Head-to-toe, monochrome tones of white and cream will not only create crisp, confident looks but will lighten up your style in time for summer. Here, our editors have rounded up a curation of ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories that will have you mastering this season’s modern monochrome.
Michael Meredith’s impeccable new restaurant, Metita, has officially opened its doors, and the result is even more impressive than we imagined. Named for the Chef’s mother and inspired by his upbringing in Samoa, Metita is a comment on the richness of Polynesian culture, brought to life through Meredith’s incredibly elevated take on Pasifika cuisine — the first eatery of its kind in New Zealand.
Sitting pretty within the SkyCity precinct, Metita occupies the space formerly home to beloved Gusto at The Grand, and it’s fair to say that the newcomer is already living up to the iconic nature of its address. Here, the ethos is to offer an altogether new take on South Pacific cuisine, elevating traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques, inspiring a deeper reverence for our own heartland and connection to Meredith’s native Samoa, something he takes very seriously indeed.
The space itself acts as a vessel for storytelling, taking its inhabitants on a journey through to the sights and sounds of the South Pacific — a vision cleverly realised by the team at CTRL Space. The brief was to honour the essence of Pacific culture with clever but subtle nods that speak to the significance of three fundamental aspects of daily life: connection to nature, a strong sense of community and storytelling. The lighting is a feature, subtly resembling fishing baskets and tropical flowers, while the palette reflects the ever-changing colours of the ocean and sky. A midnight blue ombre rendering on the walls draws the eye upwards, the colours becoming deeper on the ascension, leaving diners feeling as if they’re gazing at a resplendent night sky. Elsewhere, the link to the South Pacific continues with woven elements and lush verdant greenery.
Seating is a mix of cosy booths, flanked by a series of smaller tables, the layout giving the space a communal feel. This theme is continued elsewhere, too; in the kitchen, a bustling hive of activity where chefs are stationed around a large shared workstation, while at Metita’s entrance, a space it shares with SkyCity Grand, there are a number of tall tables where guests are encouraged to gather casually, be it for a quick bite or a knock-off drink with friends, in an in-between space that feels entirely part of the action. The culmination of all of these carefully considered elements is a restaurant that feels homely but elevated, striking a beautiful balance between modernity and informality — here, you can easily picture yourself enjoying a casual, solo weeknight bite or settling in with a group of friends to enjoy a convivial Saturday evening meal.
When it comes to the food itself, as expected with Meredith’s resume in the mix, the results are exceptional. The concise, considered and experimental menu brings together a plethora of textures, flavours and techniques, calling on a unique ingredients list to deliver something truly groundbreaking. Anyone familiar with Pasifika cuisine will be delighted to discover that many traditional favourites take centre stage (pork hock, paua and taro all feature), but what truly makes these dishes stand out is Meredith’s inspired, modern reimagining of them.
Book in for the Toana’i Long Lunch and you’ll be met with a corned beef bun paired with lardo and caviar, or fried pork hock served alongside sapa sui (Samoa’s famed chop suey). Opt for the tasting menu and you’ll find the likes of paua served with ulu, paneer and burnt orange, fe’e (octopus), veal tongue with green papaya and panipopo (Samoan coconut buns) to finish. If you have the time, though, it’s the three-course sharing menu that we suggest. A gastronomical journey through the Pacific, the menu acts to highlight the very best of Metita’s offerings and is an experience that feels brand new. Here, everything is sublime, but the fire-roasted Tua Tua served with okra and harissa is a dish not to be missed.
Of course, the food is accompanied by an impressive list of cocktails, with a focus on the fragrant rums of the South Pacific, and an extensive list of New Zealand wines — much of which is on display in the deep mahogany shelving that lines the eatery. Metita’s signature clarified mai tai is a definite highlight, a treat for both the eyes and the palette, this lively libation is inspired by the vivid colours of the breathtaking To Sua Ocean Trench and as such, features a heady mix of light and dark rum, blue curacao, orgeat and lime. The clarified piña colada is another highlight, comprising five-year-old rum, pineapple rum, falernum, pineapple, toasted coconut and lime, and made to represent the bright yellow tones of the flag of Niue.
Elsewhere on the menu, the pickled pometia is the restaurant’s exceptional answer to a Gibson martini, replacing the drink’s typical pickled onion with pickled longan (an island lychee). And for anyone steering clear of the booze, we’d suggest turning your attention to the charcoal margarita.
For those looking for a casual bite, Metita’s snack menu offers exactly that, featuring an inspired take on oysters (cooked in bone marrow), crisp lamb ribs, smoked eel with spiced banana, crab and puffed taro and king salmon housed in betel leaf, topped with pickled mango and roe. And for those seeking the opposite, when a special occasion is on the horizon and you’re looking for an intimate dining space to bring people together, look no further than Metita’s exceptionally well-appointed private dining room. The space seats up to 26, but can just as easily cater to small numbers, and brings the very best of Metita’s interiors into focus to create a space well worthy of your attention.
Adding to the cultural melting pot that is the SkyCity precinct, Metita gives Polynesian cuisine the stage it so deserves, bringing something entirely new to the Auckland dining scene that is a welcome addition indeed.
Opening hours
Dinner:
Monday to Sunday, 5pm until 9:30pm
Lunch:
Sunday, 11:30am until 3pm
Bar:
Monday to Friday, from 8am
Saturday & Sunday, from 11:30am
Metita
90 Federal Street,
SkyCity
Auckland
+64 9 363 7030
Upon opening its doors late last year, Bivacco quickly solidified itself as the place to be for after-work drinks and leisurely weekend lunches alike, offering up views that span the iconic Viaduct Harbour, exceptional fare, an extensive list of libations and consistently good vibes to match. Now, adding to the list of reasons to visit, the beloved dining institution is taking things up a notch, adding regular DJ sessions to its remit.
Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions — running from now until the end of March — promise the perfect setting for summer satiation, with an ever-rotating lineup of DJs every Friday and Saturday and seasonal drinks specials (including a series of summer punches, but we’ll get to those shortly), best enjoyed at one of their long tables and shared with friends. Here, as the sun goes down, the volume goes up.
The hospitality destination’s dedication to aperitivo hour will never change. In fact, if you’re looking to push the boat out (no judgment here), Friday evenings will see this elevated further, inspiring you to celebrate the end of the working week in style. Running from 4pm to 6pm (as it does Monday through Thursday), Bivacco welcomes punters to delight in an array of champagne, cocktail, Peroni (and now, punch) specials, accompanied by complimentary bites.
One of the best spots in the city to make the most of the longer, warmer nights, Bivacco’s extensive list of drinks has something for every taste and proclivity, and the addition of three new, summer-focused punches is a welcome one. The Frutta sees wild strawberries muddled with pineapple, orange, lemonade and a healthy splash of vodka, while the Tazza Di Whisky is Bivacco’s take on an elevated whisky & dry, pairing Glenmorangie, rose vermouth, lime, mint and ginger ale. The Passione Fragola came up trumps for us, though, as citrus, strawberry, grapefruit and passionfruit are blended with vodka to create the ultimate taste of the tropics. If punch isn’t your thing, the margs are a modest $15 and there’s four to choose from: coconut, chilli, passionfruit or original.
When it comes to the food, look no further than their beloved selection of flavourful pizzas. From classic Margherita to mushroom, to spicy salami and a delightful goats cheese iteration, the concise menu features something for everyone’s tastes.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better perch from which to watch the sun go down this summer season. With a stunning vista, an impressive host of drinks specials, fantastic fare, and now, the addition of rousing DJ sets every Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 6pm at Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions, there’s only one thing for it. Make your booking here.
We’ve said it once but we’ll say it again, if you haven’t paid Bar Magda a visit yet, you’re seriously missing out. What Carlo Buenaventura has created at his cosy, Cross Street venue has made Bar Magda a local foodie favourite, beloved for its intriguing ‘new wave Filipino’ fare that marries traditional Filipino flavours with a contemporary New Zealand twist. And now, Bar Magda is giving us more opportunities than ever to sample some of its tantalising cocktails and dishes, having recently introduced a new Nightcap menu to its line-up.
The idea here is to replace the traditional, early happy hour with a much later offering, where those seeking a satiating bite and a delicious drink (perhaps after a show or event, or an evening with friends) can find them at Bar Magda from 9:30pm until midnight, Thursday through Saturday.
On the exceptional cocktail menu, created by Bar Magda Co-Owner Matthew Venables, Nightcap specials include $10 house spirits, $16 Magdarita, Magdatini, Magda spritz and Negroni, as well as $18 house sours and stirred cocktails. On the food front, tasty little bites include parmesan custard with housemade garlic focaccia, chicken and duck liver parfait with Viennese brioche and smoked cherries, terrine of spiced ham with crab fat mayonnaise, pickled cucumber and toasts, kilaw of swordfish and scallop and tartare of wild venison. All dishes will be available until sold out.
So the next time you find yourself craving a late-night bite or a drink that hits the spot, head to Bar Magda for a satiating nightcap. The kind of elevated, cosmopolitan offering we’ve been missing in this city, this new menu is the perfect excuse to pay this exceptional dining destination a visit if you haven’t already.
We might be called the City of Sails, but for too long, Auckland has allowed parts of its downtown waterfront to languish in obscurity, woefully underused either because of poorly-planned industrial developments or well-intentioned hospitality precincts that just haven’t quite hit the mark. In fact, we would go so far as to say that there is a dire need for something that capitalises on Auckland’s unique proximity to the water, something that harnesses its expansive, natural beauty and allows this city’s residents to truly make the most of the waterfront that has become so intrinsically linked to Auckland’s identity.
So, we were thrilled when we learned that Winton, the developers responsible for Northbrook (a jaw dropping, luxury later living offering that is revolutionising life after retirement and is landing in Wynyard Quarter soon) were also developing the adjacent site to create a 1.7-hectare waterfront haven.
Called Cracker Bay, this expansive offering is set on a spectacular piece of land between Beaumont Street, Westhaven Drive and a long stretch of waterfront, and will combine the vibrancy of a multifaceted hospitality precinct (complete with new restaurants, bars and casual eateries, open to the public) with the exclusivity of a private yacht club (of which all Northbrook residents will automatically be members) as well as a much-needed event space set up for a variety of functions and weddings. Importantly, Cracker Bay will also see the extension of our beloved promenade walkway that, at the moment, abruptly veers off the water by Westhaven Drive. When Cracker Bay is complete, Auckland’s cohort of walking enthusiasts will be able to stroll the whole way around, soaking in the beauty of our harbour and taking in all the action that is bound to fill Cracker Bay’s many venues.
The bustling hub of Cracker Bay will be its food and beverage destination, The Beaumont Street Bodega. Publicly accessible via walkways from Beaumont Street or up from the promenade, this area will comprise a sprawling dining room with elevated, covered outdoor tables on which people can enjoy the delicious offerings from vendors like a bakehouse and cafe, a casual pub and a garden bar kiosk. From its relaxed, local feel to its light-filled, connected spaces, to the way it promises to reimagine classic, waterfront venues with a more chic, elevated design, The Beaumont Street Bodega is destined to become a hive of hospitality and the perfect place to enjoy laid-back drinks or an easy meal with friends.
That said, for something slightly more sophisticated, Cracker Bay’s The Boathouse will be set just a short walk away from The Bodega area, and is promising a beautiful, on-water restaurant that we’re predicting will be hugely popular when it opens. Serving fresh seafood like oysters and sashimi in a striking dining room finished in reclaimed timber and crisp alabaster tones, The Boathouse will be a spectacular setting for sundowners, maximising the waterfront views and offering a uncomplicated, coastal charm that will make you feel as though you have left the city altogether.
Cracker Bay will also encompass a significant event venue, designed and purpose-built for weddings, private parties, fashion events, pop-up art exhibitions and more. Oozing simple but elegant sophistication with white-washed brickwork and maritime steel and timber, Cracker Bay’s event space will allow its striking setting to shine, where daytime affairs will be bathed in natural light and evening ones enhanced by views of the sunset over the sparkling Auckland harbour.
The pièce-de-résistance of Cracker Bay, however, is The Club, a private yacht club that will provide its members with an exclusive enclave in which to relax and unwind, right in the heart of this exciting new precinct. For residents of Northbrook, membership to The Club is automatic, which means that alongside the extensive facilities that are provided within Northbrook itself, The Club will become the perfect change of scenery, a space in which residents can truly soak in the beauty of their waterfront home.
Not only will members of The Club at Cracker Bay have access to a private garden, bar, swimming pool and sundeck right on the water (although slightly elevated to remain hidden from public view), they can also enjoy their own restaurant with outdoor dining, as well as a gym, spa, sauna, steam room and personal concierge service. It will be like a boutique resort, nestled in the midst of one of Auckland’s most stunning, sought-after and social settings.
A development that promises to unlock the value of our waterfront in a way that has never been done before, Cracker Bay is the perfect evolution of Winton’s groundbreaking and multifaceted vision. With Northbrook, for instance, Winton asked why life after retirement shouldn’t be grounded in luxurious, refined design, positioning retirement not as the end, but merely the beginning of something even more exciting and fulfilling than before. Cracker Bay is a huge part of this, and will be deeply connected to the later living offering to provide extra amenities and hospitality venues for residents, as well as a brand new marina to berth their yachts.
But beyond that, Cracker Bay will become a precinct that finally allows Aucklanders to make the most of the city we call home. A place where excellent hospitality meets a breathtaking, sun-soaked setting, Cracker Bay is exactly what the City of Sails has been missing and when it opens, will be the place to visit for delicious food, exquisite views and the kind of convivial, vibrant atmosphere that will elevate Auckland’s standing as a true world city.
Adding to an impressive laundry list of achievements — including the recent success of their first joint venture, Duo — hospitality maestros (and husband and wife) Sarah and Jordan Macdonald are bringing an impressive new eatery, Osteria Uno, to Birkenhead.
Those residing on the North Shore can now add this delightful Italian spot to their regular dining rotation, as Osteria Uno opens its doors on Birkenhead’s main strip this coming Thursday. Here, the focus is on elevated but approachable Italian, and diners can expect to be met with simple, seasonal fare where fresh, handcrafted pasta is the star of the show.
The pair’s take on a traditional Italian osteria is inspired, which isn’t altogether surprising given their past endeavours. Jordan is who we have to thank for CBD haunts Culprit, Lowbrow and Little Culprit, while Sarah can count Chef at Woodpecker Hill, Culprit and Fed Deli and Masterchef contestant as strings in her bow. The pair opened Duo in March last year and have since solidified the neighbourhood spot as one of the city’s best for elevated brunch and dinner in a relaxed setting.
Building on this, quite literally, the team have now taken over the space directly adjacent to Duo, transforming it into a modern Italian eatery. With a vision to create something paired-back but truly unique, Sarah and Jordan engaged Architect Kirsty Mitchell for the fit-out. Having already worked on Duo, Culprit and Lowbrow — she was the obvious choice. Her approach was simple: to marry the building’s existing heritage elements with contemporary touches and create something time-honoured, sophisticated and non-pretentious. She certainly met the brief. Mitchell opted to keep the somewhat scrappy original stained glass windows and brick tile walls (painstakingly stripped back over many attempts by Jordan), adding rich sanguine banquette seating, dark mahogany tables and a heavy marble bench to the space, resulting in a relaxed setting where you can easily imagine yourself spending a leisurely Saturday evening.
In Osteria Uno’s kitchen, distinguished Chef Gleber Chaparro (formerly Lilian, Amano, Depot and Sugar Club) is at the helm, having recently returned from a stint at Michelin-starred Disfrutar in Barcelona. Pasta making is an art Chaparro takes seriously (anyone who has visited Amano during his tenure will concur) and the quality here is unparalleled. Standout iterations include the casarecce with asparagus and cavalo nero pesto and the bucatini with mussels and fermented chilli butter. For those opting to skip the pasta in favour of a selection of smaller bites, there’s whipped fish roe with crisps, beef tartare pizza fritta with pecorino, or raw market fish crudo with Clevedon Buffalo curd and Sicilian olive. To finish on a high note, the macerated strawberries with buffalo yoghurt mousse is a must.
Italian varietals fill Osteria Uno’s wine list, with a few New Zealand and French additions, and the Italian-inspired cocktails are a delight — the limoncello pomelo spritz is the ultimate summer satiation. For beer lovers, you’ll find ice-cold Peroni on tap.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 4.30pm until late
Osteria Uno
40 Hinemoa Street
Birkenhead
Auckland 0626
For almost a decade, Rebe Burgess has been immersed in luxury fashion, both as the former head buyer at Muse and as the designer of her own, eponymous shoe and accessory label. Her collections for Rebe have always been timeless, elegant and highly sought-after, built on the idea of a wardrobe that lasts beyond a single season alone. For that reason, they have garnered a legion of fans, many of whom have recently been waiting to see what the designer will do next. Now, Burgess is taking a significant step in her brand’s evolution by extending her offering to include a full womenswear line — and we couldn’t be more excited to get our hands on a piece.
“In a way, Rebe is an extension of my own wardrobe, which is made up of pieces that are striking and sophisticated but that I can still wear every day,” Burgess tells me. “I want the Rebe woman to be able to build her wardrobe in a similar way so that it is considered and curatorial but distinctly tailored to her individual taste, and destined to last a long time.” Indeed, Burgess’ new ready-to-wear offers an extension of the ideas she has long perpetuated in her shoe and accessory lines.
Here, fine fabrics collide with effortless silhouettes and sophisticated but subtle details that speak to Rebe’s uniquely timeless approach. It is a uniform — the pieces cleverly designed in such a way that they could be styled to either melt into the background or boldly stand out, depending on who is wearing them.
“I want my customers to feel like they can dress with purpose,” says Burgess. “It’s about transcending trends and being able to tell their own stories through the clothes.” From tailored blazers and pants to essential t-shirts and singlets, slinky dresses, figure-hugging corsetry, bodysuits and casual separates, Rebe’s Resort ’24 collection is a sprawling debut that sees the designer make a strong statement without deviating from the aesthetic codes for which she has long been known.
Beyond its elegant design, Rebe’s new womenswear has been made with quality in mind, too. The collection features ethically sourced fabrics and fibres made to deliver longevity, such as pure wool and wool blends and premium leather, sourced exclusively from suppliers who adhere to strict standards of animal welfare and environmentally friendly practices. The clothes have been designed in New Zealand and brought to life by innovative makers in China, who use some of the most advanced technology in the world, are certified BSCI, WRAP and BVNA and are renowned for their unwavering commitment to ethical standards and supporting worker safety and labour rights.
Officially launching today on the Rebe website, and available locally at Muse, this collection is set to take a central place in the wardrobes of women seeking clothes that are wearable and long-lasting, but that will also make an impact. Set to be a popular debut for the designer, we look forward to watching how the Rebe ready-to-wear offering evolves in the coming seasons.
Shop the Collection: rebe.co.nz
Despite best intentions, it’s not every day that we have the time to enjoy a long, leisurely lunch. Fortunately, for occasions when quick and easy is the only option, some of our favourite spots in the city have tailored offerings for those in a time crunch. From express menus to lunch deals served in haste, we’ve rounded up where to find the very best quick yet satisfying midday fare that doesn’t compromise on taste.
This Ponsonby institution has long been a great choice for a casual but delicious workday lunch, and recently, the addition of a ‘Power Lunch’ (available on Thursdays & Fridays) has made weekday dining simpler than ever. Here, you’ll find an entree, main and a glass of house wine for $55, and the options are plentiful. As you’d expect, steak takes centre stage with four cuts to choose from, served alongside market fish, grilled chicken, or vegetarian gnocchi and cult-status sides such as the truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, duck fat roasted rosemary potatoes, an unforgettable signature creamed spinach, roasted beets with goats cheese and more. Bookings are encouraged — secure your spot here.
Intimate in its nature, at Faraday’s Bar, impeccable service is always guaranteed. The weekday menu is refined, making for a perfect, quick lunch sure to delight. Seasonally driven and always changing so as to incorporate the freshest ingredients, the menu delivers on all fronts — we are currently loving the grilled octopus with fennel, blood orange and ajo blanco, but must admit that the ‘Edddie Special’ — a tomato bouillabaisse brimming with market fish and shellfish is also utter perfection. If you’re feeling a tad fancy, add a bump of Sturia vintage caviar to finish on a high note. We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again, Faradays is one of the best places to dine in Auckland, as perfect for a quick weekday meal as it is for a drink with friends or a leisurely weekend lunch.
From Al Brown, this CBD stalwart is Auckland’s answer to the classic New York deli. Here, food is simple, flavourful and utterly indulgent, and guarantees to offer a satiating meal at every sitting. For those seeking a quick and altogether satisfying lunch, we suggest opting for one of the sandwiches or salads (the chicken salad sandwich with chicken skin crackling, iceberg and dipping gravy is a staple) although a side of Montreal poutine never goes amiss.
It’s a known fact that rain or shine, Ponsonby Central’s Blue Breeze Inn is always bursting with a lively atmosphere. The consistently good food — the pork bao is arguably the best in town — the inventive cocktails served in coconut shells and the presence of the always enigmatic Mark Wallbank, combine to make this spot a no-brainer for a quick lunch that packs a punch.
This Remuera favourite specialising in soul-warming Mediterranean fare offers one of the most delightful lunches on the block. From Wednesday until Sunday, you can make like the locals and devour some of Sìso’s most beloved dishes. Begin with the Big Glory Bay salmon, served with whipped pea and asparagus (topped with chicken skin crackling) before indulging in a divine take on chicken Milanese drizzled with anchovy butter and a side of fried golden potatoes with buttermilk and chilli dukkah. Of course, like all good lunches, Sìso’s should be paired with a glass of wine from their extensive list.
Here, in the heart of Downtown Auckland, this Britomart stalwart offers an Express Menu for those needing a good meal in the midst of a busy day. Choose from a considered list of Ebisu’s most beloved, contemporary Japanese dishes, including the chef’s selection of fresh market sashimi or an umami miso glazed eggplant to begin, one of three hero mains to follow (the teriyaki chicken with truffle oil is our preference), and a delightful fresh sorbet to finish. A consistently failsafe crowdpleaser, we can’t look past Ebisu for a fantastic lunch in the city — express or otherwise.
In celebration of Somm’s Guest in Residence series, the Princess Wharf newcomer has released a special set menu created with Te Kairanga winery in mind. The menu sees a glass of Te Kairanga’s exceptional sauvignon blanc or rosé paired with a seasonal dish of your choosing — each decidedly delicious. Embrace the warmer days and opt for the fresh market fish crudo with citrus, fennel and verjuice, or indulge in the Parisian gnocchi — a seasonal take featuring asparagus, fresh peas, mint and stracciatella. The Guest in Residence set menu is $40pp and is available for a limited time only. Book a spot here.
We’ve all spent an afternoon or two situated outside SPQR’s ivory-adored Ponsonby outpost, and now, the institution is adding to our list of reasons to visit with their tailored ‘Working Lunch’ offering. Running seven days a week from 12.30-2pm, the eatery offers either a two or three-course menu featuring a selection of the Italian favourites we all know and love. From a delectable eye fillet carpaccio to prawn and scallop spaghetti, to an elevated rendition of a classic Caesar salad, there’s no shortage of sensational fare to fill a lunch break — no matter how brief.
While often topping our list of leisurely long lunch spots, Andiamo is equally as equipped to turn out a fantastic, quick midday meal sure to satisfy. Luckily for Herne Bay locals, there’s still one more week remaining to make the most of the special set lunch menu running with Perrier-Jouët. Available Wednesday through Sunday, from 12pm until 3pm until the end of October, for $69 per person, guests will be greeted with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, and invited to indulge in a delicious, two-course feast including their choice of entrée and main. ‘Tis the season.
With its contemporary, Asian-fusion menu, Hello Beasty is the ideal spot for a light and delicious lunch. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot for a quick bite with a side of sunshine, best enjoyed in the eatery’s courtyard — the perfect vantage point to take in the sights of Viaduct Harbour. When it comes to the top dishes, anything goes, but for a quick and satisfying option, we’d suggest the katsu chicken sando, fantastic when paired with Hello Beasty’s very own KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) and a bokbunjaju bramble. Sensational.
If it’s speedy but satisfying fare you’re after, look no further than Britomart’s Bar Non Solo. This impeccable Italian spot offers up a lunch special Tuesday through Friday that’s hard to beat. For a modest $25, you can choose from a selection of Bar Non Solo’s delightful seasonal pizzas or handmade pasta dishes, paired with either an ice-cold Peroni, Aperol Spritz, a glass of Idle Hands wine or a signature mocktail. For us, Aperol is the obvious choice of libation (given the setting), perfect when paired with the wagyu and pork bolognese or a mushroom, truffle, gorgonzola and walnut pizza.
After a decade of taking the world’s most prestigious festivals by storm, the enigmatic Briefs boys are bringing a breathtaking ‘boy-lesque’ spectacle to the stage as they air out their ‘Dirty Laundry’ at Q Theatre.
For those who aren’t already in the know, Briefs is a cabaret extravaganza that has been captivating audiences around the globe for over a decade by defying convention and offering a range of daring, dazzling performance art. It is an outrageous blend of intoxicating physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths and mind-blowing showmanship — all set against a backdrop of shimmering glamour. Now, the boys are coming back to the Auckland stage at Q Theatre, where, from the 16th of November until the 9th of December, the indomitable Fez Faanana (also known as Shivannah) will lead his crew of marvellous misfits, including both classic Briefs boys and exciting newcomers. This sizzling show is more than just a party, it’s a celebration of creativity and of individuality and will make for an unforgettable night of entertainment.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the performance. For anyone looking to make the most of their evening out, Q Theatre offers a variety of options to make a good night truly spectacular. Whether you’re planning an intimate evening with friends or are looking for a larger group extravaganza, Q Theatre has you covered with food and drink options to set the scene perfectly.
So, gather your gang and immerse yourself in the glitz, glamour and sensational showmanship that awaits you at Briefs — Dirty Laundry. Secure your tickets now for what is set to be an unmissable cabaret experience and an unforgettable way to kick off the end-of-year madness.
Dates: 16 November – 9 December 2023
Purchase Tickets: qtheatre.co.nz
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Soul Bar & Bistro. Sure to be an instant sell-out, the final Soul Punch Sunday of the year is set to be full of festive cheer, sashaying us into the silly season in style. The lights will be twinkling, the bells will be jingling and Soul Bar & Bistro will be serving up a day of unmissable mingling as the viaduct stalwart is transformed into a grotto of fantastic festive fun.
Taking place on Sunday the 26th of November from 12pm until 6pm, Soul Punch’s Christmas-themed affair will certainly be a party to remember. Tickets are $125 per person and will include a flute of Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival, a delicious three-course set menu, cocktail tasters and, as always, an exceptional line-up of DJs. Rock around the Christmas tree to sets by Fabio Bataglia, Brotherhoodjz, DJ Venetia and surprise special guests, sure to get the party well and truly started.
Kick off the silly season in style with the ultimate Sunday session at Soul. Tickets for Soul Punch are available now — be sure to secure yours here before they’re gone.
Soul Bar & Bistro
Viaduct Harbour
Corner of Lower Hobson Street & Customs Street West
Auckland City
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