The timeless, feminine allure of a Louis Vuitton silk square is undeniable. A piece that oozes sophistication and embodies elegance in its soft silhouette, exquisite texture and intricate detailing, a silk square is something that will stay in your wardrobe for far more than one season, and Louis Vuitton’s hugely popular iterations are the pinnacle, whether baring the Maison’s famous monogram or one of its intricate, heritage patterns.
Now, Louis Vuitton has announced the release of its new silk square collection, Celebrate Silk, offering pieces that reinterpret the brand’s beloved iconography in joyful colours and patterns, perfect for the arrival of spring.
Spun from the purest silk, printed in distinctive motifs and available in three different sizes (which means they can be worn a variety of ways), these silk squares reflect Louis Vuitton’s audacious spirit, transforming a classic piece into a versatile and fashion-forward accessory for the modern woman. Whether worn casually or formally, wrapped around a head or neck, draped across a body or tied around the handle of a favourite bag, Louis Vuitton’s new silk squares will lift our sartorial repertoire out of the depths of winter with optimistic colour, and elevate any look to bold new heights.
This year (this month, in fact) marks 10 years for Tom Hishon and Josh Helm’s Ponsonby Road institution, Orphans Kitchen. Widely beloved for its cosy neighbourhood vibe, friendly service and food that reimagines classic brunch and lunch fare with a flavourful, purposeful and sustainable edge, Orphans Kitchen has built a legion of loyal followers who relish its reliably delicious menu and perfectly made coffee. In fact, I can’t count how many times I’ve parked up at one of Orphans Kitchen’s beautiful wooden tables to tuck into a crumpet with honey and a hazelnut flat white. (Or, if the mood hits, one of its famous Southland cheese rolls.) It is a time-honoured dining destination for a reason, which is why we were very excited to hear that it was set to make some new moves.
Right: Ortiz Anchovy
Back when Orphans Kitchen first opened, it was evening only, before slowly morphing into an all-day offering. Then, a few years ago, the decision to close Orphans’ night service was made, to give Hishon more time to open his new restaurant at the base of Hotel Britomart — Kingi.
After a few years of building Orphans’ daytime offering (and having heard from a number of enthusiastic regulars who were pining for something more), Hishon decided to reimagine what evenings at Orphans could look like, going back to the drawing board and working with his new business partner, Dan Gillet (of Wine Diamonds and Everyday Wine), to create a wine bar that took the relaxed, neighbourhood vibe of the day and translated it into a slightly more elevated, but altogether welcoming nighttime affair. “What we do really well during the day is create an environment where our regulars want to pop in two or three times a week, or sometimes more,” Hishon explains, “so we sought to bring that same idea into Orphans’ new evening service too, where people can come in for a glass of wine, a small nibble or a full meal, whatever they want.”
The menu, Hishon explains, is fuss-free and was designed with wine in mind. “It’s been a different approach for me to think about a wine list first and then to build a menu around it,” Hishon explains. “But this is the kind of food I love to cook and eat myself, and the flavours will elevate and complement our wines.” As a result, the dishes on offer in Orphans’ new evening menu are purpose-made to pair with its extensive wine list, which spans Australasian favourites alongside delicious European drops, and a number of Champagnes too.
Left: Ortiz Anchovy & Buckwheat Waffle
Food-wise, diners can expect a series of nibbles, bite-sized starters, sharing plates and a few sweet treats for good measure, with the overarching idea being food that will work with a number of wines and vice versa. Dishes such as a Délice de Bourgogne with endive serve as a simple but fresh starter, followed by the likes of Ortiz anchovy and Myer lemon toasts, a buckwheat waffle (gluten-free) served with crème fraiche and spring herbs, and chicken liver pâté, with calvados jelly and Granny Smith.
Slightly larger options include organic fried chicken with koji mayo and black lime (a serious highlight), a unique smoked-Kahawai Scotch egg with nduja and radicchio, and a pork hock cassoulet, served with fennel, butter bean and preserved lemon.
Those with a hankering for dessert can indulge in tiramisu, black cardamom truffles or a delicious Comté with honeycomb. And for anyone seeking a more elevated experience, 15g-tins of Oscietra caviar can be added to any meal (we are told this is particularly delicious paired with the fried chicken and a crisp flute of Ruinart Champagne).
Left: Délice de Bourgogne
“I’m really excited to expand and elevate our offering once again,” Hishon says, “and to take Orphans Kitchen to the next level.” From Dan Gillet’s expertise driving the impressive wine list to Tom Hishon’s unique, culinary flair, Orphans’ new evening service is shaping up to be just as popular as its daytime one. Officially kicking off tonight, we suggest getting in there as soon as possible to experience it for yourself.
Orphans Kitchen Evening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 5pm until late
Despite the last few years serving up its fair share of challenges for our local hospitality scene, Auckland’s exceptional operators have continued to deliver their delicious fare with grace and expertise. In the spirit of supporting our hospitality sector and of encouraging you to continue to dine out when you can, we launched this year’s Denizen Hospo Heroes, asking all of you to vote for your favourite destinations and dishes. Here, we unveil the winners of this year’s Denizen Hospo Heroes, including the Best New Openings, the Best Bars, the Best Dishes and the Best Restaurants, as voted by you, our dedicated readers.
Standing out among the exceptional new openings in Auckland over the last year is no mean feat. But it should come as little surprise that Bivacco, with its perennially sunny vantage point and sensational, modern Italian-style menu, has taken out the coveted top spot. Voted by you as this year’s Best New Opening, it claimed the title just ahead of other noteworthy new venues, including Ragtag, whose much-awaited brick-and-mortar Westmere location has already cemented itself as one of the city’s best eateries, and Lebanese Grocer, which offers a casual approach to the authentic Middle Eastern food of Chef Elie Assaf’s roots.
Aigo Newmarket Rare are the days when Aigo isn’t heaving, a testament to the brilliance of David Lee’s Korean-inspired menu. The hand pulled noodles are Auckland’s best.
Queenies Caffé & Vino Freemans Bay The reinvention of this classic neighbourhood eatery has seen it take its rightful place as one of the City’s best.
Kol Grey Lynn The latest venture from Sid and Chand Sahrawat saw an infamous Ponsonby address reimagined into something great, and the crowds have followed.
The Butcher Baker Helensville From former Honey Bones head chef, The Butcher Baker pleads the case for a destination eatery. Hit the road — this one’s a goodie.
Tokki Milford Boasting some of the most divine, refined Korean food in Auckland, Tokki begs the case for a dinner date over the bridge. Order the eggplant, it’s superb.
Best Bar
A good bar is so much more than somewhere to simply have a drink. From interior ambience to well-made libations to delicious food, the contenders for Auckland’s Best Bar genuinely offer it all. This year, the eternally popular watering hole, Hotel Ponsonby, has taken pole position, thanks to its cosy composition, delicious bistro-style menu, and loyal following of patrons. Closely followed by Britomart’s Bar Non Solo, which caters to a convivial atmosphere with its expertly made drops and ever-popular aperitivo hours, and Ponsonby’s Beau Wine Bar, which boasts one of the most extensive wine lists in the City and the perfect menu to match.
Atelier K’ Road This is home to a seriously impressive wine list that draws on a global network of vineyards for a sophisticated, sommelier-inspired experience.
Caretaker CBD Putting the customer at the forefront of the experience, Caretaker’s mixologists offer a masterclass in intuition and talent. An oldie but a goodie.
Somm Cellar Door & BarPrinces Wharf This recently-opened Princes Wharf spot brings everything we love about days spent at wineries to the heart of our City.
Annabel’s Ponsonby This Three Lamps deli-by-day, bar-by-night always satisfies with it’s ever-changing menu of natural wines and sleek, intimate interior.
Faraday’s Bar Parnell Chic and comforting, Faraday’s Bar’s Parnell postcode makes it the perfect destination for some necessary, post-shopping Champagne and caviar.
Best Restaurant
Where would we be without our City’s stalwarts? These are the establishments that always promise to keep us satiated, offering a truly excellent experience regardless of the occasion. While several very brilliant restaurants, like Cross Street’s Bar Magda (serving flavoursome Filipino-inspired fare) and Britomart’s Amano (with its all-day menu perfect for any affair), came close to taking the top spot here, it is Viaduct Harbour’s Soul Bar & Bistro, perhaps the most accurate definition of a stalwart, that has been voted Best Restaurant in this year’s awards for its exceptional food, always-helpful service and humming atmosphere, any time of day.
Hello Beasty Viaduct Harbour While Asian-fusion restaurants are a dime a dozen, Hello Beasty is a cut above. Home to some of our favourite dishes in Auckland, this outpost is small but mighty.
Cassia CBD Challenges make us stronger, and Cassia, despite repeated setbacks, is still here and still great. Now home at SkyCity, this restaurant is at its best.
Azabu Ponsonby Always reliable and inspired, Azabu’s Ponsonby address is one of Auckland’s favourite restaurants — a title for which we can wholeheartedly vouch.
Ahi CBD With an innovative approach to local cuisine, Ben Bayly’s Ahi has long been considered one of our favourite restaurants. Order the Scampi Corn Dog, it’s brilliant.
Onemata Wynyard Quarter The crown jewel of the Park Hyatt, Onemata is excellent in both offering and execution. We love that sustainability is such a significant driving force in the kitchen too.
Best Dish
Those known to haunt Viaduct Harbour will have surely tried Hello Beasty’s iconic Prawn and Crab Toast. Topped with seared grain-fed eye fillet (which only adds to the dish’s charm), sweet and sour sauce, Japanese mayo and green onions, it’s an undeniable classic — crowned by you as Auckland’s Best Dish. Hot on its heels comes INCA’sdivine Ember Roasted Black Cod, a seriously flavoursome dish that finds its brilliance in the rich anticucho miso and pickled daikon, and of course, the notorious Beef & Truffle Tostada from Azabu Ponsonby, a dish designed to share that offers an elevated fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine.
Crayfish Eclair Onslow A delicate and moreish little bite that speaks volumes about the excellence on offer in Josh Emett’s flagship destination. Ensure you order enough to share.
Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese Andiamo This Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese proves you can’t beat a classic. Cheesy and soul-warming, the added truffle elevates it to a heavenly experience.
Crayfish Lasagne Soul Bar & Bistro New to the menu this year, Soul’s Crayfish Lasagne has been the word on everyone’s lips of late. Sweet and just rich enough, delicious!
Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder Sìso Few dishes are as satiating and comforting as this lamb-shoulder, adored by Aucklanders for it’s rich, soul-warming appeal.
Woodfired Carrots Ooh-Fa Ooh-Fa’s Woodfired Carrots give the pizzas a run for their money. Served atop a bed of whipped ricotta and pistachio, this is perfection.
Whether you consider yourself a plant-based eater or not, there’s no denying that the vegan and vegetarian fare served at CBD restaurant, East, is some of the best in the City. Set at the base of the Sudima Auckland City hotel (opposite City Works Depot), East was started by lifetime vegetarians the Jhunjhnuwala family who, armed with a love for Asian cooking and a desire to create an eatery that focused on taste as much as it did on sustainability, assembled a team of experts to help bring their vision of an entirely vegetarian venture to life.
Right: Char Siu Bao
Now, the East kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Stuart Marsden (his impressive culinary history including stints at Woodpecker Hill and Finn’s Beach Club in Bali) and Head Chef Vincent Yan (boasting extensive experience at 5-star hotels across Hong Kong and Macau, where he became a master of Cantonese cooking) who, alongside their talented team, create exceptional food that marries mouth-watering, complex and vibrant Asian flavours with innovative, plant-based ingredients. And while East’s stellar reputation continues to grow, the restaurant is about to expand its unique offering once again, with a new Sunday experience, promising to reimagine Yum Cha as we know it.
Left: Lotus Root Wontons, Sheng Jian Bao, Lo Bak Go & Spring Onion Pancake
From this Sunday, the 3rd of September, East will launch Auckland’s first-ever, entirely plant-based Yum Cha service, giving the delicious dining tradition we all love a delectable, vegan twist. There, we’ve been told to expect flavoursome renditions of classic Dim Sum dishes like Char Siu Bao, filled with flavoursome, sticky jackfruit and Sheng Jian Bao, in which wood ear mushrooms make for the perfect pork replacement. East has even called on a team of master dumpling makers to exclusively handcraft a number of the dumplings on the menu.
Left: Water Chestnut Wontons Right: Har Gao
A few crowd favourites will be on hand too, like East’s Spring Onion Pancake and its Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings (both of which we can wholeheartedly endorse as some of the tastiest dishes in town), as well as a selection of satiating sweet treats to end any meal on a high note, from Deep Fried Sesame Balls to Mango Tapioca Pudding.
Running every Sunday from 12pm until 3pm, East’s new vegan Yum Cha is the perfect way to wrap up the week. Offering food that doesn’t sacrifice quality to flavour; food that (thanks to the skill of the people creating it) treats plant-based ingredients with the same depth and complexity you would expect from a more conventional Yum Cha menu, this new service is an absolute must-try, and is set to make East our new favourite Sunday destination. Spaces are limited and bookings for Yum Cha are already starting to fill up so we suggest securing your spot with haste.
Yum Cha Hours: Every Sunday (starts 3 September), 12pm – 3pm
Drawing convivial crowds, dressed to the nines, the annual Melbourne Cup is always a celebratory affair. And while the actual event isn’t taking place until early November, so popular are the viewing parties for its exciting races that Auckland’s best bars and restaurants often release their dedicated, Melbourne Cup events early, and tend to sell out within hours. And considering that four of our favourite destinations have just released tickets to their Melbourne Cup events, we suggest securing your spot now to be part of an atmosphere as lively as all the action on the racecourse.
Bivacco
Marking Bivacco’s first foray into Melbourne Cup celebrations, this event is set to be one you certainly don’t want to miss. Not only will your afternoon here afford you sun-drenched seating and unparalleled views of the sparkling Viaduct Harbour waterfront, but it will also include a spectacular, four-course long Italian lunch with plenty of Moët & Chandon Champagne (including a flute on arrival), fashion by Superette and Fashions in the Field, a line-up of renowned DJs, all the Melbourne Cup action streamed on large screens and plenty of games, sweeps and prizes to be won. Gearing up to be the party of the year, tickets are $250 per person and can be secured by calling (09) 801 6505.
Non Solo Pizza
Non Solo Pizza
Channel the spirit of the Italian coast at Non Solo Pizza’s decidedly chic Melbourne Cup affair. There, guests will be greeted with flutes of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival before delving into a delectable, four-course long lunch, featuring a number of quintessential Non Solo Pizza dishes. Those who really dress for the occasion will want to be a part of NSP’s Fashions in the Field competition, while others can just sit back and enjoy all the racing action live on big screens. There will even be a TAB Big Race Day Pack on site. A raft of rousing DJs will play the soundtrack to the day and keep the vibes going well into the evening, making this one of the very best places to be for those seeking a party to remember. Tickets are $200 per person, so gather your friends and book your spot here.
MoVida
Not only does it feel entirely appropriate to celebrate the Melbourne Cup at an establishment that actually started in Melbourne, but MoVida is putting on a serious show this year, with a celebration for the ages. There, in MoVida’s exquisite dining room, high above the Auckland waterfront, guests will enjoy flutes of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, followed by an exceptional, five-course sharing menu, all while taking in the exciting Melbourne Cup action live on a number of large TV screens. There will also be a Seafarers’ Fashions in the Fields competition with a number of incredible prizes up for grabs, alongside live entertainment, DJs and music to keep spirits high long after the final race is done. There are two package options available for those wanting to celebrate the Melbourne Cup at MoVida: the $250 package will afford diners a premium seat in MoVida’s dining room, while the $200 package includes high-top seating only (and can only be booked for a maximum party of four). So start making your plans and deciding who you want to celebrate the big day with. Tickets can be bought here.
Bar Non Solo
Bar Non Solo
Adjacent to MoVida is the sleek Bar Non Solo, where those seeking a sophisticated Melbourne Cup celebration can get amongst all the action thanks to live streams on big screens, plenty of Veuve Cliquot Champagne, a heavenly four-course, Italian sharing menu and a number of iconic Italian cocktails. Alongside entry into Seafarers’ Fashions in the Field, guests will also be treated to live entertainment and music all afternoon and well into the evening. There is a $200 Melbourne Cup package and a $180 Melbourne Cup package to be bought for Bar Non Solo’s festivities, with former including seating in the restaurant and the latter offering high-top seating only (which can only be booked for a maximum party of four). Choose the ticket that suits you best and secure a coveted spot, here.
Spring is almost upon us, which means it is time to shake off the shackles of winter and give your wardrobe a seasonal refresh. From denim jackets to utility pants to the slides you’ll want to slip into this season, we have rounded up a selection of the pieces you need to add to your sartorial arsenal immediately.
01. The denim jacket
Do away with dowdy denim and replace it something decidedly more stylish like this monogrammed jacket — a must-have in our books.
Utilitarian style is clearly here to stay, so pick up a pair of practical pants (prefereably with pockets) that give functionality some tasteful flair.
Having grown up with a dressmaker for a mother and a tailor for a grandmother, it made sense that Megan Kenny would be drawn to the sewing machine. Armed with an inherent ability and what she calls her “drive to survive,” Kenny has, over the last few decades, harnessed both her sewing skills and her keen creative eye to build a bespoke, bridal brand that has become one of the most sought-after in the country: Kenny and Harlow Bridal.
Here, Kenny sits down in front of the camera as part of Porsche’s series, The Drive, to talk about how her upbringing instilled in her a grit and determination to succeed. “At the age of 12 I lost my mother and then at the age of 15 I lost my father,” she says. “Losing my parents at a young age formed my personality… I chose to dig my heels in and move forward and look after myself, knowing that there was no one behind me that was going to prop me up.”
Woven into the DNA of Denizen, is a desire to celebrate the success of New Zealanders who have not only dared to dream big but have pursued those dreams with dedication, passion and persistence. People who have sought out their own ideas of ‘happy ever after’ with fearlessness and fortitude. Hannah O’Neill is one such person. The cover star of our Spring Issue is a ballerina of international acclaim, and has been quietly working her way up the ranks of the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, recently achieving étoile status — the top of the top of the ballet world writ large.
O’neill’s inspiring cover story sets the tone for our Spring Issue, a magazine filled with interesting people across gastronomy, design, fashion and culture. From our interview with renowned chef, Michael Meredith (who unveils the concept of his new restaurant venture), to a deep dive into the life and career of esteemed author Witi Ihimaera, to an exclusive talk with facialist to-the-stars, Melanie Grant, there is a litany of inspiring individuals in this issue, promising to carry you into spring with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future.
Our fashion and design pages are filled with everything to keep your wardrobes and homes looking sleek and stylish for the season ahead. While our culture section delivers a comprehensive line up of everything to read, watch and listen to over the coming months.
If it’s escapism you seek, look no further than our Navigator pages, this issue is dedicated to the very best of Paris. If you’re one of the lucky ones heading to the City of Light in the next few months, you’re going to want to consult our guidebook on where to stay, where to eat, drink and be merry, and the best places to get your cultural fix.
And if, while you are perusing our pages, you see something you particularly like, keep an eye out for our dedicated QR codes, positioned in the corner of almost every page. By simply scanning the code with your phone camera and clicking on the link, you will be taken directly to our curated edit of shoppable pieces and stories from the magazine.
Out now, our inspiring Spring Issue is available at all good newsagents and supermarkets.
Spring might be around the corner but it certainly isn’t here yet, meaning that we still have plenty of use for our winter fashions, and can find any excuse to add another pair of boots or a jacket or two to our wardrobes.
Here, we round up a range of sleek and practical men’s and womenswear jackets to buy now, from lighter, layering pieces perfect for warmer weather, to heavier styles, ideal for keeping us cosy on particularly inclement days.
Shop our curated edit of jackets to buy now below.
Tiffany & Co. has unveiled Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue, a remarkable high jewellery collection celebrating the enchanting marine creations that fascinated designer Jean Schlumberger. Designed by Nathalie Verdeille (Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewellery and High Jewellery) in a way that honours Schlumberger’s indelible legacy, these extraordinary pieces reinvent iconic sea-inspired motifs with stunning geometric forms and sparkling precious stones.
Brooch in platinum and 18k yellow gold with sapphires, tanzanites, moonstones and diamonds
Necklace in platinum with a black opal and diamonds. transformable design
Partially set casting of the Jellyfish brooch and loose moonstones alongside the gouache rendering.
Brooch in platinum and 18k yellow gold with unenhanced padparadscha sapphires, rubellites and diamonds
Bracelet in platinum with a black opal and diamonds
An artisan compares the wax model of the transformable Shell necklace to the gouache rendering.
Ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold with a Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond and white diamonds.
Necklace in platinum and 18k yellow gold with tanzanites and diamonds.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
