Everything the Denizen editors are shopping this weekend

As the latest collections arrive in our favourite local boutiques, there has never been a better time to shop from the wide variety of chic new arrivals. From international luxury houses to local labels, these are the pieces we’re coveting right now (that that you should consider putting in your cart, too).

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Re-Nylon Single-Breasted Jacket

Re-Nylon Single-Breasted Jacket

Re-Nylon Single-Breasted Jacket

Re-Nylon Single-Breasted Jacket

Available from Prada

Men's LV Waimea Sunglasses

Men's LV Waimea Sunglasses

Men's LV Waimea Sunglasses

Men's LV Waimea Sunglasses

Available from Louis Vuitton

Greca Border One-Piece

Greca Border One-Piece

Greca Border One-Piece

Greca Border One-Piece

Available from Versace

Wynn Hamlyn Monica Tank Dress

Wynn Hamlyn Monica Tank Dress

Wynn Hamlyn Monica Tank Dress

Wynn Hamlyn Monica Tank Dress

Available from Workshop

Loewe Balloon Sandals

Loewe Balloon Sandals

Loewe Balloon Sandals

Loewe Balloon Sandals

Available from Faradays

D-Renaissance Choker

D-Renaissance Choker

D-Renaissance Choker

D-Renaissance Choker

Available from Christian Dior

Alain Polo

Alain Polo

Alain Polo

Alain Polo

Available from Dadelszen

Washed Denim Wide Brim Hat

Washed Denim Wide Brim Hat

Washed Denim Wide Brim Hat

Washed Denim Wide Brim Hat

Available from Gucci

Adidas x Gucci Cotton Jersey Dress

Adidas x Gucci Cotton Jersey Dress

Adidas x Gucci Cotton Jersey Dress

Adidas x Gucci Cotton Jersey Dress

Available from Gucci

 Givenchy U-Lock Denim Dress

Givenchy U-Lock Denim Dress

 Givenchy U-Lock Denim Dress

Givenchy U-Lock Denim Dress

Available from Faradays

Re-Nylon Headband

Re-Nylon Headband

Re-Nylon Headband

Re-Nylon Headband

Available from Prada

Dioract Sandal

Dioract Sandal

Dioract Sandal

Dioract Sandal

Available from  Christian Dior

Large Book Tote

Large Book Tote

Large Book Tote

Large Book Tote

Available from Christian Dior

Soleil Patchwork Shirtdress

Soleil Patchwork Shirtdress

Soleil Patchwork Shirtdress

Soleil Patchwork Shirtdress

Available from Alémais

LV Touch Cap

LV Touch Cap

LV Touch Cap

LV Touch Cap

Available from Louis Vuitton

Bottega Veneta Lantern Intrecciato Leather Pouch on Strap

Bottega Veneta Lantern Intrecciato Leather Pouch on Strap

Bottega Veneta Lantern Intrecciato Leather Pouch on Strap

Bottega Veneta Lantern Intrecciato Leather Pouch on Strap

Available from Harrolds

Alexandre Vauthier Jacket Dress

Alexandre Vauthier Jacket Dress

Alexandre Vauthier Jacket Dress

Alexandre Vauthier Jacket Dress

Available from Faradays

Off-The-Shoulder Jacket

Off-The-Shoulder Jacket

Off-The-Shoulder Jacket

Off-The-Shoulder Jacket

Available from Dior

Rolex Lady Date Just in Oyster Yellow Gold and Diamonds, 28mm

Rolex Lady Date Just in Oyster Yellow Gold and Diamonds, 28mm

Rolex Lady Date Just in Oyster Yellow Gold and Diamonds, 28mm

Rolex Lady Date Just in Oyster Yellow Gold and Diamonds, 28mm

Available from Partridge Jewellers

Harris Tapper Harry Trouser

Harris Tapper Harry Trouser

Harris Tapper Harry Trouser

Harris Tapper Harry Trouser

Available from Muse Boutique

Signature 3D Pocket Monogram T-Shirt

Signature 3D Pocket Monogram T-Shirt

Signature 3D Pocket Monogram T-Shirt

Signature 3D Pocket Monogram T-Shirt

Available from Louis Vuitton

Interlocking G crystal earrings

Interlocking G crystal earrings

Interlocking G crystal earrings

Interlocking G crystal earrings

Available from Gucci

Gingham Check Shirt

Gingham Check Shirt

Gingham Check Shirt

Gingham Check Shirt

Available from Prada

Panther Jungle Motif Square 90

Panther Jungle Motif Square 90

Panther Jungle Motif Square 90

Panther Jungle Motif Square 90

Available from Cartier

Men's Diorizon Ankle Boot

Men's Diorizon Ankle Boot

Men's Diorizon Ankle Boot

Men's Diorizon Ankle Boot

Available from Christian Dior

Loewe Flamenco Clutch Large Bag

Loewe Flamenco Clutch Large Bag

Loewe Flamenco Clutch Large Bag

Loewe Flamenco Clutch Large Bag

Available from Faradays

James Perse French Terry Contrast Short

James Perse French Terry Contrast Short

James Perse French Terry Contrast Short

James Perse French Terry Contrast Short

Available from Workshop

Rib Chocker

Rib Chocker

Rib Chocker

Rib Chocker

Available from Balenciaga

Clay Belted Midi Dress

Clay Belted Midi Dress

Clay Belted Midi Dress

Clay Belted Midi Dress

Available from Aje

Mid-heel Pump with Ankle Cuff

Mid-heel Pump with Ankle Cuff

Mid-heel Pump with Ankle Cuff

Mid-heel Pump with Ankle Cuff

Available from Gucci

Vanessa Bruno Nello Jean

Vanessa Bruno Nello Jean

Vanessa Bruno Nello Jean

Vanessa Bruno Nello Jean

Available from Workshop

St. Agni Sheer Shirt

St. Agni Sheer Shirt

St. Agni Sheer Shirt

St. Agni Sheer Shirt

Available from Muse

Tiffany Lock Bangle

Tiffany Lock Bangle

Tiffany Lock Bangle

Tiffany Lock Bangle

Available from Tiffany & Co.

Boston Overnight Bag

Boston Overnight Bag

Boston Overnight Bag

Boston Overnight Bag

Available from Dadelszen

Isabel Marant Dipoma Denim Skirt

Isabel Marant Dipoma Denim Skirt

Isabel Marant Dipoma Denim Skirt

Isabel Marant Dipoma Denim Skirt

Available from Workshop

Vintage Alhambra Bracelet

Vintage Alhambra Bracelet

Vintage Alhambra Bracelet

Vintage Alhambra Bracelet

Available from Van Cleef & Arpels

Cleo Crop

Cleo Crop

Cleo Crop

Cleo Crop

Available from Caitlin Crisp

Georgia Sandals

Georgia Sandals

Georgia Sandals

Georgia Sandals

Available from Saint Laurent

1AAHFH Military Hooded Blouson

1AAHFH Military Hooded Blouson

1AAHFH Military Hooded Blouson

1AAHFH Military Hooded Blouson

Available from Louis Vuitton

Gabardine Shorts

Gabardine Shorts

Gabardine Shorts

Gabardine Shorts

Available from Moncler

Paloma's Melody Ring

Paloma's Melody Ring

Paloma's Melody Ring

Paloma's Melody Ring

Available from Tiffany & Co.

Men's Givenchy Crewneck 4G Thread Sweater

Men's Givenchy Crewneck 4G Thread Sweater

Men's Givenchy Crewneck 4G Thread Sweater

Men's Givenchy Crewneck 4G Thread Sweater

Available from Faradays

Chocolate brushed leather loafers

Chocolate brushed leather loafers

Chocolate brushed leather loafers

Chocolate brushed leather loafers

Available from Prada

Oceans Bounty

Oceans Bounty

Oceans Bounty

Oceans Bounty

Available from Sutcliffe

Long Sleeveless Dress

Long Sleeveless Dress

Long Sleeveless Dress

Long Sleeveless Dress

Available from Saint Laurent

Socorie 120 Platform Sandals

Socorie 120 Platform Sandals

Socorie 120 Platform Sandals

Socorie 120 Platform Sandals

Available from Jimmy Choo

Cartier Tank Must

Cartier Tank Must

Cartier Tank Must

Cartier Tank Must

Available from Partridge Jewellers

1AAGRI Long-Sleeved Shirt

1AAGRI Long-Sleeved Shirt

1AAGRI Long-Sleeved Shirt

1AAGRI Long-Sleeved Shirt

Available from Louis Vuitton

 Loewe Luna Anagram Bag

Loewe Luna Anagram Bag

 Loewe Luna Anagram Bag

Loewe Luna Anagram Bag

Available from Faradays

Perlée Clovers Hoop Earrings

Perlée Clovers Hoop Earrings

Perlée Clovers Hoop Earrings

Perlée Clovers Hoop Earrings

Available from Van Cleef & Arpels

Loewe Cropped Anagram Tank Top

Loewe Cropped Anagram Tank Top

Loewe Cropped Anagram Tank Top

Loewe Cropped Anagram Tank Top

Available from Faradays

Men's Saffiano Triangle Bag

Men's Saffiano Triangle Bag

Men's Saffiano Triangle Bag

Men's Saffiano Triangle Bag

Available from Prada

Adidas x Gucci GG Trefoil Jacquard Shirt

Adidas x Gucci GG Trefoil Jacquard Shirt

Adidas x Gucci GG Trefoil Jacquard Shirt

Adidas x Gucci GG Trefoil Jacquard Shirt

Available from Gucci

Men's Large Baggy Jeans

Men's Large Baggy Jeans

Men's Large Baggy Jeans

Men's Large Baggy Jeans

Available from Balenciaga

Serpentine Tote

Serpentine Tote

Serpentine Tote

Serpentine Tote

Available from Bulgari

Olivia Von Halle Emeli Pyjama Set

Olivia Von Halle Emeli Pyjama Set

Olivia Von Halle Emeli Pyjama Set

Olivia Von Halle Emeli Pyjama Set

Available from Faradays

Piaget Possession Open Bangle Bracelet

Piaget Possession Open Bangle Bracelet

Piaget Possession Open Bangle Bracelet

Piaget Possession Open Bangle Bracelet

Available from Partridge Jewellers

Men's Defender Trainers

Men's Defender Trainers

Men's Defender Trainers

Men's Defender Trainers

Available from Balenciaga

Isabel Marant Jinelima Dress

Isabel Marant Jinelima Dress

Isabel Marant Jinelima Dress

Isabel Marant Jinelima Dress

Available from Workshop

Bather Floral Coastal Pineapple Short

Bather Floral Coastal Pineapple Short

Bather Floral Coastal Pineapple Short

Bather Floral Coastal Pineapple Short

Available from Workshop

Bouquet Transformable Earrings

Bouquet Transformable Earrings

Bouquet Transformable Earrings

Bouquet Transformable Earrings

Available from Sutcliffe

Hourglass Wallet with Chain

Hourglass Wallet with Chain

Hourglass Wallet with Chain

Hourglass Wallet with Chain

Available from Balenciaga

Men's Squared Interlocking G Buckle Belt

Men's Squared Interlocking G Buckle Belt

Men's Squared Interlocking G Buckle Belt

Men's Squared Interlocking G Buckle Belt

Available from Gucci

Serpenti Viper Necklace

Serpenti Viper Necklace

Serpenti Viper Necklace

Serpenti Viper Necklace

Available from Bulgari

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Available from Partridge Jewellers

Re-Nylon Shorts

Re-Nylon Shorts

Re-Nylon Shorts

Re-Nylon Shorts

Available from Prada

Loewe Blue Inflated Mask Sunglasses

Loewe Blue Inflated Mask Sunglasses

Loewe Blue Inflated Mask Sunglasses

Loewe Blue Inflated Mask Sunglasses

Available from Parker & Co

Cashmere Tee

Cashmere Tee

Cashmere Tee

Cashmere Tee

Available from Dadelszen

Rivoli Sneaker

Rivoli Sneaker

Rivoli Sneaker

Rivoli Sneaker

Available from Louis Vuitton

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Meet SuMei, the new Asian-fusion restaurant drawing us south of the city

There are few places we won’t venture for delicious, authentic Asian food — whether it be to the depths of a niche food market, or in this case, to Auckland’s southernmost suburb, to uncover a hidden gem. From its delicious-looking dumplings to its stellar reviews, SuMei is the tasty new Asian-fusion restaurant that has taken up residence in Pukekohe, and while we’ve been told that locals have been craving something of this calibre for some time, after visiting, even us city slickers had to admit that it was a destination worthy of the drive.

SuMei is the brainchild of veteran chef Eugene Hamilton and his wife, Hannah. As Pukekohe residents themselves, they’ve committed their culinary careers to delivering the kinds of dining experiences locally, that their neighbours have spent years driving into the city for. And after the success of their first venue, popular gastropub Franklin’s Bar & Eatery (located just over the road from SuMei) the duo felt it was time to take the next step.

The vision behind SuMei was to create a restaurant in which the duo could bring their favourite Asian cuisines together in a way that both retained the integrity of each dish while offering something fresh. (Meaning there would be no fusion unless the plate called for it.) Hamilton pulled on his five years working in kitchens in Japan to create a menu that feels innovative and elevated, boasting a range of dishes full of rich, interesting flavours that speak to cuisines across Asia, although in a very curated way.

SuMei’s dumplings are perhaps its most sought-after offering, all of which are handmade with love by two professional dumpling chefs (one even being fourth-generation). Because of their traditional background, their jaws hit the floor (we’re told) when Hamilton suggested he wanted to try more elevated fillings like paua, squid ink and coriander, or duck, cherry and spinach – although the delicious results speak for themselves. And its not just in the fillings that SuMei’s dumplings push the envelope. Here, gluten-free options are not only offered but encouraged (meaning there are finally dumplings suitable for celiac folk). It’s a commitment that continues across the entire menu, with every dish (but one) able to be made entirely gluten-free, alongside ample delicious dairy-free and vegetarian options for all.

“People with celiac have been treated with a lot of contempt in the past,” Hamilton explains. “So we pride ourselves on our ability to take on any dietary requirements; preferable or medical — it doesn’t matter. It’s not our job to tell people how they should eat.”

And while the food is reason enough to visit, SuMei, its drinks menu offers the perfect accompaniment. The curated and inspired list of cocktails are designed to pair beautifully with the food offering, and feature traditional Asian ingredients and premium spirits only. For those seeking something neater, SuMei also offers a list of 17 exclusive Japanese whiskies, exquisitely suggested by Hamilton’s own hand. Beers like Tiger and Kingfisher are, of course, also available for those seeking something more subtle.

For a restaurant that was born from the idea of “filling voids”, SuMei is a divine destination that is highly considered, right down to the French Colonial decor reminiscent of something you might expect to find in bustling Hanoi. A clear standout, SuMei is the kind of restaurant that offers a culinary experience which, in our opinion, is only made all the more enjoyable for its distance out of the city. If you haven’t ventured out of the inner city and its surrounding suburbs in a while, why not head south this weekend for a delicious dumpling feast? You won’t be disappointed.

Opening hours:
Wednesday — Sunday, 12pm until 10pm.

SuMei

3B West Street
Pukekohe, Auckland

www.sumei.co.nz

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Making a South Island visit look better than ever, meet Christchurch’s new luxury hotel

While Christchurch is perhaps not the first city that comes to mind when you think of a luxury vacation, there is a real beauty and inherent charm to be discovered in this city. From the resilient spirit of Cantabrians who call Christchurch home to the way in which the City has had to reinvent itself following the devastating earthquakes more than a decade ago, innovation and ingenuity form its backbone, and now, as Christchurch’s culture and infrastructure evolves, so too has its accommodation offering, with the recent opening of a brand new, luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

The arrival of The Mayfair feels like Christchurch is reclaiming its identity as a city to be proud of. Located centrally, in a premium spot on the corner of Victoria and Dorset streets, The Mayfair features 67 rooms over five stories, with spacious suites, including panoramic views through 3.3-metre floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views over Hagley Park and beyond, to the Southern Alps. It has often been said that the skies never feel as wide as they do when viewed from the Canterbury Plains, and from this outlook, that is certainly evident.

Luxury is at the heart of this boutique hotel, but not in a way that is overt or ostentatious. Instead, like much of the build, according to architect Tim Field, it is minimalist and elegant — luxury without all the formalities. “There’s a timeless drama to the black exterior juxtaposed with glass and concrete that gives the hotel an iconic street presence.” And Jeff Merrin of Lume Design says he established the interior design direction to make the most of the abundant natural light that streams in through the famed floor-to-ceiling windows.

Heading upstairs, the rooms are nothing short of delightful. Home comforts meet understated luxury, where every element of the guest experience has been considered with care. Noticeably, the bathrooms are stocked with a curated range of luxurious Byredo amenities, and while there is a gym nearby, we’ve heard that the concierge can organise gym equipment to be brought to your room — giving you no cause ever to want to leave.

Beyond the accommodation alone, The Mayfair’s flagship food offerings are cause enough to visit, with a delicious à la carte menu, all-day brunch, an exquisite cocktail bar, and afternoon high-tea launching soon. Curated by Executive Chef Nick Tatom, famed for his pivotal role in iconic Christchurch destination Hello Sunday, this exceptional culinary offering is reflective of the impressive inroads being made in the food scene across the city.

Should you decide to venture from The Mayfair (and trust us, you almost don’t need to), it is on the doorstep of Christchurch’s inner city — a location that includes the incredible art gallery and museum, alongside bustling art markets and some of the country’s most beautiful gardens. It is at the centre of the city where Christchurch’s heart is most evident, a place that captures the determination and spirit of Cantabrians and the place in which the old charm of Christchurch is brought into harmony with its more modern developments.

With international travellers set to finally arrive through our borders this week, taking on the Southern delights with reverence, the opening of such a monumental and design-led hotel could not have come at a better time. We, for one, cannot wait to plan our next trip to the Garden City.

The Mayfair

155 Victoria Street, Christchurch

www.mayfairluxuryhotels.com

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Serving tasty Japanese-style sandwiches, Iiko Sando is the spot to know about

Inspired by the snacks they were making for their kids, and ready to embark on a new hospitality venture after selling their franchise Poke Poke, husband-wife duo Jack Zhong and Monica Lee have (after taking some time off) opened a new spot dedicated to easy, delicious bites.

Meet Iiko Sando, the cute new Takapuna drop-in serving Japanese-style sandwiches, rice bowls, Matcha, coffee and creamy cheesecakes. ”The sandwiches we serve at Iiko Sando are inspired by the ones we would make when going to picnics or gatherings,” Zhong tells me. “Our kids love them (especially the fruit cream sando) so we thought this could be something that other people might like as well.”

Indeed, Iiko Sando’s offering feels like something quite novel for us here. Despite the popularity of the classic ’Katsu Sando’ seeing more and more iterations pop up at venues around the city, there really aren’t many places dedicated to this particularly tasty style of sandwich — until now, that is.

On the menu, options like the Fried Chicken Sando, the Eggplant Sando and the Pork Katsu Sando take centre stage, while others like the fruit and cream sandos are always on hand for something a little different.

And if the sandwiches don’t take your fancy, there is also a line-up of rice bowls with various toppings, including proteins, vegetables, salads, potatoes and egg, all served in different compartments, bento style.

Very much inspired by the family life of its owners, Iiko Sando was designed to be an easy, relaxed kid-friendly place to pop into for a simple bite, a coffee and some downtime. It even boasts shelves filled with childrens books, promising to keep any little ones you might have with you thoroughly entertained.

“We just want people who come in the shop to feel like they are at home,” says Zhong, ”with a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a tea, latte, snack or lunch and somewhere to recharge before getting on with their days… I like to think Iiko Sando is a combination of what we love about our family and food and hospitality, and so I want offer that same feeling to our customers.”

Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10am until 2:30pm

Iiko Sando

30 Hurstmere Road
Takapuna

(09) 486 0038

instagram.com/iikosando.nz

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How to use glass furnishings to create a beautiful contemporary home

There is something about a glass — its subtle, almost-invisible finish married with the sleek, modern aesthetic it plays into — that can be so compelling. (When used correctly, that is.) And now, glass furnishings are once again staking their claim in the design space (reimagined, as it were, from their original, early-2000s popularity) and are fast-becoming crucial for any contemporary home.

From tables made entirely from glass, designed to melt into the background and open up a space, to pieces in which smooth glass meets sculptural details, offering something a little different, this trend is versatile and undeniably modern. Here, we round up some of the best examples of the new wave of glass furnishings, all of which more than deserve a place in the heart of any curated home. And if you want to go somewhere to puruse the selection in person, look no further than Sarsfield Brooke.

Left to right: 1000 Dining Table, Barrique Side Table both by Reflex.
Left to right: Atlantis Wall Sconce by Arte Veneziana, 9000 Drinks Trolley by Reflex.
Left to right: Zen Coffee Table, Miami Dining Table both by Ivano Antonello Italia.
Left to right: Aenigma Coffee Table, Neolitico Table both by Reflex.
Left to right: Loren Desk, Prisma Coffee Table both by Reflex.

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On for tomorrow only, this elevated sausage sizzle is one pop-up you don’t want to miss

Forget the sneaky trips to Bunnings this weekend; those seeking a Saturday sausage sizzle will be more than catered for at our favourite Ponsonby Road burger joint, offering an elevated take on the classic comfort food.

This Saturday, Parade Ponsonby is teaming up with Everyday Wine (an authority on beautiful, natural wines) to put an indulgent twist on the weekend sausage sizzle, and you can bet your gold coin donation that we’ll be there. While the pretzel bun maestros have turned Parade into a household name thanks to their gluttonous burgers (known to sell out daily), we love that a humble sausage sizzle isn’t beneath their culinary talents, and we know that there are few out there who could do it justice quite like these guys.

Morphing their signature pretzel bun into a more snag-friendly shape, there will be two gourmet combos on offer. The first is perhaps the most similar to what we’re used to — a single sausage, burger sauce, pickles and onions with a glass of wine of your choice. But for those wanting to embrace the authentic Parade experience, the Deluxe is what we recommend, with French Merguez sausage, horseradish and yogurt slaw, fried shallots and herbs, alongside a perfectly paired wine to match.

Honestly, when thinking about an ideal Saturday meal, delicious wine and simple foods are hard to look past. And while a sausage may usually be paired with a cold beer, organic wines are a simple way to elevate the experience. To add to the experience, Everyday Wine will serve up some of its most delicious tap wines alongside two Pét-Nats, and provide a little wine education and advice for those who wish to know more.

“Since we opened the new place, we have been getting to know the good folk at Everyday Wines and figuring out more ways we can work together and collaborate other than just selling their wines over the counter,” explains Parade co-founder Bryan Anderson. “This is the first of many collabs between the two of us, so keep your eyes peeled for the months to come.”

If Parade’s usual popularity is a marker of their success, we recommend getting in early for this one — treating it as a lunch rather than an early dinner. The team will be slinging sausages and pouring wines between 12 pm and 5 pm, but in the interest of making sure you’re not left hungry, it is absolutely essential that you get in early.

Parade Ponsonby

252 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby, Auckland Central

www.instagram.com/parade_ponsonby

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Create the perfect winter dinner party cocktails with Hercules Noble & Schweppes 1783

Winter dinner parties are always a considerable cause for celebration. When these cold and rainy nights creep in with force, little can convince us to head out for dinner. Instead, dining from the comfort of home (or that of a friend’s) with good company and delicious food tends to be our preference.

Private chef Hercules Noble knows this too. The ultimate at-home chef, and one guest we would very much love to cook us dinner, teamed up with Schweppes 1783 to provide a touch of cocktail inspiration for your next dinner party, whether you’re the gracious host, or just bringing a drink to share.

His take on a classic Negroni has a perfectly seasonal twist, with grapefruits currently in abundance, yet the whisky ale sour brings all the warm home comforts to the table that we crave in a winter cocktail.

With Noble’s recipes in your arsenal, you’re sure to be the host with the most.

Negroni Twist

Ingredients:
30 ml vermouth 
30 ml Campari 
50 ml Malfy gin 
Schweppes 1783 Light Tonic Water 
1 orange/grapefruit peel

Method:
1. Peel and bruise orange or grapefruit skin before adding it to a shaker.
2. Add equal parts gin, vermouth & Campari to the shaker and shake.
3. Add to chilled glass and top up with Schweppes 1783 Light Tonic Water.
4. Peel an orange or grapefruit and garnish.

Whiskey Ale Sour

Ingredients:
50 ml Whiskey Ale Sour 
100 ml Schweppes 1783 Golden Ginger Ale 
1 egg white 
1 tsp sugar 
1 half grapefruit
A few slices of chilli (optional)

Method:
1. Chill a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice.
2. Add two shots of Whiskey Ale Sour.
3. Juice half a grapefruit and add to the shaker.
4. Add the sugar.
5. Add the egg white — add a few slices of chilli here if you want to spice it up (optional)!
6. Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. 
7. Add to chilled glass then top up with Schweppes 1783 Golden Ginger Ale. Beware of overfilling — it is gonna get bubbly! Watch as the liquid separates and the foam rises to the surface — so clean. 
8. Garnish with fresh mint.

Please drink responsibly.

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From the team behind Dear Jervois, this spot is serving some of the best gelato in town

Ever since opening popular Herne Bay brunch and lunch spot, Dear Jervois, owner Daleya Ali has dreamt of having her own gelato parlour, something that recently has become a reality. “We had never found the right premises or supplier until the space that used to be a hairdressers opened up next door to Dear Jervois,” Ali explains, “even though it came up during quite a difficult time, we thought it would be a loss not to take the opportunity to open the gelato shop we had always dreamed about.”

Meet Sweet Jervois, the sweeter sibling of Dear Jervois, and a spot serving what we think is some of the tastiest gelato in town. As far as the range of gelato served, Ali explains, “we sampled many many gelato suppliers for months and found that Charlie’s Gelato was not only the best-tasting, but also, all their ingredients are made in-house, from their own recipes, which we loved.” As such, Sweet Jervois’ enticing fridge is filled with tubs of mouth-watering Charlie’s Gelato (made in Matakana), in a range of flavours that run the gamut from crowd-pleasing chocolate to fresh and fruity.

If you’re a chocolate-lover, opt for scoops of the Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Fudge Ripple or Ferrero Rocher (Sweet Jervois’ current ‘Flavour of the Month’), or if you’d rather something with a little more bite, go for the Coffee, Salted Caramel or Sweet & Salty. For fans of fruitiness, there is also a line-up of sorbetto in refreshing flavours like Blackberry and Elderflower.

Alongside the gelato and sorbet, Sweet Jervois also serves milkshakes and coffees and will be adding real fruit ice cream and egg waffle cones to its selection come summer.

And while you might be hesitant to go for gelato with the weather as wild and wintry as it is… we actually think there is no better time to indulge in a delicious scoop or two (or three), particularly as the perfect way to end lunch at Dear Jervois or as a delightful drop in after a dinner out. Whatever your preference, this cute little spot is certainly one to try now.

Opening hours:
Wednesday – Sunday, 1pm until 8pm

Sweet Jervois

236 Jervois Road
Herne Bay
Auckland

www.instagram.com/sweetjervois/

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There’s no better time to curl up with a good book and these are the ones to read now

With cold winter nights prompting us to turn to hobbies that don’t require leaving the house, reading is well-and-truly back on the agenda. After all, what is better than curling up with a book you simply can’t put down? Here, we round up all the recently-released novels we think you should add to your reading list this winter. From stunning debuts to compelling romance to dark thrillers, the books to read now offer something for every literary taste.

Watching Women & Girls by Danielle Pender
In Pender’s debut short story collection, the role of women is considered — how women are looked at, how women look at each other and how women look at themselves, and why these insights may define us. This is a read that provides just as much wisdom as it does joy and solitude, and the nature of short stories makes it the perfect read to pick up and put down at your leisure with this tempestuous weather.

Any Other Family by Eleanor Brown
Brown’s latest novel concerns itself with the intricacies of character and family dynamic, in a way that is completely and utterly devourable. Any Other Family is the story of three sets of parents that adopted four biological siblings, with a promise that they would keep them together throughout their lives. Yet complications are considered as the biological mother calls to tell them that she is pregnant again, and they all must undergo the process of bringing a new set of parents into the fold, threatening the delicate bonds that have already been forged.

Raven Smith’s Men by Raven Smith
In this hilarious and sharp collection of essays, the inimitable way in which Raven Smith embodies the trials and tribulations of the modern man is frank and honest, and a little bit cynical. While showcasing notes of an anthropological investigation into masculinity, it is the part-memoir approach which considers his own role in the man’s world that really sets this read apart from all others that came before it.

Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley
Romance and chaos collide in Sloane Crosley’s new novel, which will likely feel close-to-home for those seeking love in the modern world. Hilarious, insightful and with a touch of suspense for good measure, there’s little with which to compare the brilliance of this book. It exists in a space of it’s own — an ode to single culture — and is a worthwhile read for anyone, regardless of relationship status.

Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhang
This gorgeous debut novel (noted as one of the best of the decade), is set against the backdrop of the Chinese Exclusion Act. It brings together forgotten history and cultural folklore, to offer a glimpse at a life many of us will never come to know.

Ghost Lover by Lisa Taddeo
Lisa Taddeo delivers the same raw experience as her other acclaimed novels, except this time, over 12 short stories. Exploring obsession, blinding love and the mania that can only be brought on by grief, Ghost Lover is another triumph from the renowned author.

The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
From a Pulitzer Prize-winning author comes The Candy House — an electrifying, deeply moving novel, where characters embark on a quest for authenticity and meaning in a world where memories and identities are no longer private. It’s an idea that these days, doesn’t feel far from reality.

The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn
In her dazzling debut, Joanna Quinn tells the story of a dysfunctional home, where a girl fights to create her own future. With themes of inheritance, imagination, courage and loss, it touches poignantly on our very human nature.

Ocean State by Stewart O’Nan
Poetic and haunting, Ocean State explores a murder, a family and the crazy things that love can make you do. This stellar novel is an easy holiday read, dripping with anticipation and hindsight.

Grey Bees by Andrey Kurkov
Ukraine’s most famous novelist speaks to the conflict raging in his country through the adventures of a mild-mannered beekeeper. Offering a unique take on current events with a decidedly calm outlook, Grey Bees is worthy of a place on your bookshelf.

The Arc by Tory Henwood Hoen
In a world where we are on a never-ending quest to optimise our lives, The Arc is a modern look at how we love. Exploring intimate relationships in a mechanical way, it’s hilarious — if you don’t find it alarming.

Hush Little Baby by R.H. Herron
For those who couldn’t get enough of My Dark Vanessa, Hush Little Baby should be next on your reading list. This is the same calibre of dark thriller that is near impossible to put down, where the storyline overtly challenges the way you look at the world.

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This beloved coffee brand is serving up the taste of Italy we’re all craving right now

Nothing conjures images of Italian sojourns like afternoon espressos in quaint cafes and late-night tiramisu shared between friends. And while there are many things the Italians do well, their coffee culture produces some of the finest, most diverse flavours and smoothest roasts in the world. It’s something that Nespresso has captured in its inimitable permanent range, Ispirazione Italiana.

Designed to honour the full spectrum of regional flavours produced in Italian coffee, this exceptional range pays homage to distinct practices found in Florence, Naples, Venice and Palermo, alongside a modern take on the iconic and universally-beloved Ristretto brew. It is a collection as diverse as the country from which it draws inspiration, and promises a little taste of Italian culture for those of us who, unfortunately, couldn’t quite get the real thing this year.

You only have to talk to the Denizen team to discover how attached we are to our Nespresso. In fact, we’ve managed to dedicate a whole cupboard in our office to the brand’s various flavours and special collections. That said, Ispirazione Italiana remains our coffee of choice time and time again (with Arpeggio being a firm favourite) — partly because of its wide range of brews, but mostly, because we are trying our very best to brighten up the season and be inspired by a little bit of European magic. But a daily cup of coffee isn’t the only way to enjoy Ispirazione Italiana — Nespresso has crafted an exquisite collection of coffee recipes to truly embrace la dolce vita. After all, when you can’t be in Italy with the rest of your social media feed, there’s no harm in a bit of make believe.

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