inner-city living often misses.

But while the Alberton will feel like a departure from the city, its location means that it will be only four minutes drive to the Southwestern motorway, 10 minutes drive to Auckland’s CBD, and a few minutes walk to St Luke’s shopping centre. The deft way in which this development feels simultaneously separate from and integrated into Auckland’s urban landscape contributes to the low-maintenance lifestyle it is set to offer — and is one of the reasons why The Alberton has already attracted early interest. Starting at $1,035,000, 23 of the residences have already presold with the rest expected to sell out by the end of February this year. (See here for more information.)

So if you are seeking a change of pace, without wanting to compromise on the kind of urban lifestyle to which you’ve become accustomed, The Alberton is a concept that embraces the best of both worlds and encourages an outlook on life that is grounded in nature, community and balance.

The Alberton’s onsite display suite is open daily from 11am until 2pm. For expressions of interest and more information, contact Alastair Brown on 021 333 290 or email him here.

www.thealberton.co.nz

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Find seriously good pasta at Pici, the cosy spot proving popular on K’ Road

22 Jan 2021

We’re of the opinion there are few things in life better than a simple yet exquisite plate of handmade pasta, and judging by the popularity of this recently-opened K’ Road pasta restaurant, we’re not alone.

Named Pici, like the satisfyingly sturdy shape of fat spaghetti, this cosy St Kevins Arcade spot is the brainchild of a trio of New Zealanders who returned from overseas in early 2020 with a vision to jointly helm their own venture. Chef Jonny Thevenard, his partner Gemma Hareb and fellow chef Kaz Suzuki were living in London and travelled through Italy together where they fell in love with the beautiful simplicity of traditional Italian cuisine — in particular, pasta.

The humble yet incredibly delicious meals that can be found at the most unassuming neighbourhood trattorias were central to Pici’s inspiration, explains Thevenard. The idea is to try and strip things back, rather than over-complicating things. “I’m not inspired by famous Italian chefs — more like the nonnas that are making this pasta and have done for so long.”

Left: Spaghettini vongole. Right: Foccacia, bresola with thyme and horseradish, tomatoes with stracciatella and white balsamic

Thevenard and Suzuki’s culinary pedigree is sound, with both chefs having cooked under Ben Bayly at The Grove before individually moving overseas, while Hareb heads up the marketing and design side, each bringing their own skills to the operation.

As is the way of it these days, Pici’s menu is designed to share. A selection of antipasti kicks off the tasty offering, and everything is thoughtfully considered. Focaccia is the ideal companion to anything on the menu; we suggest using it to ferry into your mouth vibrant heirloom tomatoes paired with creamy stracciatella and lifted with white balsamic reduction, or the bresola with thyme and horseradish.

Onto the all-important pasta: Pici’s current menu offers six varieties with tweaks dependent on season and supply. The namesake pici is a must for fans of cacio e pepe, while the spaghettini vongole is also popular; full of flavour yet light and fresh with juicy local clams, chilli and herbs. Fettuccine is currently available two ways — deep and umami with prawns and nduja, or summer-fied with zucchini, pomodoro bianco and pecorino. The spaghettini peperoncino, one of the simplest dishes with chilli, garlic, parsley and olive oil, doesn’t disappoint, and rigatoni with pork and fennel sausage ragu will satisfy any carnivore without being too heavy.

Right: Bresola with thyme and horseradish

A side order of the bitter leaves salad is never regretted, and it’d be rude to leave without rounding off with either one of the desserts — there’s a cheesecake and an almond, dark chocolate semifreddo. In our opinion, the cheesecake is one of the best we’ve tried, doused in grassy green extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest and a hearty pinch of sea salt.

Pici’s restaurant manager and ‘wine guy’ James Pain has put together a succinct list that’s equally as considered as the food offering, with a focus on New Zealand and Italian wines and a preference for small producers, natural, low intervention techniques and organic fruit.

“They’re unique because of where they come from,” he says of some lesser-known Italian varietals they stock. “As a simple rule, when you eat food and drink wine from the same place, it’s a great way to make a match.” He also mentions they have an off-license, so if diners love a bottle at dinner, they can take one home with them.

Pici is the latest welcome addition to a dining area of Auckland that’s solidified its reputation for exceptional food in approachable settings, and with an offering this good, we’re already looking forward to our next visit.

Left from top: Pici cacio e pepe, Fettucine with prawns and nduja. Right: Pici’s window illustration by Carly Black

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday 5:30pm — 11:00pm
Friday and Saturday: 5:30pm — 12:00am
Sunday 5:30pm — 10:00pm
Closed Monday
From early February, Pici will also be open for lunch service

Pici
Shop 22, St Kevin's Arcade,
183 Karangahape Road

www.picipasta.co.nz

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Meet Bar Martin, Mt Albert’s charming neighbourhood bar that’s set to be a local favourite

Words Margie Riddiford | 22 Jan 2021

“It’s been a long process to get here,” says Ruben Maurice, breathing a sigh of relief. The owner/operator of Mount Albert’s newest watering hole, Bar Martin, has had to weather a number of uncertainties thrown up by Covid and the Council at different times over the last year, just to get the front doors of his new establishment open. But it has finally happened, and thank God for that.

Bar Martin is the latest in what seems to be a trend towards neighbourhood spots that really emphasise and encourage community. A result, perhaps, of the way this pandemic has ushered in a new perspective around supporting local. The bar itself is intimate without feeling claustrophobic, its front window (through which the afternoon sun streams) offering an inviting tableau of small tables, set against a simple palette of dark timber, crisp white and tones of blue. The vibe is welcoming and inclusive, as ideal for friends catching up as it is for young families wanting a relaxed place to enjoy some food and a drink in the afternoon. (Maurice tells me that it is both “kid and dog friendly”).

From left: The interior features dark wood and crisp colour accents; The meatballs are not to be missed

Out the back, a courtyard with communal tables offers the perfect spot to make the most of long, summer evenings. “We are also opening a small shop in the bar soon where people can get takeaway beers and wines as well as re-fills from the bar’s taps,” says Maurice, explaining how he plans to make use of Bar Martin’s off-license.

On the menu, a number of simple, tasty bites, serve to perfectly complement Bar Martin’s interesting selection of wines (a mix of both conventional and low-intervention). The coppa stagionata (cured pork shoulder) with roast hazelnuts is a definite highlight, as is the sardines with Kōpiko sourdough, seaweed butter and lemon, and the meatballs are not to be passed up.

Above and beyond its food and wine offering and tastefully-appointed fit-out, Bar Martin really has captured the kind of charm you might expect from a beloved neighbourhood spot — one that has been there for years. As Maurice tells me, a focus has been placed on working with and supporting local producers and suppliers, stemming from a desire to support fellow owner/operators, and the whole vibe of the place is sure to draw in local punters who feel the same way.

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 3pm — 10pm
Friday & Saturday: 3pm — 11pm
Sunday: 3pm — 9pm
Closed Mondays

Bar Martin
43 Martin Avenue,
Mount Albert

www.instagram.com/barmartin.nz/

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Auckland Museum welcomes a brand new café, serving nostalgic Kiwi classics with a playful twist

22 Jan 2021

Having spent a grand total of seven years revitalising its offering, Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum reopened late last year to reveal significant changes throughout its spaces. Included in the update is a new store and events space, a renovation of the south entrance, plus a brand new eatery named Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café.

Featuring a menu of familiar classics done well, like fish and chips, mussels and roast lamb, Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café promises to provide a crowd-pleasing selection of bites and beverages for replenishing ones energy after soaking up some culture.

A selection of pizzas include the likes of smoked chicken, bacon, brie and cranberry

A ‘Kiwi High Tea’ includes a nostalgic, playful mix of morsels like snapper pâté and cheese rolls; lamingtons and lolly cake. The duck fat skins are sure to be a must-order, doused in truffle oil and shavings of parmesan with another classic served on the side — Kiwi onion dip. Native New Zealand ingredients are woven throughout the menu; think fried bread with watercress and goats cheese, and buttermilk chicken or buffalo cauliflower with karengo & piripiri.

Little ones are well catered for with the dedicated children’s menu, and a selection of pizzas is sure to go down a treat with the whole family.

The drinks list features cocktails, wine and even an exclusive beer

Tuitui Museum Bistro and Café is fully licensed, with premiere independent craft brewery supplying the brews — they’ve even created an exclusive ‘Tuitui IPA’. New Zealand wines make up the majority of the wine list, with a range of cocktails also available. Keep an eye out for special events when the eatery will be open after hours, and next time you’re feeling peckish while enjoying the verdant surrounds of Auckland Domain, you know where to go.

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 9am — 5pm
Also open until 8:30pm on Tuesdays for Twilight Tuesdays

Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café
Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland Domain
Parnell

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Azabu Mission Bay’s unmissable new Saturday series is serving up cocktails, eats and beats

Words Margie Riddiford | 21 Jan 2021

Ensuring we don’t pull the curtain on summer too early (despite most of us being back at work), Azabu Mission Bay is keeping the good times rolling with its lively new series, Cocktails, Eats & Beats.

Set to start this Saturday and run from 3pm until 6pm every Saturday for the next six weeks, the series, presented by Roku Gin, will deliver seriously good music (thanks to DJs like Bobby Brazuka, Frank Booker, Manual Bundy, Hudge, Chip Matthews and more), refreshing drinks and tasty food. A potent combination, particularly when enjoyed in Azabu Mission Bay’s sprawling, sun-drenched courtyard.

So, make the most of the season by grabbing some friends and indulging in a cocktail or two to ease into the weekend. We’ll be there… will you?

Cocktails, Eats & Beats will take place from 3pm until 6pm every Saturday from the 23rd of January until the 27th of March.

www.azabu.co.nz/mission-bay

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Top hairstylist Matt Benns is back in town (and on the salon floor) for a limited time only

21 Jan 2021

One of our top talents in the hair industry has been making significant waves overseas, and is now back on home turf (and, more importantly, in a local salon) for a limited time only. Matt Benns got his start as a trainee at renowned Auckland salon Stephen Marr in 2007, working his way up to Creative Director for the company by 2014 and moving to London in 2016, then New York in 2017. Having built a formidable portfolio of both in-salon and editorial work already in New Zealand, Benns’ roster of dream jobs, and dream clients, is now fit to burst.

He’s a master O&M colour trainer based at the company’s New York headquarters, and has also been assisting top hairstylist Jawara Wauchope on editorial and commercial shoots since early last year. Through this, Benns has tended to the tresses of Beyoncé for British Vogue and several of the world’s biggest movie stars for Vanity Fair’s 2020 Hollywood issue — plus he was in charge of grooming for Anwar Hadid’s recent Numéro Magazine cover, and so much more.

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We caught up with Benns to hear a bit about how he’s doing, and some of his key inspirations. Read the Q&A below — and, if you’d like to have the very same hands that have coloured Beyoncé’s hair colour yours, we suggest you contact Stephen Marr where he’s taking clients today, the 22nd and 26th of January.

Hi Matt! Welcome back to Aotearoa. How are you feeling upon your return?
Thank you, it’s honestly a crazy feeling. I’m feeling really blessed to be able to return.

What is one of the biggest things you’ve learned?
To be okay with not having long term plans. Before the pandemic, I was constantly thinking about what was next — I still do of course, but at a much healthier pace. The pandemic has changed the way we’re able to work especially in the beauty industry, our jobs require touch and human interaction so it has affected the pace that we can work. Also, the importance and value of community. We all have been through it, some more than others, and as New Yorkers we pulled through and supported each other in many ways. I felt very privileged to be a part of that.

Talk us through a typical day for you if you have a big shoot in the works.
Depending on the shoot, the brief is emailed through a day before and we research, sourcing from historical moments, films, art, and books. We have a library of pre-researched works that we draw from that’s updated constantly. If needed, we pre-colour wigs, pre-style wigs and sometimes we travel too — all our kits need to be ready. Once on set, we unpack and begin working, however we usually have about 85 percent of work pre-done to make time on set as smooth as possible. This leaves room to make quick changes if something isn’t working. There are loads of things that are getting ready at this time, like set-build, styling, lights, photo, etc. so efficiency is crucial.

Any strong hair trends emerging that you can pinpoint?
At this moment in time because of the pandemic and major shifts in beauty norms, there is nothing I can define as a trend. I really don’t think this type of forecast is overly relevant in beauty, which is actually really exciting. We’re expressing ourselves with more fluidity and confidence, looking internally and pulling from our own backgrounds.

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Could you share some key advice for taking care of your tresses in summer?
I think the biggest advice I could give anyone over summer is to avoid heat as much as possible, the less you work your hair the better. I do a lot of “fake haircuts” which is a very quick dusting of the ends.

Who or what inspires you?
People and books are heavy sources of inspiration. I’m lucky enough to be in New York where there are libraries of books I can access. I can spend hours in a bookstore or a library.

And what else are you planning on getting up to while you’re here?
Spending as much time at the beach as possible, this trip was very last minute and unexpected — I’ve worked on a few shoots already while I’ve been back, hoping to collaborate with this new influx of talent we have here.

In recent times, what is the best…

Podcast you’ve listened to?
I listen to The New York Times The Daily ritually.

Book you’ve read?
Assata: An Autobiography

Show you’ve watched?
I’ve started HBO’s Veneno and recently finished the Netflix Fran Lebowitz documentary by Martin Scorsese Pretend It’s a City — brilliant!

Meal you’ve eaten?
Brunch yesterday at Honey Bones, the Istanbul eggs.

Item you’ve purchased?
A USM Modular cabinet from my favourite NYC furniture store Lichen.

Social media account you follow?
@samyoukillis is my favourite.

Song you’ve heard?
‘Love Me Tonight’ by Fern Kinney (my summer jam).

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From the team behind Amano, Alma is the new restaurant bringing a taste of southern Spain to Britomart

20 Jan 2021

When we heard the formidable team behind Amano, Ortolana and The Store were opening an Andalusian restaurant in Auckland, needless to say our bellies were already rumbling in anticipation. Named Alma, the new venture from Hip Group opened its doors just before Christmas at 130 Quay Street, Britomart, and centres on the delicious flavours and warm, relaxed energy of the southern Spanish region.

Borne from a trip to Andalusia undertaken two years ago by the company’s founder and CEO Jackie Grant, COO and Executive Chef Jo Pearson and General Manager Natasha Parkinson, the founding of Alma has been a welcome opportunity for their offering to expand and for the team to explore a new cuisine, Parkinson tells me.

The site appealed because, similar to Amano, it is a historic building with a great sense of space, she explains. “The feel of the room was incredible from the get-go.” Jack McKinney Architects once again worked on the fit-out, which was kept timeless and classic rather than too themed. “We wanted it to feel really homely, with the amazing brickwork and tiling, and the beautiful open fire and hearth,” says Parkinson.

It is on this fire that the majority of Alma’s dishes are cooked, allowing a thread of smokiness to underpin the menu — the conception and execution of which is in the capable hands of Jo Pearson. Having fallen in love with the south of Spain the first time she visited in 2006, Pearson says she was especially intrigued by the ingredients of the region. Andalusian food is a harmonious blend of cultures, she explains, and the Moorish (Arabic and North African) influences are what have made it so rich.

This amalgamation is what she likes about it; plus the fact that it’s an enjoyment-focused cuisine rather than being too serious. “That’s what inspired Alma; I love the food and where it’s come from, but I’m also passionate about New Zealand products and the provenance of them.”

As to be expected, the menu centres on small plates or tapas, with Pearson’s spin imparting a fresh take. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is possible to pop in for a quick snack, a satisfying bite to eat or a long and languid meal enjoyed for hours — and while the menu is, of course, great to share, it is possible to eat in a more traditional entree-mains-dessert type of way if that’s your style. If sharing, you might start with Olasagasti anchovies and tomatoes on toast, some Iberian ham and a mussel escabeche with kohlrabi; followed by crayfish tail cooked with tarragon and samphire, a rabbit empanada with cucumber and toum (a type of garlic sauce), and maybe even finish with lamb chops or a rib eye steak.

The drinks offering is as considered as the food, with Parkinson having crafted a list that stays true to the region. You’ll find plenty of imported Spanish wines, and New Zealand-grown Spanish varietals like Tempranillo and Albariño. Sherries and vermouths are also championed, with the former a delicious (and underrated) drop to sip throughout a meal, and the latter ideal for before and after. Gin and tonics, popular in Spain, have also been given special attention, with an extensive list and customisable garnishes and tonics.

The name Alma means “feeds the soul, lifts the spirit”, and with this new venture we have no doubt the team responsible will succeed in doing both.

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 7am — late

Alma
130 Quay Street,
Britomart

09 801 6021

alma.nz

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Meet the innovative new inner-city eatery delivering a delicious take on vegetarian dining

Words Margie Riddiford | 20 Jan 2021

East, an intriguing new eatery on Nelson Street, is the realisation of a passion project for its vegetarian owners, the Jhunjhnuwala family. Armed with a love for the vibrant and complex flavours of Asian cooking and a desire to create an eatery that heroed taste as much as it upheld an ethos of sustainability, the Jhunjhnuwala family assembled a team of experts to help bring their vision of an entirely vegetarian venture to life.

Advising on the menu and helping to develop the eatery’s creative presence was renowned hospitality consultant Andrew Glenn (co-founder of Waiheke’s The Oyster Inn), while on the drinks side, Simon Kelly lent his years of experience in the wine and spirit industry to developing East’s beverage offering (which has seen it become one of the few restaurants in New Zealand to boast a 100 percent organic and vegan wine list).

From left: Design firm Luchetti Krelle are behind the sleek interior; Seventy-five percent of the menu is vegan

In addition, Ben Legget took up the post of consultant mixologist, offering his impressive expertise to East’s comprehensive cocktail list. (Highlights include the Umeshu Dandy — a mix of Mars Cosmo Maltage whisky, sweet vermouth, houraisen kanjuku umeshu, coffee, pimento bitters and lapsang souchong atomiser — and the Shochu Sesame Sour — combining hombo shuzo shocho, lemon juice, honey, sesame grapefruit and hops bitters.)

Not forgetting the fit-out, East’s sleek interior was created by award-winning architecture and design firm Luchetti Krelle (responsible for restaurants like Longrain in Tokyo and Acme in Sydney). Inside, a modern monochromatic palette offers an oasis of calm, lent depth and originality by geometric flooring and tonal moments like lush, forest green seating and jewel-toned walls.

From left: Dan Dan noodles; The interior features forest green seating and jewel-toned walls

On the menu, flavours are vast and varied but presented in a way that feels carefully curated and concise (the sign of an experienced hand at the helm). Head Chef Harmeet Singh (formerly the head chef at one of Mumbai’s leading Asian restaurants, Bamboo), leads an experienced team in the kitchen, representing the culinary traditions of Japan, Hong Kong, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India. This diverse spread has materialised in dishes like Dan Dan noodles, Peking jackfruit pancakes with tapioca chips and plum sauce, Southern Thai yellow curry, steamed mushroom Cheung fun and ginger caramelised bang bang shitake mushrooms. Seventy-five percent of the menu is vegan, 70 percent of it is gluten-free, and all of it is designed to share.

What seems to set East’s food offering apart, is the process of meticulous experimentation and the development of special techniques undertaken by those in the kitchen, which has resulted in dishes that deliver the necessary flavours and textures without having to rely on meat. The chefs even created all of their own sauces, including a nham jim, a prik man pla and a special vegan ‘XO.’ As such, the menu is a treat for the tastebuds, running the full gamut of pan-Asian flavours, from the sweet to the sour, to the piquant, to the all-important umami — and everything in between. Importantly, you don’t have to be a vegetarian or a vegan to enjoy a meal at East. Its food is delicious, inclusive and certain to find fans among the ranks of meat-eaters as much as it is to delight the herbivores who now have another tasty option in Auckland.

East

63-67 Nelson Street
Auckland Central
Auckland

(09) 399 2361

www.easteats.co.nz

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This idyllic North Shore development offers the best of both worlds

20 Jan 2021

We feel we can safely say, there’s no better place to be in the world right now than Aotearoa. The many merits of our biggest city certainly have a lot to do with this notion, and now an exciting new property proposition promises to make the best of all Auckland has to offer.

The Reserve is a stunning north-facing site overlooking the Long Bay-Okura marine reserve and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf in the east. Comprising 29 lots of unspoilt land spread over 130 hectares, this patch of North Shore heaven has been elegantly refurbished by Todd Property Group to make sure it sensitively complements its waterfront setting.

New entrances and roads make for ultimate ease of access, while the technology and amenities are world-class — think lightning-fast fibre, smart street lighting, comprehensive CCTV coverage and gate automation.

Plus, extensive planting supports the local ecology and overall land management, with riparian planting of native species along the area’s natural streams helping to maintain their purity.

Residents of this idyllic site are to be in possession of the best of both worlds: a harmonious lifestyle that is enhanced considerably by the close proximity to nature, and an easy 10-minute drive to Long Bay village and its convenient facilities, or a 10-minute drive to State Highway 01. Downtown Auckland is also accessible in under half an hour from The Reserve, where all its humming culture, retail and hospitality offerings await.

With each of the lots within The Reserve sitting at around four hectares, there is ample space to inspire residents’ imaginations to run free and create a home to be treasured for decades to come. Picture a plethora of outdoor wonders close to hand to make the most of your downtime; from bush walks to beach runs, kayaking or paddle-boarding on the estuary to cycling on the bike trail.

If all the aforementioned doesn’t wholly sum up the meaning of ‘quality of life’, we don’t know what does.

All lots within The Reserve are available now — register your interest on the website at thereserve.estate.

thereserve.estate

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Searching for your next inspiring read? Make it a memoir with these recently-released masterpieces

20 Jan 2021

Through reading in detail about the lives of inspiring people, we can often learn about ourselves and absorb important life lessons by proxy. These recently-released memoirs are inspiring indeed, from a war zone reporter to a famous comedian; a superstar diva to a former POTUS — step into the shoes of these fascinating industry leaders this summer.

On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist by Clarissa Ward
Globally-renowned for her war zone reporting, award-winning journalist Clarissa Ward pens a riveting account of her life and a career that has taken her from one conflict hotzone to the next, from Beijing to Baghdad, Moscow to Syria. Using her ability to speak seven languages to find the real stories in these foreign lands, she tells heartbreaking tales with the empathy that made her such a beloved voice in journalism, and underpins why work like hers is absolutely vital in our understanding of the complexities of the world.

Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld
Over the course of his five-decade-long career, comedian Jerry Seinfeld has saved all of his material. Now, he has selected some of his favourite bits, organised by decade, to turn into a hilarious book that (beyond its comedy chops) offers insight into the evolution of a comedic genius.

The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey with Michaela Angela Davis
Told in Mariah Carey’s own words, this unfiltered memoir offers a glimpse inside the storied life and career of one of the most iconic divas of our time. From the abuse she suffered as a child to becoming a household name, even sharing some of her most infamous diva moments, this revelatory read is Mariah as we’ve never heard her before.

A Promised Land by Barack Obama
The man himself needs no introduction, but many of us might not be familiar with former POTUS Barack Obama’s backstory and the process of his ascension to becoming the 44th president of the United States, the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office. In this deeply personal first volume of his presidential memoirs, Obama both reflects on the beginnings of his political aspirations and brings readers inside the Oval Office, sharing his thoughts from key moments throughout his eight year tenure.

Friends & Enemies: A Life in Vogue, Prison and Park Avenue by Barbara Amiel
Barbara Amiel is a journalist of particular renown. Her life has been dramatic and glamorous, peppered with extravagant parties, prolific legal battles and famous friends (alongside more than a few enemies), but until now, no one has been privy to the true story of this journalistic legend — a woman who was well ahead of her time.

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Upgrade your iced coffee with this utterly delicious and totally decadent frappé recipe

19 Jan 2021

Known for its impressive variety of coffee blends, Nespresso is meticulous and considered when creating its barista-quality capsules, all of which have become integral to our daily routines. Now, as we emerge from the haziness of summer to be thrown unceremoniously back into the working week, Nespresso has released a distinctly cool new range and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Barista Creations For Ice is the culmination of five years of research into the perfect iced coffee, over which time, the brand examined coffee blends from around the world that come alive when served cold. The result? Two new capsules designed to be enjoyed exclusively over ice.

Distinctive and refreshing, the Freddo Delicato and Freddo Intenso are ideal summertime pick-me-ups, the former a lightly-roasted, fruity blend, the latter, an indulgent, more full-bodied variety. And while it’s impossible to pick a favourite, it’s with the Freddo Intenso that we have recently started making this choc-coconut frappé — a drink so good we’re wondering how we’ll ever go back to our regular order.

Arguably the only way to really enjoy coffee over summer, this frappé is a little bit sweet, entirely satiating and the perfect way to keep spirits lifted on a warm afternoon. Here’s the recipe — you can thank us later.

Choc-coconut frappé recipe
Makes 1

Ingredients:
1 capsule of Nespresso Freddo Intenso
90g ice cubes
100ml coconut milk
1 scoop of chocolate ice cream
50ml whipped cream
1 tsp chocolate powder
1 tbsp toasted coconut flakes

Method:
1. Put ice cubes, coconut milk and ice cream into a blender.
2. Extract the Freddo Intenso using the espresso cup size and pour into the blender after the cold ingredients.
3. Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass.
4. Add a garnish of whipped cream and top with sprinklings of chocolate powder and toasted coconut flakes.

Enjoy!

www.nespresso.com/nz

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Watch: The Lodge Bar’s Matt Lambert shows us how to make the ultimate grilled summer dessert

16 Jan 2021

Internationally venerated, New Zealand-born chef Matt Lambert has recently returned to our shores to helm Rodd & Gunn’s The Lodge Bar & Dining in Auckland and Queenstown’s The Lodge Bar. Having overseen operations from New York since 2017, Lambert is now able to do so directly, and is excited to evolve the offering even further now he’s back on home soil.

To celebrate his homecoming just in time for summer, Lambert shares three easy recipes to cook on the grill — beachside or at home. Deep, smoky grilled flavours are a huge part of The Lodge Bar’s offering, and Lambert is as expert as they come at utilising the delicious caramelisation of cooking over charcoal.

This grilled strawberry, pea and cream dessert might sound unusual, but trust us — the grill brings out the beautiful sweetness of fresh peas in a delightful way; when combined with grilled strawberries and charcoal-caramelised cream, it’s a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:
Strawberries
Fresh peas, shelled
Cream

Method:
1. Grill some strawberries, to bring out and intensify the sugars in the fruit.
2. Put your peas inside an all-metal sieve and cook them directly over the embers. This also amplifies the sugar within the pea, and gives a smoky sweetness.
3. Using tongs, take your coals and put them in a metal pot. It’s important you put something under the pot like a board.
4. Pour your cream directly over the coals. You don’t want to submerge the coals, if you’re doing that, you’re using too much cream.
5. To serve, arrange the grilled strawberries on a plate, with the grilled peas on top, and drizzle the caramelised cream on top.

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Broaden your horizons with contemporary poetry books you simply must read

16 Jan 2021

Finding that biography a little too dense, or that novel too lengthy? Why not dip into a book of modern poetry? From satire to reflective, lyrical to culturally important, these poem volumes might just have you inspired to pick up the pen yourself.

Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown: Verses for a Despotic Age by John Lithgow
Award-winning actor, author and illustrator, John Lithgow, has delivered a follow-up to his widely-acclaimed Dumpty, in which he once again pens a number of hard-hitting, darkly funny satirical poems in response to Donald Trump’s America.

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Rey
Comprising 30 original poems, this debut book by acclaimed singer Lana Del Rey is an extension of her romantic, poetic songwriting. The anthology has an accompanying audiobook featuring each piece as a spoken word poem, with music by renowned producer, Jack Antonoff.

Home Body by Rupi Kaur
From the number one New York Times bestselling author of Milk and Honey and The Sun and Her Flowers, comes a new anthology. Home Body sees Rupi Kaur embark on a reflective, intimate journey into her past as she traces its lineage in her present, and encourages us all to have raw, honest conversations with ourselves.

African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle & Song by Kevin Young
The most comprehensive anthology of Black poetry ever published, this book features over 250 poets from the colonial period to the present, underlining the crucial importance of Black poetry and highlighting why African American poetry is flourishing now more than ever.

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Biologique Recherche fans rejoice, the cult skincare range is now available in New Zealand

15 Jan 2021

Fans of French skincare brand Biologique Recherche — of which there are many — will know what a labour of love it has been until now to source the brand’s cult products on our shores, let alone any beauty services utilising its effective powers. Now, wily shipping methods or overseas travel are no longer a necessity for those wanting to benefit from the Biologique Recherche methodology, as the highly-anticipated Sofitel Spa has opened at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, and is the exclusive New Zealand stockist of the brand.

While the Biologique Recherche offering consists of over 100 facial products, 30 body and 10 hair products, the best-known skincare solution is the iconic Lotion P50. A purifying, cleansing, reconditioning and exfoliating toner, P50 is name-checked by countless skincare experts and celebrities as their secret weapon when it comes to glowing skin. Promising a smoother, brighter and less congested visage, it is the pungent potion that will continue to boost the results of any beauty treatments at home.

Sofitel Spa has everything one could need to truly indulge in a wellbeing and beauty journey. With its harbourside location and tranquil waterfall, the spa offers the option to begin one’s session with time in the sauna or steam room, kicking off the relaxation even before one lies on the treatment bed.

“As a whole, we’re all about wellness — it’s not clinical,” explains Sofitel Spa’s manager Rebecca Dawson. “We want people to feel relaxed, but also like they’re getting results.”

Among Sofitel Spa’s varied and substantial treatment menu are signature treatments centred on Biologique Recherche’s highly efficacious products, harnessing the brand’s highly customised approach to offer bespoke results for each and every client.

“Biologique Recherche has been formulated by a microbiologist and medical doctors, however the in-spa treatments were designed by a physiotherapist, so they are guided by the muscle fibres — it’s all about lifting and toning,” explains Dawson. “The products are raw-formulated, so there’s no heat involved, and no fragrances either, as the creators didn’t want to jeopardise the efficacy of the active ingredients.”

The Instant Skin Lab is the cornerstone of the brand’s methodology, a unique and exclusive system of analysis, diagnosis and prescription. This is used as part of the consultation to ensure the creation of a treatment schedule that works towards a skin objective or intent, and is able to monitor which proposed ministrations will be suitable. Using five different probes, it measures the state of different skin functions including hydration, barrier function, elasticity and pigmentation in order to design a custom facial treatment.

The Micro Puncture Facial might sound intense, but the results are sure to speak for themselves. Designed to remodel the deeper dermal layer of the skin, the treatment is intended to promote increased regeneration, and a smoother, firmer visage. Utilising a similar approach to microneedling, which stimulates collagen production and increased product penetration, this facial sees the application of Cocktail d’Actifs Regenerants serum boosting vitality and nourishment with its 56 active ingredients.

Having a facial or beauty treatment purely for the relaxation aspect is lovely, but when the outcome manifests as visible results, the combination is unbeatable. We’re certainly a fan of both in tandem, and the famed reputation of Biologique Recherche experienced within the holistic indulgence of Sofitel Spa is a match made in beauty heaven.

www.sofitel-auckland.com/sofitel-spa

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The photographer behind everyone’s favourite coffee table book has released an equally adorable sequel

13 Jan 2021

In a bid to put a more personal spin on some of the most impressive interiors and architecture around the world, Melbourne-based photographer Nicole England sought a fresh perspective. From her experience as an architecture and interior photographer, England had noticed how a home really came alive when its fluffy resident wandered into shot, and so, she decided to make it her focus.

In her first Resident Dog book, England photographed 25 homes across Australia, while for this, her second, the photographer looked further afield, documenting homes and their furry residents in places as far as the United States, Britain and Mexico as well. While her unique focus gave her unprecedented access to some incredible, private spaces, it also proves the photographer’s point: that our four-legged friends transform a house into a home.

FoxyLady is the rescue dog of a glamorous New York couple who have filled their maximalist Greenwich townhouse with a wonderfully eclectic mix of tones, textures and sculptural touches. Although her breed is unknown, FoxyLady brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the home, from her charismatic presence to her love of luxuriating on the sumptuous furnishings.

Rosie the seven-year-old cavapoo loves nothing more than trotting around the gardens (designed by none other than Lady Mary Keen) of her family’s RIBA-winning, sprawling country home in the Cotswolds. Finally, she has the space she needs to run around unimpeded by the boundaries of her city house in London

A dog sure to have sophisticated tastes in contemporary art (so curated is her owner’s collection) Miracle lives in Braelin, the historic Sydney home designed by Donald Esplin in 1918. The heritage nature of this home means that Miracle is often only allowed to snooze on one of her two cosy dog beds (instead of the furniture) but she still loves a cuddle with her owner, co-founder of Voiceless, a global institution for animal protection.

The fitting abode for four rescue dogs, Silvertop is a home with an interesting history, originally designed by architect John Lautner for Kenneth Reiner before the latter became bankrupt and the house was left to languish. It was then rescued by a family who made it liveable for them and their motley crew of pups, Daisy, Iggy, Clover and Ambrose Bear, adopted from different California shelters. And in this monolithic, concrete-covered house, it’s these resident dogs that make it feel like a home.

In this contemporary Malibu beach house festooned in tactile details and sculptural furnishings, mixed-breed pup Willie fits perfectly into the palette. Whether he’s swanning around the Kelly Wearstler-finished interiors or sunning himself in his favourite spot on the deck, this laid-back pooch is living the life.

www.residentdog.net

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Embrace eco-luxury at its finest with a stay at this exquisite high-country homestead

12 Jan 2021

Promising an escape into nature, Mahu Whenua offers luxury accommodation in the middle of a sprawling eco-sanctuary, 20 minutes drive from Wanaka.

With a name that literally translates to ‘healing the land,’ it’s hardly surprising that Mahu Whenua is a place of conservation. In fact, it is the largest conservation undertaking on private land in New Zealand’s history, with sustainable farming practices and a successful native bird breeding programme.

Owned by music producer Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange, who combined four high country stations into around 55,000 hectares of exquisite uninterrupted nature, this retreat includes five individual Ridgeline Suites, each able to accommodate a couple, although the entire property can also be booked exclusively for 12 people.

Onsite, you’ll find stables, a large open living room, dining room, library and a number of outdoor areas from which to take in the lush green valleys, alpine lakes and grand, mountainous landscapes of the property’s surrounds.

So, whether you want to horse ride, mountain bike and hike, or would rather just dabble in some yoga and a few spa treatments, Mahu Whenua encourages everyone to experience its unique location in their own way.

www.mahuwhenua.co.nz

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